The Steam Engine

The steam engine was one of the most important inventions used during the Industrial Revolution. It was used in steamboats, locomotives, factories, and more.

Thomas Savery created the very first steam engine in 1698. The engine was used to pump water from mines. His engine had a closed vessel, which was filled with water.  Steam would force the water upwards and the water would come out of the mine. It generated 1 hp (horsepower). The problem with his engine was that it was prone to boiler explosions and could not pump a lot.

In 1712, Thomas Newcomen created a safer steam engine. His engine used atmospheric pressure to work. The pressure controlled a piston, which would move up and down. The engine would then pump water out of a mine. His engines generated 5 hp. They were large and inefficient, but were easy to use and reliable.

In 1778, James Watt improved Newcomen’s steam engine and increased its efficiency by a factor of 5. His engine had a separate condenser connected to a cylinder. His engine generated 5-10 hp, and saved 75% of coal costs.

Image Credits:

• http://z.about.com/d/inventors/1/0/-/E/steamenginesavery.jpg
• http://z.about.com/d/inventors/1/5/Y/E/newcomensteamengine.jpg
• http://mises.org/images/WattSteamEngine1765.jpg