The British Steam Car Challenge |
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With growing public concern about the buildup of toxic and smog producing gasses produced by internal combustion engines, a trend is emerging toward more ecologically friendly technologies for such sectors as public and private transportation. A hydrocarbon fuelled internal combustion engine such as a petrol or diesel engine is inherently “dirty” by virtue of its operation. All hydrocarbon fuels produce carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and water vapor (H2O) as byproducts of combustion. The more complete the combustion process, the more C02 and the less CO. CO is poisonous to humans at certain concentrations and considered a major contributor to environmental pollution. In addition, the compression ratios typically encountered with internal combustion engines coupled with elevated temperatures caused by the combustion process means the production of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). These smog producing compounds are major contributors to pollution in heavily populated areas of the world. While hydrocarbon fuelled external combustion engines also produce CO2 and H2O, the process can be more tightly controlled and the production of CO can be drastically reduced. And, since external combustion engines can operate efficiently at much lower peak temperatures and pressures, the production of NOx compounds is virtually eliminated. With these issues in mind, the decision was made to create a vehicle that would set a new land speed record, incorporating new technologies to bring excitement to the arena of ecologically friendly technologies. In the process of setting the land speed record it is hoped that additional attention to green vehicle technologies will be generated. The British Steam Car Challenge was officially launched in June of 1999 at the Beaulieu Motor Museum with numerous distinguished guests in attendance including many of the current team members and founding sponsors. The project patron is Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, and the car is eventually to be retired on loan to the Motor Museum Trust at Beaulieu. It is hoped that the car will continue to benefit public awareness of ecologically friendly technologies and the efforts put forth by the team and its sponsors. The project was initiated by Mr. Bill Rich and taken up by Dr. Neil Richardson and Dr. Richard Bowen of the University of Southampton. Additional information about the ongoing involvement of Dr. Richardson can be found later in this document. This project couples the wealth of steam knowledge gained from Victorian times onward with some of the most advanced technologies known to man. It promises to be a stepping stone in the direction of the future of transportation technologies and will undoubtedly bring widespread visibility to “clean” technologies. |
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The £1 Appeal will close on 3Oth July
(c) 1999-2008, British Steam Car Challenge |
