Animation: Watt’s steam engine

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The following animation illustrates how a Watt steam engine works.

Legend

Identifier Component Description
1, 2 Alternating steam channels Directs steam alternately into the cylinder
A, B Slide valves Regulate steam supply
C Spray nozzle Atomizes cooling water in the condenser
D Water valve (condenser → vacuum pump) Controls water flow between condenser and pump
E Water valve (vacuum pump → reservoir) Regulates discharged water
F Feed pipe Delivers water to the boiler
G Cooling water suction pipe Draws water for condenser cooling
H Steam cylinder with steam jacket Main cylinder where the piston operates
uu Control box Regulates steam intake and exhaust
K Exhaust steam condenser Cools and condenses used steam
L Air pump (vacuum pump) Creates vacuum in the condenser
M Feed pump Supplies water to the boiler
N Governor drive shaft Connects the governor to the machine
O-x Crank Converts piston motion into rotation
P Cooling water inflow Supplies cooling water to the condenser
S Excenter Controls valve motion
R Governor drive Transmits motion to the governor
T Governor drive belt Drives the governor via pulley
U Flywheel Stores energy for smooth operation
W Throttle valve Regulates steam intake
Z Double-acting piston Driven by steam on both sides
a-b-c-d-e Beam Balances piston motion
d-d’ Cooling water pump linkage Operates the cooling water pump
e-x Connecting rod Transfers piston force to flywheel
f Piston rod Connects piston to beam
g-h-k, g’-h’-k’ Governor linkage Transfers motion to the governor
k-l-m-n-o-y Governor-throttle linkage Adjusts throttle valve via governor
i Governor weights Adjust rotational speed regulation

Requirements

PlatformPC/Mac or Tablet
Resolution (min)1280 x 720

Source

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