Steam engine

**Historical Development**:
– Recorded rudimentary steam-powered engine by Hero of Alexandria in the 1st century AD
– Steam turbine device described by Taqi al-Din in 1551
– Jerónimo de Ayanz y Beaumont patented the first steam-powered water pump in 1606
– Denis Papin worked on the steam digester in 1679
– First use of a piston to raise weights by Denis Papin in 1690

**Early Experiments and Innovations**:
– Aeolipile described by Hero of Alexandria
– Steam turbine device described by Giovanni Branca in 1629
– Denis Papin used a piston to raise weights in 1690
– Thomas Savery developed the first commercial steam-powered water pump in 1698
– Thomas Newcomen invented the atmospheric engine around 1712

**Pumping and Piston Steam Engines**:
– Savery’s engine used condensing steam to create a vacuum for water lifting
– Bento de Moura Portugal improved Savery’s construction for self-operation
– Newcomen’s engine used a piston and was inefficient
– James Pickard patented the use of a flywheel and crankshaft in 1780
– James Watt developed an improved version of Newcomen’s engine with a separate condenser

**Advancements in Steam Engine Technology**:
– Corliss steam engine patented in 1849 enhanced efficiency
– Corliss engine used 30% less steam and had variable steam cutoff
– Richard Trevithick and Oliver Evans introduced high-pressure engines after Watts’ patent expired
– Compound engines became widespread in the late 19th century
– Steam turbines replaced reciprocating engines in electricity generating stations

**Applications and Evolution**:
– Progress in steam vehicle design in the 19th century
– Steam engines dominant until the early 20th century
– Steam engines replaced by steam turbines, electric motors, and internal combustion engines
– Various attempts to apply steam engines to road and railway use in the 18th century
– Most electric power in the US produced by steam turbines