Quote:
Originally Posted by GeoffC
wonder what the weight disadvantage to using steam would be - how many miles per gallon of water in the tank ?
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Gasoline is heavier than water, though I don't know by how much. But what is more significant is whether as much energy can be unleashed by turning water to steam, as by compressing and igniting gasoline. As Wodin has noted, I believe the specific energy from igniting gas is higher. So to go the same distance, you'd need more water than gas, probably removing any weight advantage.
Steam might not be the ideal fuel for an engine. But possibly using some other source of existing heat (such as tire and brake friction) to convert to electrical or compressive energy would be a better use of heat exchange. When added to the electric plant of an EV, it could provide additional power for acceleration, or help to power on-board devices.