NEW BRITISH ENGINE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 254, 22 July 1919, Page 4

NEW BRITISH ENGINE

ADVANTAGES OF BOTH STEAM AND PETIIOL.

A new British engine called the Still, stated to have tfie power elasticity of the steam engine with all the advantages of the (internal combustion engine and a higher fuel economy, was the subject of a paper by Captain P. E. I). Acland on "A' new prime mover of high efficiency and British origin" at Tne Royal Society of 'Arts. Searching test of it had been made by various Governments and scientists, said Captain Acland, and it was proved to use 25 per cent, less fuel per horse-power than any other engine yet constructed. The syb'-em had already been applied in practice to engines of small and large power using gas, petrol, or heavy oil. Engines were constructed giving up to 500 h.p. per cylinder during the war period; but up to now publication had been withheld for obvious reasons. Tho Still engine was based on extremely simple principle, The fuel was luirnj; within the main cylinder. Ilia heat *ost iii this process generated steam which performed the return stroke by being expanded in tho saino cylinder on the other side of the piston. ■in this way tho losses in both the combustion and steam strokes were reduced. ■ _ Both weight and space were diminished, and there seemed every reason to expect that the engine would shortly bo applied l'or marine work, gas engines, i,nd locomotives here and abroad. If it proved successful it would amount to nothing less than a revolution. Sir Charles A. Parsons, K.C.8., who presided, said, Mr. Still, a member of the association, had succeeded in secnrmg a reserve of power which rendered the internal combustion much moro suitable for use in ships.