Hey I predicted this about 9 months ago with the spike in gas princes…Not really train related, but who knows one day…
RMX writes “BMW is unveiling its turbosteamer hybrid engine, which uses the excess heat in the exhaust system and reclaims 80% of it by powering a steam engine that assists the gas engine. Overall, this gives a 15% more efficient engine; and significant additional performance (power and torque) with practically no downside. “This project resolves the apparent contradiction between consumption and emission reductions on one hand, and performance and agility on the other,” commented Professor Burkhard Göschel. Are steam engines the future of environmental-friendly hybrid vehicles?”
By the name of it, I’m assuming this is a steam turbine type.
There have been lots of experiments with steam power since the fall from grace of steam locomotives. The best publicized was the ACE 3000 project. That sort of faded into the woodwork. [:(]