High-speed steam engine
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High-speed steam engines were one of the final developments of the stationary steam engine. They ran at a high speed, of several hundred rpm, which was needed by tasks such as electricity generation.
Late Ashworth and Parker generating set, installed in 1988
Peter Brotherhood engine around 1900, supplied to the Royal Navy for on-board generation
Typical horizontal engine, showing the compact frame
Belliss & Morcom single cylinder engine
Willans engine
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The Willans engine or central valve engine was a high-speed stationary steam engine used mainly for electricity generation around the start of the 20th century.
High-speed steam engine
…High-speed engines did develop a reputation for profligacy. For larger engines the fuel cost savings were worthwhile and compound designs such as the Willans engine were used. They also used a wide range of valves. Examples with either slide or piston valves were common. Multi-cylinder single-acting engines typically…
Willans & Robinson engine, driving a dynamo generator
Vertical section
Sectioned cylinder, showing the central valve spindle
Unknown small central spindle engine, in an Indian museum