The Everlasting Steam Engine

The researcher who had asked the question was naturally overjoyed by Luo Chong's praise. The others, meanwhile, were utterly awed by how Luo Chong had instantly drawn inferences from the question and proposed several different power sources in succession, marveling at his wild imagination and powers of association.

No wonder Chieftain was so formidable. He could casually create so many practical wonders, and his imagination was simply unbeatable. They only knew that acetylene could be used for lighting and welding, never imagining that it could also serve as a power source. Even the idea of using it as fuel had been taught to them by Chieftain.

There was no need for further small talk. The special lecture on steam engines was the real business at hand.

"I explained earlier why we aren't choosing other fuels as power sources. It's because our current level of processing isn't high enough. A steam engine has a simple structure and a high tolerance for error. Even if our work isn't especially precise, we can still try to make one. Its operating cost is also the lowest.

"Whether it's acetylene, tung oil, alcohol, or gunpowder, none of them is especially suitable as fuel. Fuels that require fine processing are too expensive. Coal, on the other hand, is plentiful, and can be used as soon as it's mined. As long as we can use it to heat water, that's enough."

The researchers below nodded one after another, gaining a clear understanding of Luo Chong's ideas.

"Talking without practicing won't do. I previously had the Glass Workshop build a transparent steam-engine model like this, so everyone could understand its principles more directly. Now, who would like to come up and operate it for everyone?"

As soon as Luo Chong finished speaking, every hand below shot up. It