What mechanical feature was introduced to keep the main cylinder walls consistently hot and reduce environmental heat loss?
Answer
A covering of hot steam known as the steam jacket
A major component in Watt's systematic approach to efficiency was ensuring that the working surfaces of the main cylinder did not fluctuate thermally between strokes. To combat heat loss from the cylinder walls to the surrounding environment, Watt implemented a steam jacket. This involved encasing the main working cylinder in an outer layer through which hot steam from the boiler was circulated. This continuous external heating kept the inner cylinder walls at a constant, high temperature, minimizing the chilling effect caused by the intake of steam and preserving the heat energy already supplied by the boiler, complementing the work done by the separate condenser.
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