What was the estimated fuel consumption reduction achieved by Watt's separate condenser innovation alone?
Answer
As much as 75 percent compared to the Newcomen engine
The implementation of the separate condenser provided an immediate and dramatic improvement in the thermal efficiency of the steam engine. Because the main working cylinder could remain hot, the immense heat loss associated with the continuous cycle of heating and cooling in the Newcomen design was largely eliminated. Watt's initial calculations projected that this single architectural separation could reduce the amount of coal required for the same amount of work by as much as 75 percent. This massive reduction in operational cost fundamentally shifted the engine's economic viability, moving it out of areas reliant on extremely cheap, locally sourced coal toward broader industrial use.
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