Steam pressure to Air pressure conversion

If one has a source of steam pressure, what are the better options for deriving cool air pressure from it? Reason, to drive pneumatic devices that cannot handle the heat of steam.

 

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Use a single shaft with steam motor on one end and air compressor on the other but more than 50% of the steam energy will be lost.

At end of WWII I bought cheaply a mil. surplus PE-103 unit, which had a single shaft. A 6V DC motor (car batteries were 6V back then) on one end and a 500V DC generator on the other end. It converted 6 to 500V with more than 80% efficiency. It was ideal for powering my amateur radio's 807 tube final stage transmitter.

 

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That's an idea worth looking at. I realize there would be losses but that may not matter. I know that a steam powered engine could be coupled with a compressor. Was wondering if there was already a device or designs for one that did that.

 

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I don't know if you're handy around the shop but if so, it would not be hard to fabricate one on your own. Use an automotive water pump (or even a turbocharger) configured to run as a turbine and connect it to a compressor. Rather than a direct drive shaft, I'd suggest pulleys and a belt so that you can get the ratio where it needs to be.

 

Two rotary pistons on the same shaft.
One works as a pneumatic motor and take energy from the steam and the other works as compressor.

 

Good suggestions. Thanks.

When you say 'rotary pistons' are you talking about like in a Wankel engine?

 

No,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrbDU_n1jqM
http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?t=101648
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXZuRB4P-x8&feature=related

 

Cool links, thanks!