Steam Engine

Where once the air pushed ships through the water, now fire does the job.

Steam engines are a relatively recent technological innovation, transforming steam pressure into rotational energy via moving pistons. Popularised in northern Thurásin by Dilash Ulhuzwi'yu, their designs have seen their most prominent use as the power sources of paddle steamers, with experiments underway to convert them to other purposes.

History

While rudimentary steam machines have undoubtedly been built throughout history, the engine used today derives from the workshop of Dilash Ulhuzwi'yu, a Biinamii shipwright and mechanic who began experimenting with non-magical methods of improved boat mobility. Initially applied to small fishing vessels, the potential for the device saw the design be scaled up for larger vessels, first in the packet Dhiqan, then the schooner Yuvqaru, and most recently the warship Gajaraqlin.  

Future

Unhuzwi'yu's engines have slowly gained attention among the north and eastern seas of Thurásin, and some have considered where else they might be used. A possibility would be to hire Ulhuzwi'yu onto the Amara Project, as a paddle steamer might have more ease retracing the path of the Dyiiladuun Fleet, particularly in the doldrums. Despite this "obvious" opportunity, no known connections have been made, possibly due to project lead Uwin Abiiban's desire to reduce cost.   Others have proposed non-nautical uses for the engines, such as using their propulsive properties for land-based vehicles, or to improve well pumps in dry regions like the Kixunyájel Desert. Some experiments have been made to these ends, but the current rarity of steam engines has made it difficult for other mechanics to study Ulhuzwi'yu's methods and adapt them.