Steam Engine - Commercial Tier

Overview

The Commercial Steam Engine (TileEngineSteamLow) is the mid-tier steam-powered energy generator in Railcraft. It produces more power than the Hobby engine but requires an external boiler for steam supply.

Specifications

Parameter Value
Output (MJ) 4 MJ/tick
Capacity 20,000 MJ
Max Input 600 MJ/tick
Max Extract 80 MJ/tick
Steam/tick 20 mB/tick

Key Differences from Hobby

Feature Hobby Commercial
Output 2 MJ/t 4 MJ/t
Capacity 10,000 MJ 20,000 MJ
Built-in Boiler Yes No
External Steam No Yes
Steam/tick Variable 20 mB

Interface Implementation

Implements:

  • ISteamUser - Consumes steam from external boiler
  • ITileTank - Fluid tank access for steam

Steam Consumption

The commercial engine consumes:

  • 20 mB of steam per tick
  • Requires connection to a boiler system
  • Steam must be provided via fluid pipes

Energy Output

Energy is output via:

  • ISteamUser interface
  • Internal energy storage (20,000 MJ capacity)
  • Energy can be extracted at 80 MJ/tick max

Structure

Single block structure (not multi-block):

  • Engine block with integrated turbine
  • Steam input from any direction
  • Energy output connections

GUI

Accessed via EnumGui.ENGINE_STEAM:

  • Steam input rate display
  • Current output display
  • Energy storage level
  • Connection status

Piston Animation

The commercial engine features:

  • Animated piston movement
  • Higher animation speed than hobby
  • Visual steam consumption indicator

Steam Source Requirements

Must be connected to a boiler system:

Boiler Sizing

For optimal operation:

  • Minimum: 1×1×1 low pressure boiler
  • Recommended: 2×2×2 or larger for continuous operation

Comparison with Other Engines

Engine Output Boiler Complexity
Hobby 2 MJ/t Built-in Low
Commercial 4 MJ/t External Medium
Industrial 8 MJ/t External High

Power Generation Calculation

Power Output = 4 MJ/tick = 80 MJ/s = 8 RF/tick equivalent

Usage Tips

  1. Connect steam input from boiler via fluid pipes
  2. Connect energy output cables (BC/MJ or RF)
  3. Monitor steam supply for continuous operation
  4. Multiple engines can be connected to one large boiler

See Also