Watt Patents the Improved Steam Engine
January 5, 1769 · Early Modern
On January 5, 1769, James Watt received Patent No. 913 for "A New Invented Method of Lessening the Consumption of Steam and Fuel in Fire Engines." Watt's separate condenser improved steam engine efficiency by preventing cylinder cooling and reheating with each stroke, addressing inefficiencies in Thomas Newcomen's earlier design. The innovation reduced fuel consumption by approximately two-thirds. Watt partnered with manufacturer Matthew Boulton to commercialize the invention, which provided power for factories, mills, and mines across Britain and later worldwide.
Key Figures
James WattMatthew BoultonJohn Roebuck
Locations
Great Britain
Topics
industrial revolutionsteam enginepatentenergy efficiency
Connected Events — 3 Connections
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James Watt 1769 patent specifically addressed inefficiencies in the Newcomen engine by introducing a separate condenser, reducing fuel consumption by approximately two-thirds Newcomen Atmospheric Engine Installed at Dudley
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