Inventing the origin of industrial revolution

The first human steam engine invented by Thomas Newcomen helped Britain meet the energy needs of the first half of the 18th century, facilitating the outbreak of the first industrial revolution.

Newcomen steam machine model.Photo: inventors.about.com.

Thomas Newcomen was born on February 24, 1963 in Darthmouth, Devonshire County (England). At that time the tin mining industry flourished in Darthmouth. There is a document that said he was a blacksmith from an early age. Growing up Newcomen traded and built iron tools for the mining industry in Darthmouth.

Many mines at that time were dug so deep that the water frequently poured in, causing flooding. In order to continue exploiting coal, one must find measures to pump water out of the tunnel. That fact made Newcomen anxious. He wanted to build a machine capable of pumping water from low to high. In 1712, Newcomen successfully built what he called the "air machine", but it was often called a steam engine. Many scholars in the 18th and 19th centuries recorded that he spent 10-15 years studying it.

The picture shows the principle of operation of the Newcomen machine.The up and down motion of the piston is transmitted to the pump by means of a balance.Photos: Wikipedia.

The principle of operation of the Newcomen machine is very simple. The steam is fed into a cylinder, the piston force moves out. Cold water sprayed into the piston causes steam to condense and create a vacuum environment. The air pressure of the piston force returns to its original position. Then the steam is poured into the cylinder to continue the new cycle. The power generated from reciprocating motion of the piston is transmitted to the pump through a balanced blow. As a result, the pump can absorb water continuously.

Newcomen's machine is widely used in thousands of coal mines across the UK and saves many mine owners from bankruptcy. He held a monopoly position for three quarters of a century until John Smeaton and James Watt improved the steam engine

A Newcomen steam engine in the coal mine.Photo: csa.com

Newcomen died in London on August 5, 1729. Due to the construction of the first steam engine in human history, he was considered to be the foundation of the first industrial revolution. Newcomen's invention solved the energy crisis in the 18th century, because it allowed people to exploit deep coal mines that they had previously been unable to reach due to flooding. When the great demand for coal was met, British production flourished and created the industrial revolution. But there are many scientists who believe that the birth of the Newcomen steam engine marks the era in which people depend on fossil fuels.