Põletustehnoloogia

Põletustehnoloogia, translated as combustion technology, is the scientific and engineering discipline that studies the principles, mechanisms, and applications of burning processes. It combines elements of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, chemistry, and materials science to analyze how fuels are oxidized to release energy. The core of combustion technology is the reaction between a combustible material and an oxidizer, usually atmospheric oxygen, producing heat, light, and combustion products such as carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Key concepts include the stoichiometric fuel‑air ratio, which defines the proportion of fuel and oxygen needed for complete combustion, and the flame spread behavior, which describes how a flame propagates across a surface. Thermodynamic efficiency is evaluated through the ratio of useful energy output to the chemical energy of the fuel, while safety considerations focus on controlling ignition, preventing flashback, and managing exhaust emissions.

Historical development began in the 19th century with the invention of the steam engine and progressed with internal combustion engines, gas turbines, and industrial furnaces. Modern research addresses challenges such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving fuel flexibility, and achieving high-efficiency combustion in small-scale engines and large power plants. Advanced topics include lean-burn combustion, flameless or flameless-like technologies, and the use of alternative fuels like biofuels, hydrogen, and synthetics.

Applications of põletustehnoloogia span automotive engines, jet propulsion, maritime power, residential heating, and large-scale power generation. The field continues to evolve as energy demands shift toward sustainability, requiring new materials, control strategies, and combustion concepts.