Välispõlemismootor

Välispõlemismootor refers to an external combustion engine where the working fluid is heated by a combustion process external to the engine itself. This is in contrast to internal combustion engines, where the fuel is burned directly within the engine cylinders. In an external combustion engine, heat from a fuel source, such as burning wood, coal, oil, or even solar energy, is transferred to a working fluid, typically a gas or liquid. This heated fluid then expands and drives mechanical components, such as pistons or turbines, to produce power.

The most well-known type of external combustion engine is the steam engine. In a steam engine, water is heated in a boiler to produce steam, which then expands and pushes a piston. Another example is the Stirling engine, which uses a working gas that is repeatedly heated and cooled in a closed cycle, causing it to expand and contract, thereby driving a piston.

The advantages of external combustion engines often include the ability to use a wide variety of fuel sources, including renewable and waste fuels. They can also operate more quietly and produce lower emissions of certain pollutants compared to their internal combustion counterparts, especially if the combustion process is carefully controlled. However, they often have lower power-to-weight ratios and slower response times than internal combustion engines, and can be less efficient in certain applications. Historically, external combustion engines were crucial in the Industrial Revolution, powering factories, trains, and ships, but have largely been replaced by internal combustion engines and electric motors for many modern applications.