ulkopoltto

Ulkopoltto is a Finnish term used in technical and industrial contexts to describe combustion processes in which the burning of fuel occurs outside the main energy-conversion chamber of a system. In such setups the chemical energy released by combustion heats a separate medium—such as steam, hot air, or a heat-transfer fluid—which then drives the work-performing device or provides heat. This distinguishes ulkopoltto from internal combustion, where the fuel burns within the engine’s or apparatus’s primary chamber.

In practice, ulkopoltto is most often encountered in external combustion systems. Examples include steam-driven propulsion and power generation, where a dedicated furnace or boiler burns fuel to produce steam that powers a turbine, as well as various heating and power-generation installations that use a separate combustion unit to generate heat for a secondary medium. The approach allows the use of a wider range of fuels and can influence emissions, combustion control, and maintenance requirements.

Key considerations for ulkopoltto systems include the design of heat exchangers, material durability under high temperatures and corrosion-prone conditions, insulation, and safe handling of combustion gases. Efficiency and environmental performance depend on furnace design, fuel quality, and integration with the energy-using equipment.

The term reflects the broader engineering distinction between external (external combustion) and internal combustion approaches and is used in Finnish technical literature and industry discussions related to energy production and heating systems.