An external combustion engine is unique from other EHEs because it requires a fuel to undergo combustion to create the heat that is used for work. External combustion engines are no longer used in transportation, as mobile designs are not efficient enough, but they continue to be used in power plants.

What are the advantages of external combustion engine?

External combustion engines are discussed as possible alternatives to the internal combustion engine for vehicle propulsion. Potential advantages are low levels of exhaust pollution, quiet operation, high starting torque, and possible lower costs during a vehicle lifetime.

What are external combustion engines used for?

An external combustion engine burns fuel externally, or outside the engine. An external combustion engine burns fuel to heat water and produce steam. The steam is under pressure and is used to push a piston back and forth inside a cylinder.