Heat engine is a device which converts the chemical energy of fuel into heat energy and that heat energy is converted to mechanical energy. This energy conversion is associated with losses. The heat engines are classified as
External Combustion engine: The combustion of fuel takes place outside the engine. The fuel is burned and heat is transferred to water to generate steam and that steam is used to generate power. Thermal power plant is an example of an external combustion engine.
Internal Combustion engine: The combustion of fuel takes place inside the engine. Gasoline or Petrol engine is an example of an internal combustion engine. In petrol engine, the fuel is mixed with air and inducted into the combustion chamber where the mixture is burned to generate power. These gases are exhausted after use.
Heat engine, chemical, mechanical, energy, external, internal, combustion, engine, thermal power plant