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External combustion engine
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<p>An external combustion engine (EC engine) is a <a href="/facts/Reciprocating_engine/ItLAxmW3">reciprocating</a> <a href="/facts/Heat_engine/t1gq4r5d">heat engine</a> where a <a href="/facts/Working_fluid/GvHk1AMq">working fluid</a>, contained internally, is heated by combustion in an external source, through the <a href="/facts/Engine/p0m7aXaW">engine</a> wall or a <a href="/facts/Heat_exchanger/CUzlMnBG">heat exchanger</a>. The fluid then, by expanding and acting on the <a href="/facts/Mechanism_(engineering)/FnLwb2Iy">mechanism</a> of the engine, produces motion and usable <a href="/facts/Mechanical_work/mbclFPBs">work</a>. The fluid is then dumped (open cycle), or cooled, compressed and reused (closed cycle). In these types of engines, the combustion is primarily used as a heat source, and the engine can work equally well with other types of heat sources. </p>