Pneumatic hybrid i.c. engine having water injection

Abstract

An I.C. engine (and vehicles incorporating the same) connected with an air reservoir and having means of introducing water (or other evaporable fluid). The air reservoir can be used to store energy (in the form of compressed air) while braking the engine and/or allow compressed air to power the engine or to improve its performance. The evaporable fluid can be used: to increase engine efficiency, to increase power, for cooling, as a knock inhibitor, to allow an increased compression ratio, for NOx reduction, to effect other emissions, to aid in controlling HCCI, etc. The cooling effect of evaporable fluid is complementary to storing energy pneumatically since cooler air can be stored more efficiently. Other advantages are also discussed. This engine disclosure further contemplates means to recapture evaporable fluid for reuse (unburned hydrocarbons etc. may also be captured similarly).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.