Internal combustion engine with an air separator and methods for realizing such an internal combustion engine

A multiple-cylinder, air compressing internal combustion motor vehicle engine, comprising:

• a charging unit for compression of intake air,
• a charged air cooler connected to the outlet of the charging unit for cooling of compressed intake air,
• an air separation unit for separation of the intake air compressed by the charging unit into an oxygen-rich permeate with an air composition that, in comparison to normal, is oxygen-enriched, and a nitrogen-rich retentate, and
• a purification unit arranged in an air flow downstream of the charged air cooler and immediately prior to the air separation unit so as to remove oil mist from the compressed air prior to supply of the compressed air to the air separation unit,
• wherein at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine can at least periodically be fed with the retentate provided by the air separation unit, and
• wherein the air separation unit is connected to the outlet of the charged air cooler.