AIR-STEAM ENGINE AND ITS USE

Abstract

The invention relates to an air-steam engine comprising one or more cylinders and a piston located therein, capable of reciprocating. The air-steam engine further includes an injection nozzle and a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber is arranged between the injection nozzle and the cylinder, and a fuel fluid can be introduced into the pre-chamber from the injection nozzle. Compressed air from the cylinder is drawn into the pre-chamber, forming an air-steam mixture within the pre-chamber, which can then be introduced into the cylinder. This enables the reciprocating movement of the cylinder. Furthermore, the cylinder is connected to a condenser via an exhaust valve, causing the air-steam mixture or the vapor from the air-steam mixture to condense and be present as condensate in the condenser.The condenser and the injector are connected via a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure tank, allowing the fuel fluid to flow from the condenser back to the injector via another high-pressure pump and tank. This closed-loop system in the air-steam engine results in efficient operation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an air-steam engine comprising one or more cylinders and a piston located therein, capable of reciprocating. The air-steam engine further includes an injection nozzle and a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber is arranged between the injection nozzle and the cylinder, and a fuel fluid can be introduced into the pre-chamber from the injection nozzle. Compressed air from the cylinder is drawn into the pre-chamber, forming an air-steam mixture within the pre-chamber, which can then be introduced into the cylinder. This enables the piston to reciprocate within the cylinder. Furthermore, the cylinder is connected to a condenser via an exhaust valve, causing the air-steam mixture or the vapor from the air-steam mixture to condense and be present as condensate in the condenser.The condenser and the injector are connected via a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure tank, allowing the fuel fluid to flow from the condenser back to the injector via another high-pressure pump and tank. This closed-loop system in the air-steam engine results in efficient operation. Background and state of the art

[0002] Humans have always strived to harness energy for a wide variety of applications, especially for transportation. The steam engine made a crucial contribution to this. Steam engines are machines that can power mechanical devices using steam. In fact, steam engines have been known since antiquity. Modern steam engines are heat engines in the form of reciprocating steam engines. The basic principle of modern steam engines has remained unchanged. Typically, steam flows from a boiler through a special control mechanism, a valve cylinder, into the working cylinder, which contains a piston. The high-pressure steam moves the piston. It performs a reciprocating motion, which is converted into a rotary motion via a connecting rod.

[0003] Today, steam engines are rarely used for transportation. They can still be found on historic railways (steam locomotives) and in museums. They have been gradually replaced by internal combustion and electric motors since the beginning of the 20th century. However, both internal combustion and electric motors have their disadvantages.

[0004] Internal combustion engines cause significant air pollution because exhaust fumes, especially climate-damaging ones, are released directly into the environment during operation. Further disadvantages include the high noise level and the fact that internal combustion engines, with their corresponding combustion engine drive systems, can only be used to a limited extent in enclosed spaces.

[0005] Electric motors also come with a number of disadvantages. Batteries that supply the electricity for the electric motor still have a low power and energy density. The range of vehicles powered by them is correspondingly short, thus limiting their usability. This can currently only be addressed by using very large and therefore heavy batteries. Another problem is the deterioration of battery performance at low temperatures. Batteries for electric motors can lose up to approximately 60% of their energy in sub-zero temperatures. Furthermore, the purchase price of a vehicle, such as a car, with an electric motor is approximately 40% to 50% higher than for a car with an internal combustion engine.

[0006] Various designs of a piston engine are also known in the prior art.

[0007] EP 3143258 B1 discloses a piston engine comprising a housing and a chamber. A piston, acting as a pivoting element, is arranged in the housing. The housing has a cooling opening in one wall leading to the chamber for convective cooling of a section of the piston. The cooling itself is effected by means of a cooling fluid.

[0008] EP 2603667 B1 also discloses a piston engine which is operated by means of double piston plates. The double piston plates are arranged parallel to each other and are driven via a crankshaft journal. The crankshaft journal engages in a guide groove on an end face of the respective double piston plate. Furthermore, the housing components within the housing and the double piston plate are rotated 180° relative to each other, and the intake and exhaust valves are formed in a rear housing wall.

[0009] The prior art also includes efforts to provide steam engines. Steam engines operate on a similar principle to steam engines. Unlike the classic steam engine, however, their components are integrated into a housing.

[0010] DE 689961 A discloses a steam engine in which steam generation takes place within the cylinder. In particular, evaporation fluid is injected directly into the cylinder or into a chamber connected to it under fine atomization during the operating cycle. The heat of vaporization can be supplied by heating the chamber and / or the fluid beforehand. In an initial state, the steam is assumed to be at the end of expansion, so that it is converted into a liquid state. The condensation of the water vapor occurs at the final pressure after or during the expansion of the cylinder. Heat of vaporization is then extracted from the steam, so that it is lower at higher pressures than at lower pressures. The high-temperature liquid flows from the condenser to the atomizing pump. In this way, further heat is supplied to it, which is taken from the exhaust gases of the heating devices located on the cylinder heads.A feed pump, positioned between the condenser and the atomizing pump, generates the pressure increase corresponding to the temperature rise. In the atomizing pump, the liquid is then brought to the desired atomizing pressure and fed to the atomizing nozzle. Along the way, sufficient heat is added to raise the liquid to the boiling point corresponding to the pressure. In this state, the liquid is atomized into the actual evaporator chamber of the cylinder. The chamber is heated externally to such an extent that the water instantly vaporizes and reaches the desired temperature. Subsequently, the vapor expands to the final pressure by moving the working piston, and the process repeats.

[0011] DE 828988 B discloses a steam engine in whose cylinder steam generation takes place. A water pump is used to supply injection water to the injection pump, which is actuated according to the engine speed. Furthermore, a blower is provided for combustion and ignition, operating independently of the main engine and its speed. The main engine, which contains a burner, is equipped with auxiliary injection nozzles to which injection water is supplied by a pilot pump driven by the auxiliary engine. The pilot pump can pressurize the entire injection line, thus enabling the injection pump of the main engine to act as a control element during start-up. The line between the pilot pump and the injection pump is drained into the condensate tank by a pressure relief valve adjustable to the desired pump pressure.

[0012] DE 590663 A deals with a steam engine in which steam is generated within a cylinder. DE 590663 A focuses in particular on the structural design of the heated evaporator chamber. The evaporator chamber is designed in a drip-like manner, so that the heating gases are first guided against the bottom of the pot or evaporator chamber. They then rise along the inside of the pot towards the water to be evaporated. For this purpose, the outer shell of the pot is made of an insulating material.

[0013] DE 617649 A describes a steam engine with a design for steam generation within the cylinder. An electrically heated device is located inside the working cylinder, into which water is injected from a nozzle and thus vaporized. The water injection nozzle opens into a central bore of the upper electrically heated disks. Between the heated disks are channels connected to each other by annular grooves, radiating from the central bore. These channels are connected to the expansion chamber of the cylinder via vertical bores in the lower heated disk, connecting to the channels forming the vaporization chamber.

[0014] DE 102013013807 A1 describes a vaporizing piston engine with one cylinder, one connecting rod, one crankshaft, and a steam generation device. An initial movement of the piston is caused by a starter motor. The piston moves from bottom to top. During this movement, water is directly supplied to the cylinder. This process occurs through the interaction of a water circulation system, a control unit, and a pump. Alternatively, distilled water can be used. The piston then moves upwards towards a heating plate. The pressure generated by the contact between the piston and the water with the heating plate causes the water to vaporize explosively, accompanied by a significant expansion of its volume. This explosive vaporization causes the piston to move back towards the crankshaft.The expansion of the water forces the piston towards the crankshaft, generating torque at the crankshaft via the crankshaft's movement. The valves of the vaporizing piston engine open when the piston reaches the transition point in the cylinder. As the piston moves back up, it pushes the vapor back towards the cylinder head, past the valves. The vapor is then returned to the water circuit. A control unit and a water spray device ensure that the water is pumped from the tank back into the cylinder, creating a closed water circuit.

[0015] Nowadays, there are only a few steam engine manufacturers left, for example Spilling Technologies GmbH in Hamburg, which produces stationary steam engines. IAV GmbH Ingenieurgesellschaft Auto und Verkehr attempted to build a steam-powered passenger car, the ZERO Emission drive, from around 1990, but this project failed around 2021 due to technical process issues.

[0016] An efficient steam engine suitable for mass production and which eliminates the disadvantages of the current state of the art is not currently known. Object of the invention

[0017] The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art of known engines. In particular, an air-steam engine should be provided that operates without or with minimal pollutant emissions, is cost-effective to manufacture and install, and is suitable for mass production. Furthermore, the air-steam engine should exhibit high efficiency and be suitable for use in vehicles and other applications. Summary of the invention

[0018] The object of the invention is solved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed by the dependent claims.

[0019] In a first aspect, the invention relates to an air-steam engine comprising a cylinder and a piston, wherein the piston can perform a stroke between a top dead center and a bottom dead center within the cylinder, characterized in that the air-steam engine has an injection nozzle and a pre-chamber (and / or piston chamber), wherein the pre-chamber (and / or piston chamber) is in a flow connection between the injection nozzle and the cylinder, and a fuel fluid can be introduced into the pre-chamber (and / or piston chamber) from the injection nozzle, and the fuel fluid can be converted into vapor in the pre-chamber (and / or piston chamber), and compressed air from the cylinder can be drawn into the pre-chamber, so that an air-steam mixture is formed within the pre-chamber and the air-steam mixture can be introduced into the cylinder.such that the piston's stroke movement can be effected within the cylinder, and the cylinder is connected to a condenser in a flow connection, and the cylinder and the condenser are connected to each other in a circuit via a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure tank, with the injection nozzle and the prechamber, wherein the air-vapor mixture or the vapor of the air-vapor mixture can be introduced from the cylinder into the condenser and is present in the condenser as condensate, and the condensate can be introduced into the injection nozzle via the high-pressure pump and the high-pressure tank, wherein a prechamber piston is present within the prechamber, wherein the prechamber piston is connected to the piston in the cylinder, so that a stroke movement can be executed by the prechamber piston within the prechamber, thereby generating a higher pressure and a higher temperature in the prechamber, wherein the condenser, the high-pressure pump,the high-pressure tank and the injection nozzle are data-connected to a control unit, the air-steam engine has a laser, the pre-chamber can be irradiated from the laser, and the control unit is data-connected to the laser, the air-steam engine being operable as a piston engine.

[0020] The air-steam engine according to the invention has proven to be particularly advantageous in many aspects.

[0021] Advantageously, the preferred air-steam engine is characterized by its emission-free operation. Typical gasoline and diesel engines of the prior art emit a significant amount of pollutants that are both dangerous to the health of humans and other living beings and contribute adversely to climate change. For example, gasoline and diesel engines emit unburned hydrocarbons, which are carcinogenic and contribute to smog. The preferred air-steam engine avoids this by not generating any pollutant emissions. The preferred air-steam engine is operated, for example, with water vapor as the fuel fluid. This makes a beneficial contribution to the climate, the environment, and the health of humans and other living beings.

[0022] Preferably, the fuel fluid is vaporized within the prechamber or can be introduced into the prechamber as vapor or gas and enters the cylinder as an air-vapor mixture, thus enabling the piston's stroke. Preferably, the cylinder is in flow connection with a condenser, so that the vapor of the air-vapor mixture or the vapor within the condenser exists as condensate and therefore as a liquid. From the condenser, the fuel fluid can preferably return to the injection nozzle via the high-pressure pump and the high-pressure tank, and thus be reintroduced into the prechamber in a closed loop.

[0023] Furthermore, the preferred air-steam engine offers enormous production efficiency for automotive manufacturers. They could continue building their existing engines as before, but thanks to the design of the preferred air-steam engine, it would be significantly cheaper than existing state-of-the-art engines. Approximately 85 million passenger cars are produced worldwide, of which around 500 million currently exist and can be easily retrofitted with the preferred air-steam engine. This would eliminate the need for existing engines, such as state-of-the-art electric and hydrogen engines. Consequently, substantial profit margins can be achieved, as the preferred air-steam engine is a product without competition.

[0024] The components of the preferred air-steam engine are well known and have proven to be inexpensive. Consequently, the preferred air-steam engine can be easily manufactured on a mass production basis, for example by automobile manufacturers.

[0025] Advantageously, the preferred air-steam engine has a flexible range of applications. It can be used in both dynamic and static applications. In the context of the invention, dynamic applications preferably refer to those in which movement is relevant, for example, the movement of a means of transport, such as an automobile. Static applications preferably refer to those in which movement is not necessary, for example, when the means of transport remains at rest or when the converted mechanical energy is required for a device or process that does not result in movement. Therefore, the preferred air-steam engine can advantageously be used for external energy generation in a variety of applications.

[0026] Terms such as "essentially", "approximately", "about", "about", etc. preferably describe a tolerance range of less than ± 40%, preferably less than ± 20%, particularly preferably less than ± 10%, even more preferably less than ± 5%, and particularly less than ± 1%. "Similar" preferably describes quantities that are approximately the same.

[0027] In the context of the invention, an air-steam engine is defined as an engine that requires air and steam for its operation. The steam is preferably supplied by introducing a fuel fluid into the pre-chamber via the injection nozzle, e.g., water and / or carbon dioxide, among other things. The preferred air-steam engine in the context of the invention preferably comprises a piston in the cylinder, an injection nozzle, a high-pressure pump, a high-pressure tank, and a condenser, which are preferably connected to each other in a closed loop.

[0028] The cylinder preferably refers to a component of the preferred air-steam engine. The cylinder comprises a casing, preferably cylindrical in shape, and a volume contained therein. Preferably, a piston is located inside the cylinder. The average person skilled in the art knows that the phrase "piston inside the cylinder" means that the piston is located within the volume of the cylinder. The cylinder has a top dead center and a bottom dead center. The top dead center and bottom dead center preferably refer to reference points of the cylinder in which the piston preferably no longer performs a stroke. Preferably, the piston is connected to a connecting rod. The connecting rod preferably forms a connection between the piston and a crankshaft or a crankpin, whereby the crankshaft or crankpin is used to translate the stroke of the piston, for example, to move a tire.At top dead center, the distance between the piston and the crankshaft or crankpin is preferably greatest. Conversely, at bottom dead center, the distance between the piston and the crankshaft or crankpin is preferably shortest.

[0029] Preferably, the cylinder has an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The outlet valve preferably controls the discharge of the air-steam mixture from the cylinder. It is therefore preferred that the steam from the air-steam mixture or the air-steam mixture itself passes from the cylinder into the condenser via the outlet valve.

[0030] The piston preferably refers to a movable component, wherein the volume of the air contained in the cylinder is changed by the movement of the piston within the cylinder. Preferably, a reciprocating movement of the piston within the cylinder is possible. The reciprocating movement of the piston preferably refers to a substantially vertical movement of the piston between top dead center and bottom dead center.

[0031] Preferably, the cylinder and prechamber are in a flow connection, with the prechamber preferably being arranged between the injection nozzle and the cylinder. The prechamber is a chamber comprising a casing and a cavity therein. Preferably, the prechamber has a smaller volume than the volume of the cylinder.

[0032] Preferably, the fuel fluid can be introduced into the pre-chamber from the injection nozzle, and preferably the temperature within the pre-chamber is such that the fuel fluid evaporates. Consequently, the fuel fluid preferably exists as vapor after being introduced into the pre-chamber, and preferably the vapor forms essentially immediately after the introduction (injection).

[0033] The compressed air preferably refers to the air that corresponds essentially to the total stroke volume and is introduced into the pre-chamber. Preferably, the compressed air in the pre-chamber also has an increased pressure and temperature.

[0034] Preferably, compressed air from the cylinder is drawn into the pre-chamber, so that an air-vapor mixture forms within the pre-chamber. Preferably, the fuel is introduced into the pre-chamber beforehand to provide the air-vapor mixture.

[0035] In preferred embodiments, the pre-chamber is designed as a swirl chamber. Advantageously, the swirl chamber results in particularly good mixing of the compressed air from the cylinder, which enters the swirl chamber, and the fuel fluid. Preferably, the swirl chamber is spherical or cylindrical in shape. Furthermore, it is preferred that the swirl chamber is connected to the cylinder via a tangentially opening channel. Preferably, the compressed air from the cylinder is forced into the swirl chamber and set into rotation due to the tangential opening of the channel. The fuel fluid is introduced into the swirl chamber from the injection nozzle in the direction of the air movement. The centrifugal effect creates an air-vapor mixture with a particularly suitable blend, so that the piston stroke can be effected with particular efficiency.In particular, the piston can be moved from top dead center back towards bottom dead center with an additionally increased pressure.

[0036] In preferred embodiments, the prechamber has an inlet and outlet valve, wherein the air-vapor mixture flows from the prechamber into the cylinder via the inlet and outlet valve. Preferably, the inlet and outlet valve is designed as a control valve. Advantageously, the flow rate of the air-vapor mixture from the prechamber into the cylinder can be continuously regulated by the inlet and outlet valve of the prechamber, particularly as a control valve. The inlet and outlet valve can preferably be adjusted mechanically or electrically.

[0037] Preferably, the fuel fluid can be introduced into the pre-chamber via an injection nozzle. The injection nozzle preferably refers to a device by which the fuel fluid is introduced into the pre-chamber. Known injection nozzles from the prior art can be used for this purpose, preferably one or more piezoelectric injection nozzles.

[0038] A piezo injector preferably refers to an injector that utilizes the piezoelectric effect to inject the fuel fluid into the prechamber. Preferably, a piezo injector comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements in the form of piezoelectric layers, which, by applying an electrical voltage, enable the injection of the fuel fluid into the prechamber.

[0039] It may also be preferable to install injectors that introduce the fuel fluid into the pre-chamber by means of a different operating mechanism than the piezoelectric effect, for example by magnetic, electromagnetic or mechanical means.

[0040] By introducing fuel fluid from the injector into the pre-chamber at sufficient pressure, the pressure within the pre-chamber increases, while the temperature within the pre-chamber decreases. This is primarily due to the evaporation of the fuel fluid within the pre-chamber. The resulting pressure increase allows the piston in the cylinder to exert a high stroke.

[0041] The water from the preheated high-pressure tank preferably enters the piezo injector at approximately 98°C and approximately 2600 bar. The fluid injected into the pre-chamber by the piezo injector has a temperature of preferably approximately 300-400°C, so that the finely atomized water immediately transforms into vapor through a sudden phase transition. The pre-chamber preferably already contains compressed air from the cylinder's compression stroke at approximately 900°C and a pressure of approximately 60 bar (diesel process). When the fluid from the piezo injector, now vapor, interacts with the compressed air from the cylinder, a reverse process immediately occurs in the pre-chamber; that is, the compressed air lowers its temperature from preferably approximately 900°C to 350°C, and the pressure increases from preferably approximately 60 bar to approximately 200 bar. This now highly pressurized air-steam mixture is controlled as it moves from the pre-chamber into the cylinder, expands there and performs work.The described energy recovery process can also preferably be carried out with other types of injection nozzles.

[0042] In further preferred embodiments, two or more injection nozzles are provided, which introduce fuel fluid into the pre-chamber. Advantageously, this results in a higher pressure gain due to the increased quantity of fuel fluid introduced into the pre-chamber, with a corresponding reduction in the temperature within the pre-chamber.

[0043] Preferably, the fuel fluid is introduced into the prechamber in a finely atomized phase, i.e., in the form of atomized particles. The fuel fluid particles are present as fine droplets. This advantageously results in particularly rapid evaporation of the fuel fluid, thus a faster generation of the air-vapor mixture within the prechamber and consequently a faster pressure increase within the prechamber.

[0044] In further preferred embodiments, the fuel fluid is introduced into the pre-chamber at an elevated temperature, for example in a temperature range between approximately 50°C and 150°C, preferably at approximately 100°C.

[0045] The fuel fluid preferably refers to a fluid that acts as a fuel to enable the use of the preferred air-steam engine. The fuel fluid is therefore preferably a fuel in fluidic form, i.e., it is present as a liquid, gas, or vapor. Preferably, the fuel fluid is water or water vapor. Preferably, the fuel fluid is present in the injection nozzle and is introduced into the pre-chamber for vaporization.

[0046] Preferably, an air-vapor mixture forms within the pre-chamber, comprising compressed air from the cylinder and the fuel fluid in vapor form. This mixture returns to the cylinder and is converted into the piston's stroke. A condenser is preferably in fluid connection with the cylinder. This allows the vapor from the air-vapor mixture, or the air-vapor mixture itself, to enter the condenser. Due to a corresponding reduction in temperature, the vapor or air-vapor mixture condenses, so that it exists within the condenser as condensate or as a liquid. Since the condenser is preferably also in fluid connection with the high-pressure pump, the high-pressure tank, and the injection nozzle, and thus the fuel fluid can be introduced into the injection nozzle as condensate, a closed loop is established.

[0047] In the context of the invention, the term "circulation" preferably means that the fuel fluid can be supplied to the injection nozzle essentially repeatedly. Thus, the fuel fluid exists as vapor within the pre-chamber and the cylinder, passes from the cylinder into the condenser where it exists as condensate, i.e., as a liquid, and can then be supplied to the injection nozzle.

[0048] Preferably, the high-pressure pump can transport the fuel fluid at high pressure within the air-steam engine, for example, into the high-pressure tank. The high-pressure tank preferably refers to a container capable of storing the fuel fluid at the correspondingly high pressure. During operation of the preferred engine, the fuel fluid can preferably be fed into the injection nozzle, for example, from the high-pressure tank.

[0049] Preferably, the fuel fluid can be introduced as condensate from the condenser into the high-pressure pump and subsequently into the high-pressure tank, preferably the fuel fluid can be introduced from the high-pressure tank into the injection nozzle.

[0050] The preferred components of the air-steam engine according to the invention are preferably in fluid connection with one another. In the context of the invention, fluid connection preferably means that a flow of fuel fluid is enabled. The fluid connection can be provided, for example, by a fluid line, such as a pipe or hose.

[0051] The preferred air-steam engine does not violate the first and / or second laws of thermodynamics, since substances and / or energy are supplied that enable the preferred air-steam engine to function. For example, a battery is required to enable the movement of the piston. Furthermore, an electric current is preferably required to ensure the functionality of components such as the injection nozzle, the intake and exhaust valves, a high-pressure pump, the heating of the pre-chamber, etc.

[0052] The preferred air-steam engine is based in particular on the well-known diesel cycle. A significant advantage of the preferred air-steam engine is that it enables (lightning-fast) steam generation in the pre-chamber within approximately milliseconds.

[0053] In the current state of the art, internal combustion piston engines exist as gasoline and diesel engines. Both types draw in air, compress this air, add fuel, and ignite the fuel, resulting in a pressure increase that leads to work through expansion.

[0054] The gasoline engine (gasoline engine) must ignite the fuel-air mixture externally (Otto cycle), while the diesel engine (diesel engine) operates with self-ignition (diesel cycle).

[0055] The new invention, the preferred air-steam engine, is not an internal combustion engine, but can use the same engines and operates according to a completely new working principle. Two-stroke and four-stroke engines, as well as all other internal combustion engines, can be used. The preferred air-steam engine combines the Otto and Diesel processes and operates according to a limit-pressure process, which has not been achieved in the prior art. The advantageous result is a significantly improved overall efficiency.

[0056] The preferred air-steam engine is capable of drawing air from the atmosphere, like gasoline and diesel engines, and compressing the intake air at a compression ratio of approximately 24:1 (10:1 for gasoline engines, 24:1 for diesel engines). Into this highly compressed air, generated in the diesel cycle at a pressure of approximately 60 bar and a temperature of approximately 900°C, the preferred air-steam engine injects a medium (the fuel fluid), such as distilled water, CO2, or other suitable media. Shortly before top dead center (TDC), finely atomized, high-pressure water (i.e., water at an increased pressure) is injected directly into the cylinder, for example, at a pressure of approximately 2600 bar (e.g., via a piezo injector), into a pre-chamber or swirl chamber.

[0057] The piston can preferably have a spherical chamber in its surface, into which the air-vapor mixture is injected directly and advantageously swirled very thoroughly. However, conventional pre-chambers and swirl chambers can also be used.

[0058] The fuel fluid, e.g., water, is compressed with a high-pressure pump, e.g., to approximately 2600 bar, and preheated in the high-pressure tank to a temperature of approximately 95–98°C. It is then injected with finely atomized water droplets, preferably directly into the cylinder, the piston chamber, or a separate pre-chamber or swirl chamber, using an injection nozzle. An immediate phase transition preferably occurs in the chambers, particularly from the water state to vapor formation.

[0059] The already highly compressed air in the cylinder at top dead center (TDC) preferably fills the chamber (e.g., at approximately 60 bar and approximately 900°C). Water is then injected, undergoing a lightning-fast phase transition and reversal process within milliseconds. An air-vapor mixture is formed immediately; that is, the air temperature in the pre-chamber decreases in a controlled manner, e.g., from approximately 900°C to approximately 300°C, and the pressure increases from approximately 60 bar to approximately 200 bar or higher. These changes preferably occur in ratios of approximately 3:1 and 1:3, respectively. The temperatures and pressure are controlled by the limiting pressure process.

[0060] The well-mixed, high-pressure air-vapor mixture preferably expands in the cylinder and performs work. Shortly before bottom dead center (BDC), the expanded air-vapor mixture is preferably routed via a conventional exhaust valve to a condenser, where the air is preferably separated from the water. The water is then preferably compressed to approximately 2600 bar by a high-pressure pump and stored in a preheated high-pressure tank (approximately 95–98°C). From here, the highly compressed fuel fluid (e.g., hot water) preferably enters the injection nozzle, and the work process is preferably integrated into the cycle as described above.

[0061] This means that, advantageously, there is no need to refill the water tank; rather, it is only necessary to top up the water in case of leaks in the system. The water supply preferably operates in a closed loop. The water is preferably distilled.

[0062] The unique physical effect of the air-steam engine is primarily achieved through the high compression (diesel principle) of the intake air, particularly at a compression ratio of approximately 24:1, preferably resulting in an intake air temperature of approximately 900°C and a pressure of approximately 60 bar. In this hot air, finely atomized, preheated (distilled) water is preferably injected into the pre-chamber via the injection nozzle (instead of fuel) at a pressure of preferably approximately 2600 bar. This water mixes intensively with the hot air, and through a physical reversal process, the temperature drops from approximately 900°C to approximately 300°C, and the pressure increases from approximately 60 bar to approximately 200 bar (without combustion). This now highly compressed air-steam mixture preferably expands in the cylinder and performs work there.All described functional effects occur within the framework of physical laws and advantageously result in an economical, ecological, and emission-free new engine drive concept, thereby solving some current problems in vehicle and engine technology.

[0063] The preferred air-steam engine generates energy preferably through an automatic reverse process of lowering the temperature of the intake air and increasing the pressure of the air-steam mixture. The resulting high-pressure air-steam mixture is preferably fed from the pre-chamber into the cylinder, expands, and performs work there. The same process preferably occurs with direct injection into the piston chamber.

[0064] This results in a simple, emission-free engine principle, very low general operating costs, extremely high power density, quiet operation, a work process in a closed-loop system, minimal maintenance, low permanent costs, and a favorable purchase price.

[0065] In contrast, state-of-the-art combustion engines have to mix expensive fuel with compressed air and ignite it to increase the pressure of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder, with all the well-known major environmental disadvantages of today's combustion technology, including significantly higher overall costs and the large known exhaust-related environmental damage.

[0066] The complete phase-out of today's disadvantageous combustion engine technology is already foreseeable due to competition from very expensive electric vehicles or other costly alternative drive systems such as hydrogen engines, hybrid drives, etc. However, the overall emissions from all alternative vehicles during the value chain are very high with these new drive systems. This is not generally communicated directly to society and consumers, because the majority of the emissions generated by the electricity used to power electric vehicles are currently shifted to large power plants, and the entire electric drive system of these vehicles, including batteries and control technology, is complex, very expensive, and costly. Battery explosions during stationary operation or in accidents are also known to occur in battery-powered vehicles.

[0067] The entire hydrogen production process for hydrogen engines is far more complex and dangerous, as it lacks the necessary, expensive, and problematic global infrastructure. It is known that costs in Germany alone amount to several hundred billion euros, a fact that is not directly communicated to the public. Furthermore, the high-pressure hydrogen, which is stored multiple times throughout the country, is highly explosive. The overall safety of this expensive hydrogen in the event of an accident remains highly questionable. In serious accidents, explosions and / or fires are difficult or impossible to prevent. Maintenance is also very complicated and costly.

[0068] Therefore, the preferred air-steam engine achieves a significant improvement over the already known state of the art.

[0069] The air-steam engine is characterized by the fact that the condenser, the high-pressure pump and the high-pressure tank are data-connected to a control unit.

[0070] It may be preferred that the control unit is data-connected to other components, wherein the other components are selected from a group comprising an inlet and outlet valve (control valve).

[0071] For the purposes of the invention, "data-connected" preferably means that an exchange of data between the control unit and one or more of these components is possible. Data here preferably refers to commands for executing functions and / or for setting the one or more components. The settings can, in particular, relate to settings of the fuel fluid flow parameters. For example, it may be preferred to regulate the flow rate of the fuel fluid from the condenser. Furthermore, it may be preferred, for example, to use the control unit to control the pressure of the high-pressure pump and / or to monitor the high-pressure tank.

[0072] A control unit preferably refers to a unit configured to read, receive, send, and / or evaluate data. Thus, the control unit is preferably a data processing unit. A control unit can preferably be selected from the group comprising an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor or processing unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, and / or another electronic, preferably programmable, circuit.

[0073] The control unit may preferably also include a storage unit and / or a communication unit. A storage unit allows for the backup and / or temporary storage of data. Non-limiting examples of storage devices, preferably semiconductor storage devices, are volatile memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory, and / or other storage technologies. For the purposes of the invention, a communication unit preferably refers to a device for transmitting, in particular for sending and / or receiving, data.Transmission preferably takes place via directed or non-directed electromagnetic waves, whereby the range of the frequency band used can vary from a few hertz (low frequency) to several hundred terahertz depending on the application and technology used, whereby, for example, the following data transmission methods can be used: Bluetooth, WLAN, ZigBee, NFC, Wibree or WiMAX in the radio frequency range as well as IrDA and optical directional radio (FSO) in the infrared or optical frequency range.

[0074] In further preferred embodiments, the control unit is provided as or in combination with a sensor. The sensor is preferably configured to measure parameters of one or more of the components comprising the capacitor, high-pressure pump and / or high-pressure tank, as well as one or more or all data relevant to the operation of the preferred air-steam engine.

[0075] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the air-steam engine has a pressure sensor and / or a temperature sensor, wherein preferably the pressure sensor and / or the temperature sensor is data-connected to a control unit.

[0076] The pressure sensor can be attached to preferred components of the air-steam engine. Similarly, the temperature sensor can be attached to preferred components of the air-steam engine. Advantageously, by attaching the pressure or temperature sensor, the pressure or temperature of the component to which the respective sensor is attached can be measured and thus reliably monitored.

[0077] In further preferred embodiments, the air-steam engine can have several pressure or temperature sensors, which are attached, for example, to different components in order to measure and / or monitor the multiple components.

[0078] In particularly preferred embodiments, one or more pressure and temperature sensors are combined. Furthermore, it is preferred that the pressure and temperature sensor is data-connected to the control unit, i.e., that it has a data link with the control unit. Advantageously, the control unit can operate components and / or regulate their operation based on the pressure and temperature readings from the sensors.

[0079] For example, it may be preferred that a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor are mounted on the prechamber. These are data-connected to a control unit. Preferably, further components of the air-steam engine, for example (but not limited to) an inlet and outlet valve, a laser, a prechamber piston, an injector nozzle and / or the high-pressure pump, can be operated taking into account the pressure and temperature values ​​within the prechamber.

[0080] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that a pre-chamber piston is present within the pre-chamber, wherein the pre-chamber piston is connected to the piston in the cylinder, so that a stroke movement within the pre-chamber can be performed by the pre-chamber piston.

[0081] The air-steam engine is characterized by the fact that a pre-chamber piston is located within the pre-chamber, wherein the pre-chamber piston is connected to the piston in the cylinder, so that a stroke movement can be performed by the pre-chamber piston within the pre-chamber, thereby generating a higher pressure in the pre-chamber.

[0082] The presence of a pre-chamber piston displaces additional volume of steam or air-steam mixture within the pre-chamber. Consequently, the pressure of the steam or air-steam mixture in the pre-chamber is also significantly increased. This increased pressure within the pre-chamber advantageously allows a more intense pressure of the air-steam mixture to be transferred into the cylinder, thereby also increasing the kinetic energy of the piston within the cylinder.

[0083] In the context of the invention, the pre-chamber piston preferably refers to a piston located within the pre-chamber. Preferably, the pre-chamber piston is connected to the piston within the cylinder, so that both pistons perform a stroke.

[0084] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the pre-chamber piston has a drive, preferably being mechanically or electromagnetically operable. Advantageously, the volume displacement of the steam or air-steam mixture in the pre-chamber can be adjusted particularly easily and precisely using a mechanical or electromagnetic drive. This results in variability with regard to the possible selection and adjustment of the pressure within the pre-chamber, so that a stroke movement of the piston can be performed particularly efficiently. This advantageously allows a variable, higher pressure in the pre-chamber to be controlled via the preferred control unit.

[0085] For the purposes of the invention, a mechanical drive preferably refers to a drive using mechanical means. Preferably, in a mechanical drive, torque transmission is achieved using transmission means such as couplings and / or belt drives. An electromagnetic drive preferably refers to a drive using electromagnetic means.

[0086] In preferred embodiments, the prechamber piston is combined with the prechamber's inlet and outlet valves. In particularly preferred embodiments, the inlet and outlet valves are combined with the prechamber piston and a drive for the prechamber piston, for example, a mechanical or electromagnetic drive. In further preferred embodiments, the drive enables the prechamber piston to perform a lateral movement. A lateral movement of the prechamber piston preferably refers to movement in lateral directions within the prechamber.

[0087] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the propellant fluid is selected from the group comprising water and / or carbon dioxide and / or other suitable fluids. Advantageously, water and / or carbon dioxide are available in virtually unlimited quantities in nature, thus conserving resources in contrast to prior art engines. Furthermore, water, in particular, is characterized by its climate-friendliness, so that the preferred air-steam engine makes a beneficial contribution to the climate and the environment. Advantageously, the emission of pollutants into the environment is avoided. In further preferred embodiments, distilled water may be used.

[0088] Water has also proven extremely useful for operating the preferred air-steam engine. Water possesses suitable thermodynamic properties, such as a suitable enthalpy of vaporization, to achieve a sufficient pressure increase and temperature reduction within the pre-chamber. Preferably, the water is distilled.

[0089] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the pre-chamber is operatively connected to a heating element, preferably a glow plug. In further preferred embodiments, additional heating systems and / or heating elements can also be operatively connected to the pre-chamber.

[0090] Advantageously, the installation of a heating element ensures that the preferred air-steam engine functions reliably even at low ambient temperatures. Another advantage is that the installation of a heating element leads to a particularly homogeneous heat distribution within the pre-chamber. This enables faster and spatially symmetrical vaporization of the propellant fluid within the pre-chamber.

[0091] A heating element preferably refers to a device through which heat can be transferred. "Efficiently connected" here preferably means that a connection exists between the heating element and the pre-chamber such that heat can be transferred from the heating element to the pre-chamber. It may therefore be preferred to place the heating element directly on, against, or within the pre-chamber. It may also be preferred to connect the heating element to the pre-chamber via heat conductors.

[0092] In preferred embodiments, the heating element is a glow plug. In the prior art, glow plugs have proven to be particularly useful and reliable for starting the engine at low temperatures and for operating quietly and with low emissions during the warm-up phase. Glow plugs are also advantageously well suited for use with the preferred air-steam engine.

[0093] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the high-pressure tank is operatively connected to a heating element. Advantageously, this also allows the high-pressure tank to be set to a temperature that is desired in order to ensure optimal pressure and / or temperature of the fuel fluid, particularly within the high-pressure tank.

[0094] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the air-steam engine includes a laser, wherein the prechamber can be irradiated from the laser, and preferably the prechamber includes a prechamber piston and / or a drive for the prechamber piston. Preferably, the laser beams are emitted inwards from the laser into the prechamber.

[0095] The laser placement has proven particularly advantageous in that the laser beams emitted by the laser enable exceptionally rapid vaporization of the injected fuel fluid within the prechamber, occurring in the millisecond range. Furthermore, the laser placement is particularly easy to implement. The laser can preferably emit pulsed or continuous laser beams.

[0096] The preferred laser can be used in preferred embodiments of the invention. It may be preferred to position the laser such that it irradiates the prechamber, the swirl chamber, and / or the piston chamber with laser beams. The laser can preferably irradiate the prechamber in the embodiment in which no prechamber piston is located within the prechamber. The laser can preferably irradiate the prechamber in the embodiment in which a prechamber piston is located within the prechamber. The laser can preferably irradiate the prechamber in the embodiment in which a prechamber piston with a drive mechanism is present.

[0097] For example, a laser is preferably used to irradiate the prechamber, enabling a particularly rapid phase transition of the propellant fluid within the prechamber. Preferably, the prechamber can have a drive for a prechamber piston, which, for example, performs a lateral movement. Furthermore, it is preferable for the prechamber to have an inlet and outlet valve as a control valve to regulate the flow rate of the air-vapor mixture from the prechamber into the cylinder. In particular, the advantages of the laser, the inlet and outlet valve (as a recirculation valve), and / or the drive of the prechamber piston can be combined to enable particularly efficient operation. The resulting efficiency is higher than would be expected from the effects of the individual components, thus achieving a synergistic effect.It may be preferable to install temperature and / or pressure sensors, which can be attached, for example, to the prechamber (but are not limited to it) and have a data connection to the control unit. This advantageously ensures a particularly reliable process flow of the preferred air-steam engine. In further preferred embodiments, the laser can also be used when the prechamber has an inlet and outlet valve (as a rain valve). In further preferred embodiments, the laser can be used when the prechamber does not have an inlet and outlet valve.

[0098] Instead of or in addition to a pre-chamber, it may also be preferable to provide a piston chamber. In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is therefore characterized in that it has a piston chamber.

[0099] In particular, the pre-chamber can be omitted if a piston chamber is used. Eliminating the pre-chamber allows steam formation and generation to be shifted to the piston chamber. The advantage of this design is direct steam generation within the cylinder. Furthermore, the cost savings from eliminating the intake and exhaust valves (which act as control valves), the drive mechanism for the pre-chamber piston, and the laser are significant benefits. This design allows for the simple and cost-effective retrofitting of all existing internal combustion engines.

[0100] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the fuel fluid can be introduced into the pre-chamber by the injection nozzle at a pressure between 2000 bar - 3000 bar, preferably between 2200 bar - 2800 bar, particularly preferably between 2400 bar - 2600 bar, and most preferably between 2500 bar - 2700 bar.

[0101] The aforementioned pressure values ​​proved advantageous in that they resulted in a sufficient pressure increase within the pre-chamber and were particularly easy to implement in the context of the invention.

[0102] The stated values ​​for the pressure of the compressed air have proven to be particularly advantageous for high energy conversion and continuous operation of the preferred engine.

[0103] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that it can be operated using a four-stroke mechanism or a two-stroke mechanism. In particular, the four-stroke mechanism and the two-stroke mechanism refer to the mechanisms known from the prior art.

[0104] Advantageously, conventional prior art engines, particularly those with an injection nozzle and a pre-chamber, are required to provide the preferred air-steam engine. In further preferred embodiments, the preferred air-steam engine can be operated as a piston engine, for example, as described in patent EP 2603667 B1 (or official application number: EP 3143258 B1).

[0105] In particularly preferred embodiments, the preferred air-steam engine can be operated using a four-stroke mechanism. The four-stroke mechanism preferably refers to a working process that can be carried out during operation of the preferred air-steam engine.

[0106] The four-stroke mechanism preferably has four working steps, which can also be referred to as strokes. The preferred four-stroke mechanism preferably comprises the following four strokes: • 1st stroke (intake): The piston moves from top dead center to bottom dead center, drawing in air from the atmosphere during this stroke. • 2nd stroke (compression): The piston moves from bottom dead center back to top dead center, compressing the air during this stroke, resulting in a pressure increase. For example, the pressure can reach approximately 60 bar and the temperature approximately 900°C. The compressed air enters the pre-chamber. Shortly before the piston reaches top dead center, the fuel fluid is preferably introduced into the pre-chamber, for example, at a pressure of approximately 2600 bar. The introduced fuel fluid is immediately vaporized upon entry into the pre-chamber, forming an air-vapor mixture. This increases the pressure, for example, to approximately 220 bar, while the temperature decreases, for example, to approximately 370°C. • 3rd stroke (power): The piston is at top dead center. The air-steam mixture is blown from the pre-chamber into the cylinder and expands in the cylinder, performing work until bottom dead center. • 4th stroke (exhaust): The piston moves from bottom dead center back to top dead center. During this movement, the air-vapor mixture is pushed into the condenser and expands. The air-vapor mixture condenses, with the vapor separating from the air-vapor mixture. The vapor remains in the condenser as condensate, while the air is released into the atmosphere. The condensate (the fuel fluid) returns to the system, for example, to the high-pressure pump, the high-pressure tank, and then back to the injector.

[0107] In particular, the four-stroke mechanism has proven advantageous according to the state of the art of reciprocating piston technology when using the preferred air-steam engine in means of transport.

[0108] Furthermore, the use of a preferred air-steam engine for energy conversion into mechanical energy, preferably into kinetic energy within a means of propulsion, is preferred. In particular, energy conversion in the context of the invention means that the thermal energy, which preferably arises in the pre-chamber, can be converted into kinetic energy, for example for a means of propulsion.

[0109] The conversion of energy into mechanical energy encompasses the ability of a component of the air-steam engine, preferably the piston, to perform mechanical work due to its position or movement. In particular, the piston's stroke within the cylinder moves a connecting rod, thus enabling the transfer of mechanical energy.

[0110] Preferably, the preferred air-steam engine converts energy into kinetic energy, which is particularly suitable for use in means of transport. A means of transport preferably refers to a device with which persons and / or goods can be moved, e.g., automobiles in the form of passenger cars, trucks, motorhomes, watercraft such as boats, ships, railways, trains, aircraft, and / or steam turbines, etc.

[0111] In further preferred embodiments, the preferred air-steam engine can also be used in all static applications where it makes sense, for example for energy supply in houses, apartments, etc.

[0112] Furthermore, the use of the air-steam engine for operating an air conditioning compressor is preferred. Advantageously, the preferred air-steam engine can be used as an air conditioning compressor according to the prior art, provided that the temperature, pressure and / or volume in the pre-chamber is appropriately controlled.

[0113] The aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail below using examples, without being limited to these examples. FIGURES Short description of the figures Fig. 1 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine - basic representation of the air-steam engine Fig. 2 Further schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine - representation of a unit comprising a piston and a pre-chamber piston Fig. 3 Further schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine comprising a drive for a pre-chamber piston in the pre-chamber Fig. 4 Further schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine comprising a laser at the prechamber with measuring sensors and a drive for the prechamber piston in the prechamber Fig. 5 Further schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine comprising a laser at the pre-chamber Fig. 6 Further schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine comprising a laser at the pre-chamber without inlet and outlet valves Fig. 7 Further schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine comprising a piston chamber in the piston without an inlet and outlet valve Detailed description of the figures

[0114] Fig. Figure 1 represents a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of an air-steam engine 1.

[0115] The air-steam engine comprises a cylinder 3 and a piston 5. The piston can perform a stroke between the bottom dead center and the top dead center of the cylinder 3. The stroke of the piston 5 and a connecting rod 25 is illustrated by the arrow symbol (pointing upwards and downwards). Furthermore, the air-steam engine 1 has an injector nozzle 7, which is designed as a piezo injector nozzle 7, and a prechamber 9. The prechamber 9 is located between the piezo injector nozzle 7 and the cylinder 3, with the two being in fluid communication. A fuel fluid can be introduced into the prechamber 9 from the piezo injector nozzle 7. The prechamber is at a temperature such that the fuel fluid evaporates in the prechamber and is thus present as vapor in the prechamber. Compressed air is drawn from the cylinder 3, i.e.,Compressed air is drawn into the prechamber 9, forming an air-vapor mixture within the prechamber 9. This air-vapor mixture can then be introduced into the cylinder 3, enabling the piston 5 to move within the cylinder 3. This movement can manifest, for example, as a downward motion from top dead center towards bottom dead center.

[0116] The cylinder comprises an inlet valve 21 and an outlet valve 23, the outlet valve 23 being connected to a condenser 11. The air-vapor mixture condenses, with the vapor in particular forming condensate in the condenser 11. The condensate can then be fed from the condenser 11 to a high-pressure pump 13, subsequently to a high-pressure tank 15, and then back to the injection nozzle 7. Thus, the injection nozzle 7, the pre-chamber 9, the cylinder 3, the condenser 11, the high-pressure pump 13, and the high-pressure tank 15 are all part of a closed loop and are fluidly connected to one another. Therefore, a closed loop can be operated by the air-steam engine 1.

[0117] The air-steam engine 1 advantageously emits no pollutants, thus representing a significant improvement over the prior art. The air-steam engine 1 can, for example, be operated with water or steam and other suitable fluids as fuel. Consequently, it makes a beneficial contribution to the climate and the environment.

[0118] Furthermore, the preferred air-steam engine 1 also offers automotive manufacturers enormous efficiency in terms of development and production. Existing engines can be supplied as before, but due to the design of the preferred air-steam engine 1, they are significantly less expensive than the previously known state-of-the-art engines. Approximately 85 million passenger cars are produced worldwide, of which there are currently around 500 million existing passenger cars that can be easily integrated with the preferred air-steam engine 1. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for existing engines, such as prior art electric and hydrogen engines. Therefore, large profit margins can be achieved, as the air-steam engine 1 is a product without competition.

[0119] The components of the preferred air-steam engine 1 are well known and have proven to be inexpensive. Therefore, the production of the preferred air-steam engine 1 as part of mass production is easily feasible, for example, by an automobile manufacturer. The air-steam engine 1 is also suitable for static applications and offers an efficient way to provide energy.

[0120] The prechamber 9 has an inlet and outlet valve 19. The air-vapor mixture from the prechamber 9 enters the cylinder 3 via the inlet and outlet valve 19. The inlet and outlet valve 19 is designed as a control valve. Advantageously, the flow rate of the air-vapor mixture from the prechamber 9 can be regulated by the inlet and outlet valve 19 of the prechamber 9, particularly as a control valve; in particular, stepless control is possible. The inlet and outlet valve 19 can be adjusted both mechanically and electrically.

[0121] The high-pressure pump 13 can transport the fuel fluid at high pressure within the air-steam engine 1, in particular into the high-pressure tank 15. From the high-pressure tank 15, the fuel fluid can be fed back into the injection nozzle 7.

[0122] It is further shown that the high-pressure tank 15, the high-pressure pump 11, and the condenser 11 are data-connected to a control unit 17. In further preferred embodiments of the air-steam engine 1, in which components such as an inlet and outlet valve 19, a drive 29 of the pre-chamber piston 27, a laser 31, a pressure sensor 33, and / or a temperature sensor 35 are present, these can also be connected to the control unit 17 (see further details in the figure descriptions). The data connection allows for the exchange of data between the control unit 17 and one or more of these components. Thus, commands for the execution of functions and / or for the adjustment of settings for one or more components can be adapted. The settings can, in particular, relate to the flow parameters of the propellant fluid.For example, it may be preferable to regulate the flow rate of the fuel fluid from the condenser 11. In embodiments where the flow rate is regulated, a flow meter can also be installed to measure the flow rate of the fuel fluid. The control unit 17 can also be used to control the pressure of the high-pressure pump 13 and / or monitor the high-pressure tank 15.

[0123] Fig. Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the preferred air-steam engine 1.

[0124] In addition to the components already described, Fig. In the pre-chamber 9, a pre-chamber piston 27 is located. The pre-chamber piston 27 is connected to the piston 5 of the cylinder, enabling a stroke movement of the pre-chamber piston 27 within the pre-chamber 9. The advantageous use of a pre-chamber piston 27 results in the displacement of additional volume of steam or air-steam mixture within the pre-chamber 9. Consequently, the pressure of the steam or air-steam mixture in the pre-chamber 9 is also increased. This increased pressure within the pre-chamber 9 allows a higher pressure of the air-steam mixture to be transferred to the cylinder 3, thus increasing the overall performance of the air-steam engine 1.

[0125] Fig. Figure 3 illustrates another embodiment of the preferred air-steam engine 1.

[0126] This essentially describes the embodiment consisting of Fig. Figure 2 shows the pre-chamber piston, however, it has a drive 29. The drive 29 can be mechanical or electromagnetic. The pre-chamber piston can perform a lateral movement. An inlet and outlet valve 19 can also be provided here, so that the air-vapor mixture can be metered even more precisely.

[0127] Advantageously, the drive 29 allows for particularly simple and precise adjustment of the volume displacement of the steam or air-steam mixture in the prechamber 9. This advantageously results in variability regarding the possible selection and adjustment of the pressure within the prechamber 9, enabling a particularly efficient stroke movement of the prechamber piston 27.

[0128] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows another embodiment of the preferred air-steam engine 1.

[0129] A pressure sensor 33 and a temperature sensor 35 are attached to the prechamber 9. The pressure sensor 33 and the temperature sensor 35 can have a data connection with the control unit 17, so that components (in combination or individually, or a selection of components) such as the laser 31, the inlet and outlet valve 19, the high-pressure pump 13 and / or the high-pressure tank 15 can be advantageously operated taking into account the pressure and temperature values ​​within the prechamber 9.

[0130] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the air-steam engine 1.

[0131] In the embodiment according to the Fig. In the air-steam engine 1, a laser 31 is also included, with the pre-chamber 9 being connected to the cylinder 3 via an inlet and outlet valve 19 (as a control valve). Advantageously, the effects of both the inlet and outlet valve 19 and the laser 31 can be utilized, resulting in a synergistic effect.

[0132] Fig. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the air-steam engine 1.

[0133] A laser 31 is also depicted, with the prechamber 9 existing as such and no further components being used. An extremely rapid phase transition of the propellant fluid is advantageously ensured in the prechamber 9.

[0134] Fig. Figure 7 represents another embodiment of the air-steam engine 1.

[0135] In this configuration, the air-steam engine 1 features a piston chamber 37 within the piston 5. The pre-chamber 9 is omitted, and steam formation and generation are relocated to the piston chamber 37. The advantage of this variant is direct steam generation within the cylinder and the cost savings of the intake and exhaust valves 19, the drive mechanism for the pre-chamber piston 27, the drive mechanism 29, and the laser 31. This variant would allow for the simple and cost-effective conversion of all existing internal combustion engines. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 air-steam engine 3 cylinders 5 pistons 7 Injector 9 Antechamber 11 Capacitor 13 High-pressure pump 15 high-pressure tank 17 Control unit 19 Inlet and outlet valve 21 Inlet valve 23 Exhaust valve 25 connecting rods 27 Pre-chamber pistons 29 Drive for pre-chamber piston 31 lasers 33 Pressure sensor 35 Temperature sensor 37 Piston chamber

Claims

[1] Air-steam engine (1) comprising a cylinder (3) and a piston (5), wherein the piston (5) is capable of performing a stroke between a top dead center and a bottom dead center within the cylinder (3), characterized by , that The air-steam engine (1) has an injector nozzle (7) and a pre-chamber (9) and / or piston chamber (37), wherein the pre-chamber (9) and / or piston chamber (37) is in a flow connection between the injector nozzle (7) and the cylinder (3), and a fuel fluid can be introduced into the pre-chamber (9) and / or piston chamber (37) from the injector nozzle (7), and the fuel fluid can be converted into a vapor in the pre-chamber (9) and / or piston chamber (37). and compressed air from the cylinder (3) can be received into the pre-chamber (9), so that an air-vapor mixture forms within the pre-chamber (9) and the air-vapor mixture can be introduced into the cylinder (3), so that the stroke movement of the piston (5) can be effected within the cylinder (3). and the cylinder (3) is connected to a condenser (11) in a flow connection and the cylinder (3) and the condenser (11) are connected to the injection nozzle (7) and the pre-chamber (9) in a circuit via a high-pressure pump (13) and a high-pressure tank (15), wherein the air-vapor mixture or the vapor of the air-vapor mixture can be introduced from the cylinder (3) into the condenser (11) and is present in the condenser (11) as condensate and the condensate can be introduced into the injection nozzle (7) via the high-pressure pump (13) and the high-pressure tank (15), wherein a prechamber piston (27) is located within the prechamber (9), wherein the prechamber piston (27) is connected to the piston (5) in the cylinder (3), so that a stroke movement can be performed by the prechamber piston (27) within the prechamber (9), thereby generating a higher pressure and a higher temperature in the prechamber (9), wherein the condenser (11), the high-pressure pump (13), the high-pressure tank (15) and the injector nozzle (7) are data-connected to a control unit (17), wherein the air-steam engine (1) has a laser (31), wherein the pre-chamber (9) can be irradiated from the laser (31) and the control unit is data-connected to the laser (31), wherein the air-steam engine (1) can be operated as a piston engine. [2] Air-steam engine (1) according to the previous claim characterized by, that the control unit (17) is data-connected to other components, wherein the other components are selected from a group comprising an inlet and outlet valve (19) and / or a drive (29) for the prechamber piston (27). [3] Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by , that the air-steam engine (1) has a pressure sensor (33) and / or a temperature sensor (35), wherein preferably the pressure sensor (33) and / or the temperature sensor (35) is data-connected to a control unit (17). [4] Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by that the pre-chamber piston (27) has a drive (29), wherein preferably the drive (29) is mechanically or electromagnetically operable. [5] Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized bythat the fuel fluid is selected from a group comprising water and / or carbon dioxide and / or other suitable fluids. [6] Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by , that the pre-chamber (9) is operatively connected to a heating element, preferably a glow plug. [7] Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by , that the high-pressure tank (15) is operatively connected to a heating element. [8] Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by , that the prechamber (9) has a drive (29) for the prechamber piston (27). [9] Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by , that the fuel fluid can be introduced into the pre-chamber (9) from the injection nozzle (7) at a pressure between 2000 bar - 3000 bar. [10] Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by , that the compressed air from the cylinder (3) into the pre-chamber (9) has a temperature between 500°C - 1000°C and / or a pressure between 20 bar - 80 bar. [11] Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by , that the air-steam engine (1) can be operated using a four-stroke mechanism using a two-stroke mechanism. [12] Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized by , that the air-steam engine is able to draw in air from the atmosphere and compress the drawn-in air at a compression ratio of approximately 24:1.

Images