Device for generating a water mist for combustion engines and fuel heating systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a simple rigid device for generating a water mist for connection to an air intake opening (12) on running internal combustion engines, wherein the device comprises at least a device (14) for generating the water mist and at least at the end of the device an outlet opening (5b) from which the water mist generated by the device (14) can be directed into an air intake opening air filter housing (12) of an internal combustion engine.The device according to the invention is characterized in that it is formed from at least two chambers (A, B), wherein the first chamber (A) is designed to hold the water and wherein the device (14) for generating the water mist is arranged on / in the first chamber (A), wherein the device (14) is formed from at least one air guide (5a) by means of which an airflow is accelerated and directed onto the water to form droplets, wherein the second chamber (B) comprises filter and / or water mist treatment components (8, 9, 10, 11) through / around which the water mist is passed, and wherein chamber (A) and chamber (B) are connected to each other by at least one water mist-carrying passage (7) or by at least one water mist-carrying line. It has also proven advantageous to introduce the controlled exhaust gases into the water reservoir (A) through a small pipe in order to generate a more concentrated water mist.This only happens when the engine is running, and when power and speed are required.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for generating a water mist for combustion engines and fuel-fired heating systems according to the preamble of claim 1. The present invention relates in particular to increasing the efficiency of combustion engines without electronic pressure pumps or environmentally harmful components, and without interfering with the engine electronics, wherein the device is preferably driven by running fuel-fired engines and their oxygen consumption. This simple device generates a water mist solely through the intake torque of a fuel-fired engine or heating system. State of the art

[0002] Water injection systems, such as those known from the prior art (e.g., EP2789839A2), have the disadvantage of requiring complex water metering tailored to the specific engine and special electronics and pressure pumps that directly interact with the engine management system. System or electronic malfunctions can lead to engine damage (hydrostatic lock). A qualified technician is essential, as the water quantity and pressure must be optimally adjusted. In the past, such malfunctions have resulted in potential engine damage.

[0003] GB 267 084 A and GB 593 030 A each disclose a device for generating a water mist for connection to an air intake opening of internal combustion engines. This device comprises a water mist generation unit formed by at least one air guide element, by means of which an airflow is accelerated and directed onto the water to form droplets; an outlet opening from which the generated water mist can be directed into an air intake opening of an internal combustion engine; and a first chamber for receiving the water and a second chamber for receiving the unit. In GB 267 084 A, the second chamber comprises filter and / or water mist conditioning components through / around which the water mist is passed, the two chambers being connected to each other by at least one water mist-carrying passage or by at least one water mist-carrying line.

[0004] Furthermore, US Patent 5,121,713 A discloses a device for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine that generates heated, moist air which is directed into the engine's intake manifold or carburetor. The device uses a water reservoir equipped with coils to circulate hot lubricant and coolant from the engine. For this purpose, the device has a chamber, which is a liquid reservoir made of a heat-resistant material, preferably stainless steel, and in which a heating element is additionally incorporated for heating or thawing the water supply in cold regions or during winter operation. Description of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages while simultaneously offering the advantages of water injection. Instead of injecting water into the respective engine using a complex electronic pressure system, the invention is intended to ensure that the advantages of a water-fuel mixture are retained without any modification to the engine electronics or pressure pumps.

[0006] A particular aspect of the present invention is the objective of creating a device for generating negative pressure water mist in a structurally very simple manner, using only air intake and with very low manufacturing costs, as a mass-produced product, with which distilled rainwater, river water or purified water (H2O) in combination with additional fresh air, which is passed through the device and depending on the intake negative pressure of the engine management, can be supplied to the combustion process of this combustion device.

[0007] According to the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with the characterizing features. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the device according to the invention are specified in the dependent claims. Brief description of the drawing

[0008] Further objectives, features, advantages and application possibilities of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing.

[0009] The drawings show Fig. 1 the device according to the invention in top view; Fig. 2 the device according to the invention in a further embodiment. Implementation of the invention

[0010] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the device according to the invention comprises at least a device 14 for generating a water mist and at least one outlet opening 5b, from which the water mist generated by the device 14 can be directed into an air intake opening 12 (air filter housing) of an internal combustion engine.

[0011] The device 1 is formed from at least two joined or separate chambers A and B, wherein the first chamber A is designed to hold the water and wherein the device 14 for generating the water mist is arranged on / in the first chamber A, wherein the device 14 is formed from at least one air guide 5a by means of which an airflow is accelerated and directed onto the water to form droplets, wherein the second chamber B comprises filter and / or water mist treatment components 8, 9, 10, 11 through which the water mist is passed, wherein chamber A and chamber B are preferably connected by at least one water mist-permeable passage 7 (in the case of the interconnected chambers A and B being arranged within a housing) or by at least one water mist-permeable conduit (e.g., a hose or a pipe) (in the case of separately arranged chambers A and B). Fig. 2) - are interconnected. Separate training of chambers A and B offers a very flexible application for limited space or requirements.

[0012] The device according to the invention is characterized in that one or more ceramic pipes 2, which are permeable to liquid, are received in the first chamber A, and the air guide element 5a in the first chamber A is sheathed with a copper spiral or copper wool.

[0013] A further advantage of the invention is its very simple connection to the respective combustion engine, making it possible to install without the need for skilled personnel. Overdosing of water is prevented by the intake effect of the running engine. Depending on the power requirement and engine speed, the required amount of water mist is drawn in by the engine itself. Nothing is forced upon the engine. The invention is attached, not installed. Attachment is carried out near the engine and intake system, in accordance with prior art.

[0014] Tests with the device have shown that fuel savings of 10% to over 20% are possible with gasoline or diesel engines; a similar effect is expected with gas engines. Emissions were reduced by over 40% in some cases using the device. Even greater savings were achieved with a mixture of 60% water and 40% ethanol, or 70% water and 30% methanol. The device is also made of a special material (preferably stainless steel) for this purpose.

[0015] The amount of water mist produced varies depending on the engine's speed and power requirements. The engine thus determines the amount of water mist solely through its intake force and strength, without any additional electronic intervention, pressure pumps, or similar components. Another possibility would be to introduce the regulated exhaust gases into chamber A via 5a through a narrow pipe, simultaneously creating additional turbulence and a larger amount of mist while the engine is running.

[0016] The present device has proven its efficiency through testing. Since many millions of combustion engines will remain in operation worldwide for decades to come, this simple device offers a good chance of reducing fuel consumption and its associated environmental benefits.

[0017] Compared to the state of the art, the device offers additional advantages through its compact design, simple self-assembly, and the absence of pressure pumps and electronic components, as well as integration into the engine management system: less fuel consumption, more power, fewer emissions, and the best materials, even according to the state of the art, built in Germany and Europe.

[0018] Well-known, electronically controlled water injection systems have the disadvantage of being technically complex, which understandably impacts manufacturing costs and thus negatively affects the end-user price. Their integration into the engine management system requires specialist personnel and precise adjustments.

[0019] The invention preferably proposes a simple oxidation device that enables the oxidizing agent (atmospheric oxygen) to be easily and optimally treated with an energy-efficient mechanical treatment of a water / air mixture, ensuring that the fuel-gas mixture, with water mist and atmospheric oxygen, can be adapted to various engine types using only one device. A mixture of water-methanol or ethanol can also be used to enhance the positive results, or for winter operation.

[0020] For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for treating and filtering a mixture that generates a water mist from water and a fragment of atmospheric oxygen, thereby increasing the energy density, cooling the intake air, and simultaneously improving combustion. This device is constructed from various materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and plastics, and incorporates internal elements for homogenization, purification, and activation of the mixture of copper, ceramic, stainless steel, and magnets. All components are housed in a single—preferably complete—container / housing, or chambers A and B are separated from each other, as described above.

[0021] This mixture of materials draws the water mist / water vapor through the strong suction of the engine's or heating system's air intake, thereby also filtering it. The size of the reactor chamber (B) and water reservoir (A) can be adapted to any size combustion engine.

[0022] The device preferably comprises two chambers A, B and hoses, in a first chamber in Fig. In a schematic embodiment, the system is surrounded by a complete container, with a first mixing chamber A and a reactor chamber B directly connected by a small opening 7 (passage) that connects both chambers A and B, thus advantageously forming a single unit. The complete container, consisting of the water reservoir and reactor chamber, is made of a material that is insensitive to environmental conditions and heat-resistant. It can be viewed as a single element in which the process of water mist generation and activation takes place, and which is then drawn directly into the intake duct with varying suction strength depending on the engine speed and power.

[0023] Chamber A also contains elements made of waterproof ceramic magnets, copper, and ceramic pipes, while reactor B also contains ceramic, preferably waterproof and repulsive magnets, a copper coil, and stainless steel / copper wool. These elements serve to further activate the water mist / vapor and to filter it before and within the intake duct.

[0024] Since some of the required atmospheric oxygen is needed for the combustion engine or fuel-fired heating system, the water mist acts as a form of air filtration; therefore, the inventive device could also be described as a "water air filter". Additionally, or separately, the regulated exhaust gases can be introduced into chamber A through a preferably narrow pipe (see 5a) to increase the amount of water mist when the engine or heating system is running. The warm exhaust gases thus also heat the water in chamber A, making it ideally suited for winter operation.

[0025] Advantageously, the device is not only designed for use with lime-free water (rainwater, river water, or distilled water), but also, for example, with a mixture of 60% water and 40% methanol or ethanol. The benefit for the respective combustion engine is further improved emissions, torque, and reduced fuel consumption. It is also a suitable antifreeze agent for winter operation.

[0026] A heating element (13) or a heating rod can be used to maintain the water temperature at 10-30 degrees Celsius during winter operation, or to defrost it when the vehicle is not in use. With outside air intake, the air inlet (5a) can also be positioned directly at the warm engine to supply warm air to the water reservoir A.

[0027] The capacity of the device 1 preferably ranges from 1 liter to 4 liters, depending on the engine size and power output. This quantity is generally sufficient for approximately 700 to 1000 km in vehicles.

[0028] Advantageously, if the device is to be mounted on an engine or vehicle, the connections should be fastened using suitable methods according to the state of the art. Implementation of the invention: Container Fig. 1

[0029] The water or fuel mixture is added to chamber (hereinafter referred to as water reservoir) A through opening 1. The intake effect of the combustion engine or fuel heating system draws air through inlet hose 5b, located in air intake duct 12 or before or after the turbocharger, through reactor B of connection 7, and thus into water reservoir A. Turbulence and air filtration occur, facilitated by an opening with filter 4-5a-6 for pressure equalization and suction, as well as by a Venturi valve.

[0030] Through the air guide 5a, the additional or separately regulated warm exhaust gases enter the chamber through a tube and cause an increased, additional generation of water mist.

[0031] This pressure equalization and Venturi suction effect creates strong turbulence in the water reservoir A, which transforms into filtered water mist and passes through opening 7 into reactor B and into the intake tract 12 of the engine or fuel heating system. Alternatively, the generated, filtered, and activated water mist is introduced directly into the intake air manifold before or after the engine air filter.

[0032] A device for treating a mixture of water or a mixture of water / methanol-ethanol and a portion of atmospheric oxygen is placed in a container Fig. 1. The water mist / water vapor is generated solely by the automatic air intake of an internal combustion engine. Additional filtration occurs through moist air in the intake duct. Overdosing of the water mist through intake is impossible, as the process only takes place when the engine is running, and the regulated exhaust gases are also integrated separately into chamber A.

[0033] The components comprising the water reserves and water management system include energizing ceramic water-conditioning elements in small quantities, as well as copper elements in the form of spirals or wool for purification. Waterproof, repulsive magnets are also incorporated to activate and homogenize the mixture. This device is characterized by the fact that it can be constructed from various heat-resistant materials and shapes. Additional heating via a heating element, heating rod 13, or similar device is provided for winter operation. Furthermore, the air intake 5a-6 can be relocated near the warm engine to heat or defrost the water. Another option is the introduction of warm, controlled exhaust gases as previously described.

[0034] The intake of atmospheric oxygen begins in Fig. 1 in chamber A with 4-5a-6, wherein 6 and 12 may preferably be designed as funnels.

[0035] Inside the water reservoir A are ceramic elements 2, waterproof repulsive magnets 14, and a copper coil 3. These serve as activators, filters, and energizing elements for the water. The passage from A to B is via a connection 7. The lower part of 7 is inclined, and it also contains waterproof repulsive magnets 14, as well as 4. Activation and additional filtration of the water mist takes place in the inner reactor according to... Fig. 1 and Chamber B.

[0036] Inside chamber B are elements made of ceramic pipes 9, copper spiral / wool 11, waterproof magnets 10 and stainless steel mesh 8 as a support element; these serve as activators, filters and energizing elements of the water mist, ensuring optimal homogenization of the mixture along its entire path between the inlet and outlet of the reactor.

[0037] Furthermore, the presence of a magnetic field, formed by the magnetic elements (waterproof ceramic magnetic elements) due to the difference in nature between the metal of reactor chamber B and the stainless steel mesh, can influence the orientation of the components of the mixture during passage and suction effect through reactor chamber B.

[0038] Such a device 1 is relatively easy to implement, and assembly is simple for any type of engine, especially when mounted on a vehicle, as no special modifications to the vehicle are required. Further use on other internal combustion engines is possible at any time with minimal effort, e.g., diesel generators, construction machinery, etc. It is also possible to flexibly connect chamber A and reactor B separately using a hose or pipe. Reactor B can also be designed as a spiral tube.

[0039] The present device could be manufactured with various container shapes, thus allowing for optimal adaptation to the respective engine and its environment. The necessary hose connections could be made of flexible, expandable, and heat-resistant materials such as silicone or stainless steel corrugated tubing. An additional sheathing of the required connecting hoses made of special plastics serves as heat protection, reinforcement, and protects the hoses from chafing or other damage.

[0040] As already mentioned, the amount of water mist produced varies solely depending on the engine's speed and power demand. The engine's heating system thus determines the amount of water mist without any additional electronic intervention, pressure pumps, or similar components, solely through its intake force and strength. The present device has proven its efficiency through testing. Since many millions of combustion engines worldwide will remain in operation for decades to come, these simple devices have a promising future, also from an environmental perspective. It is known that adding water (H₂O) in a metered, atomized, or vaporous state to the combustion process of a hydrocarbon-powered combustion device results in a more stoichiometrically balanced cooling effect during combustion in the combustion chamber.The following improvements were observed in gasoline-powered fuel engines equipped with this device according to the invention: 1) Reduction in gasoline consumption 2) Performance improvement 3) Reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions 4) Reduction of hydrocarbons (HC) 5) Reduction of carbon monoxide (CO) 6) Reduction of octane rating (OZ) requirements

[0041] The following improvements were observed in diesel-powered fuel engines equipped with the device according to the invention: 7) Reduction of soot particle emissions 8) Reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) 9) Reduction of diesel fuel consumption 10) Quieter engine operation, lower noise level

[0042] Compared to the state of the art, this device offers several advantages due to its compact design, simple self-assembly, and the absence of pressure pumps and electronic components, as well as its integration into the engine management system: reduced fuel consumption, increased power, lower emissions, and the use of superior materials, even by today's standards, while also preventing engine damage caused by water pressure injection.

[0043] The following insights were gained from draining the water from chamber (reservoir) A, which was dry: According to the latest findings, this also allows for the integration of ceramic magnets, ceramic pipes, and copper wool only into the air guide element 5a (in a larger form), which serves to optimize and activate the airflow. In some cases, the resulting water mist generation is no longer necessary, as recent findings and research results demonstrate. A simple system is preferably equipped with an air activation element (pipe, hose, etc.) with preferably only two connections. The intake air is passed only through this element, and the composition of ceramic and the other elements appears to filter the water, increase its moisture content, and dynamize the water molecules, possibly by affecting their internal structure.The additional option of integrating regulated exhaust gases is ensured by a further opening in the air guide element 5a within the container / pipe / hose. The air guide element 5a can also be designed as a separate chamber in various shapes (round, square, oblong, or triangular) and made of heat-resistant materials. In some cases, the air guide element 5a would be significantly easier to use and install, as demonstrated in testing; this is particularly advantageous in the passenger car and truck sector, since the conditions for air humidification and activation are ideal without the need to generate water mist while the engine is running. Preferably, only one container / hose / pipe with advantageously two connections is required, making it easy to install.

Claims

[1] Device for generating a water mist for connection to an air intake opening (12) on internal combustion engines, wherein the device comprises at least a device (14) for generating the water mist and at least one outlet opening (5b) from which the water mist generated by the device (14) can be directed into the air intake opening (12) of an internal combustion engine, where the device consists of at least two chambers (A, B), a) wherein the first chamber (A) is designed to hold water and the device (14) for generating the water mist is arranged on or in the first chamber (A), b) wherein the device (14) consists of at least one air guide element (5a) by means of which an airflow is accelerated and directed onto the water to form droplets, c) wherein the second chamber (B) comprises filter and / or water mist treatment components (8, 9, 10, 11) through / around which the water mist is passed, wherein chamber (A) and chamber (B) are connected to each other by at least one water mist-carrying passage (7) or by at least one water mist-carrying line, characterized by , that in the first chamber (A) one or more ceramic pipes (2) are included which are permeable to liquid, and the air guide element (5a) in the first chamber (A) is sheathed with a copper spiral or copper wool. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that several repulsive ceramic magnets (14) are included in the first chamber (A). [3] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the air guide element (5a) is designed as an independent chamber or hose or tube for optimizing the intake air flow and its activation, in which elements made of ceramic magnets, ceramic pipes and / or copper wool are provided.

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