Air / steam engine and use thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to an air / steam engine which has one or more cylinders and a piston located therein, by which a stroke movement can be carried out. Furthermore, the air / steam engine comprises an injection nozzle and an antechamber. The antechamber is arranged between the injection nozzle and the cylinder, with a fuel fluid being able to be introduced into the antechamber from the injection nozzle. Compressed air can be received by the antechamber from the cylinder such that an air-steam mixture is formed within the antechamber, and this can be introduced into the cylinder. This makes it possible to bring about the stroke movement of the cylinder. Furthermore, the cylinder is connected via an outlet valve to a condenser such that the air / steam mixture or the steam of the air / steam mixture condenses and is present in the condenser as condensate. The condenser and the injection nozzle are fluidically connected to each other via a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure tank such that the fuel fluid can pass back out of the condenser via a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure tank into the injection nozzle. The air / steam engine therefore comprises a circuit, thus resulting in an efficient operating capability.

Description

[0001] AIR-STEAM ENGINE AND ITS USE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention relates to an air-steam engine having one or more cylinders and a piston located therein, each of which cylinders can perform a reciprocating movement. Furthermore, the air-steam engine comprises an injection nozzle and a prechamber. The prechamber is arranged between the injection nozzle and the cylinder, and a fuel fluid can be introduced into the prechamber from the injection nozzle. Compressed air from the cylinder can be absorbed by the prechamber, so that an air-steam mixture forms within the prechamber, which can be introduced into the cylinder. This causes the reciprocating movement of the piston in the cylinder. Furthermore, the cylinder is connected to a condenser via an exhaust valve, so that the air-steam mixture or the vapor of the air-steam mixture condenses and is present in the condenser as condensate.The condenser and the injector are fluidly connected to each other via a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure tank, allowing the fuel fluid from the condenser to flow back to the injector via a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure tank. Thus, the air-steam engine has a closed-loop system, resulting in efficient operation.

[0004] Background and state of the art

[0005] Humans have always strived to use energy for a wide variety of applications, especially for locomotion. The steam engine made a decisive contribution to this. Steam engines are machines that can drive mechanical devices using steam. Steam engines have actually been known since ancient times. Modern steam engines are heat engines in the form of piston steam engines. The basic principle of modern steam engines has not changed. Typically, steam flows from a boiler through a special control system in the form of a control cylinder into the working cylinder, which contains a working piston. The working piston is moved by the high-pressure steam. It performs a back and forth motion, which is converted into a rotary motion via a connecting rod.

[0006] 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 engines and electric motors since the beginning of the 20th century. However, both internal combustion engines and electric motors have disadvantages.

[0007] Internal combustion engines cause significant air pollution because exhaust gases, especially those harmful to the environment, are released directly into the environment during operation. Other disadvantages include the high noise level and the fact that internal combustion engines with corresponding internal combustion engine propulsion can only be used to a limited extent in enclosed spaces.

[0008] Electric motors also come with a number of disadvantages. The batteries that supply the power 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. Currently, this can only be addressed by using very large and therefore heavy batteries. Another problem is the deterioration of battery performance at low temperatures. For example, batteries for electric motors lose up to approximately 60% of their energy at sub-zero temperatures. Furthermore, the purchase price of a vehicle, such as a car, with an electric motor is approximately 40%-50% higher than for a vehicle with a combustion engine.

[0009] The state of the art also includes efforts to develop steam engines. Steam engines operate on a similar principle to steam engines. Unlike a classic steam engine, the components are integrated into a single housing.

[0010] Today, 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 passenger car steam engine, the ZERO Emission Drive, starting around 1990, but this project failed in around 2021 due to technical procedural issues.

[0011] An efficient steam engine that is suitable for mass production and eliminates the disadvantages of the state of the art is currently not known.

[0012] Object of the invention

[0013] The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art of known engines. In particular, the aim was to provide an air-steam engine that produces no or minimal pollutant emissions, is inexpensive to produce and install, and is suitable for mass production. Furthermore, the air-steam engine should be highly efficient and be suitable for use in vehicles and other applications.

[0014] Summary of the invention

[0015] The object of the invention is achieved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed by the dependent claims.

[0016] In a first aspect, the invention relates to an air-steam engine comprising a cylinder and a piston, wherein the piston can perform a reciprocating movement 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 flow communication 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 absorbed into the pre-chamber, so that an air-steam mixture forms within the pre-chamber and the air-steam mixture can be introduced into the cylinder,so that the reciprocating movement of the piston can be effected within the cylinder and the cylinder is in flow connection with a condenser 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 pre-chamber, wherein the air-vapor mixture or the vapor of the air-vapor mixture from the cylinder can be introduced 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.

[0017] The air-steam engine according to the invention has proven to be particularly advantageous in many aspects.

[0018] The preferred air-steam engine is advantageously characterized by its lack of pollutants. Typical state-of-the-art gasoline and diesel engines emit significant amounts of pollutants that are both hazardous to the health of humans and other living beings and also contribute adversely to climate change. For example, gasoline and diesel engines emit unburned hydrocarbons, which are carcinogenic and contribute to the well-known smog. The preferred air-steam engine circumvents this by not generating any pollutant fumes. The preferred air-steam engine, for example, is powered by steam as a fuel fluid. This makes a beneficial contribution to the climate, the environment, and the health of humans and other living beings.

[0019] The fuel fluid is preferably vaporized within the pre-chamber or can be introduced into the pre-chamber as vapor or gas, and enters the cylinder as an air-vapor mixture, thus enabling the piston's reciprocating motion. Preferably, the cylinder is fluidly connected to a condenser, so that the vapor of the air-vapor mixture or the vapor within the condenser is present as a condensate and thus as a liquid. From the condenser, the fuel fluid can preferably flow back to the injection nozzle via the high-pressure pump and the high-pressure tank, where it can be recirculated into the pre-chamber.

[0020] Furthermore, the preferred air-steam engine also offers enormous production efficiency for automobile manufacturers. This would allow automobile manufacturers to continue building their existing engines as before, but thanks to the design of the preferred air-steam engine, they would be significantly more cost-effective than the existing state-of-the-art engines. Approximately 85 million passenger cars are produced worldwide, of which approximately 500 million existing passenger cars can currently be easily retrofitted with the preferred air-steam engine. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for familiar engines, such as state-of-the-art electric and hydrogen engines. This allows for large profit margins, as the preferred air-steam engine is an unrivaled product.

[0021] The components of the preferred air-steam engine are well known and have proven to be inexpensive. Consequently, the production of the preferred air-steam engine itself is also easily feasible in mass production, for example, by automobile manufacturers.

[0022] Advantageously, the preferred air-steam engine has a flexible range of applications. Thus, the preferred air-steam engine can be used in both dynamic and static applications. In the context of the invention, dynamic applications preferably refer to those applications in which movement is relevant, for example, the movement of a means of transport, such as an automobile. Static applications preferably refer to those applications in which movement is not necessary, for example, when the means of transport remains at rest or the converted mechanical energy is required for a device or method that does not result in movement. Thus, the preferred air-steam engine can advantageously be used anywhere for external energy generation.

[0023] Terms such as substantially, approximately, about, approximately, 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 especially less than ± 1%. "Similar" preferably describes quantities that are approximately equal.

[0024] An air-steam engine, as defined by the invention, refers to an engine that requires air and steam for its operation. The steam is preferably provided by introducing a fuel fluid into the pre-chamber via the injection nozzle, e.g., water and / or carbon dioxide, among others. The preferred air-steam engine, as defined by 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 fluidly connected to one another in a circuit.

[0025] The cylinder preferably refers to a component of the preferred air-steam engine. The cylinder comprises a casing, which preferably has a cylindrical shape and a volume located therein. A piston is preferably located within the cylinder. The average person skilled in the art knows that the phrase “piston within the cylinder” means that the piston is mounted within the volume of the cylinder. The cylinder has a top dead center and a bottom dead center. Top dead center and bottom dead center preferably refer to reference regions of the cylinder in which the piston preferably no longer performs a reciprocating movement. The piston is preferably connected to a connecting rod. The connecting rod preferably forms a connection between the piston and a crankshaft or a crank pin, wherein the reciprocating movement of the piston is translated with the aid of the crankshaft or the crank pin, for example for the movement of a tire.Top dead center is preferably the greatest distance between the piston and the crankshaft or crankpin. Similarly, bottom dead center is preferably the least contact between the piston and the crankshaft or crankpin.

[0026] The cylinder preferably has an inlet valve and an outlet valve. The outlet valve can preferably be used to control the outlet of the air-steam mixture from the cylinder. Thus, it is preferred that the steam of the air-steam mixture or the air-steam mixture from the cylinder enter the condenser via the outlet valve.

[0027] The piston preferably refers to a movable component, wherein the volume of air contained therein is changed by the movement of the piston within the cylinder. A reciprocating movement of the piston can preferably be carried out within the cylinder. The reciprocating movement of the piston preferably refers to a substantially vertical movement of the piston between top dead center and bottom dead center. The cylinder is preferably in flow communication with the pre-chamber, wherein the pre-chamber is preferably arranged between the injection nozzle and the cylinder. The pre-chamber refers to a chamber which comprises a casing and a cavity located therein. The pre-chamber preferably has a smaller volume than the volume of the cylinder.

[0028] Preferably, the fuel fluid can be introduced into the prechamber from the injection nozzle, with the temperature within the prechamber preferably being such that the fuel fluid evaporates. Accordingly, the fuel fluid is preferably present as vapor after being introduced into the prechamber, with the vapor preferably forming substantially immediately after the introduction (injection).

[0029] The compressed air preferably refers to the air that essentially corresponds to the entire displacement volume and is introduced into the prechamber. Preferably, the compressed air in the prechamber also has an elevated pressure and an elevated temperature.

[0030] Preferably, compressed air from the cylinder can be absorbed into the prechamber, forming an air-vapor mixture within the prechamber. Preferably, the fuel is introduced into the prechamber beforehand to provide the air-vapor mixture.

[0031] In preferred embodiments, the pre-chamber is 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. The swirl chamber is preferably 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 pressed into the swirl chamber and set in 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 particularly suitable mixing, so that the reciprocating movement of the piston can be achieved particularly effectively.In particular, the piston can be moved from the top dead center back towards the bottom dead center with an additional increased pressure.

[0032] In preferred embodiments, the prechamber has an inlet and outlet valve, with the air-steam mixture flowing from the prechamber into the cylinder via the inlet and outlet valve. The inlet and outlet valve is preferably designed as a control valve. Advantageously, the flow rate of the air-steam mixture from the prechamber into the cylinder can be continuously regulated by the inlet and outlet valve of the prechamber, in particular as a control valve. The inlet and outlet valve can preferably be adjusted mechanically or electrically.

[0033] Preferably, the fuel fluid can be introduced into the prechamber from the injection nozzle. The injection nozzle preferably refers to a device with which the fuel fluid is introduced into the prechamber. Known injection nozzles from the prior art can be used for this purpose, preferably one or more piezo injection nozzles.

[0034] A piezo injector preferably refers to an injector that utilizes the piezoelectric effect to inject the fuel fluid into the pre-chamber. A piezo injector preferably comprises a plurality of piezo elements in the form of piezo layers, which enable the injection of the fuel fluid into the pre-chamber by providing an electrical voltage.

[0035] It may also be preferable to install injectors that introduce the fuel fluid into the pre-chamber by a mechanism other than the piezoelectric effect, for example by magnetic, electromagnetic or mechanical causes.

[0036] By introducing the fuel fluid from the injector into the pre-chamber at sufficient pressure, the pressure within the pre-chamber increases, but the temperature inside the pre-chamber decreases. This is primarily due to the evaporation of the fuel fluid within the pre-chamber. Due to the increase in pressure, the cylinder's piston can initiate a reciprocating movement at particularly high pressure.

[0037] The water from the preheated high-pressure tank preferably reaches the piezo injection nozzle at around 98°C and around 2600 bar. The fluid injected into the pre-chamber by the piezo injection nozzle has a temperature of preferably around 300-400°C, so that the finely atomized water immediately transforms into steam through a sudden phase transition. The pre-chamber preferably already contains compressed air from the cylinder's compression stroke at around 900°C and a pressure of around 60 bar (diesel process). When the fluid from the piezo injection nozzle collides as steam with the compressed air from the cylinder, a reverse process immediately occurs in the pre-chamber, i.e. the compressed air lowers the temperature from preferably around 900°C to 350°C and the pressure increases from preferably around 60 bar to around 200 bar. This now highly pressurized air-water vapor mixture is controlled by the pre-chamber and enters the cylinder, where it expands and performs work.The described energy recovery process can also preferably be carried out with other types of injection nozzles.

[0038] In further preferred embodiments, two or more injection nozzles are provided that introduce fuel fluid into the prechamber. This advantageously results in a higher pressure gain due to the increased amount of fuel fluid introduced into the prechamber, with a corresponding reduction in the temperature within the prechamber.

[0039] Preferably, the propellant fluid is introduced into the prechamber in a finely atomized phase, i.e., in the form of atomized particles. The propellant fluid particles are present as fine droplets. This advantageously results in particularly rapid evaporation of the propellant fluid, thus resulting in a faster generation of the air-vapor mixture within the prechamber and thus also a faster pressure increase within the prechamber.

[0040] In further preferred embodiments, the fuel fluid will be introduced into the prechamber at an elevated temperature, for example in a temperature range between approximately 50°C - 150°C, preferably at approximately 100°C.

[0041] The fuel fluid preferably means a fluid that acts as a fuel to enable the preferred air-steam engine to be used. The fuel fluid is therefore preferably a fuel in fluid form, i.e. it is in the form of a liquid, gas, or steam. The fuel fluid is preferably water or steam. The fuel fluid is preferably present in the injection nozzle and is introduced into the pre-chamber for evaporation. An air-steam mixture comprising compressed air from the cylinder and the fuel fluid in steam form preferably forms within the pre-chamber, which mixture flows back into the cylinder and is converted into the reciprocating movement of the piston. A condenser is preferably in flow communication with the cylinder. As a result, the steam of the air-steam mixture or the air-steam mixture flows into the condenser.By reducing the temperature accordingly, the vapor or air-vapor mixture condenses, forming a condensate or liquid within the condenser. Since the condenser is preferably also in fluid communication with the high-pressure pump, the high-pressure tank, and the injector, and thus the fuel fluid can be introduced into the injector as condensate, a closed-loop system is established.

[0042] In the context of the invention, the term "circulation" preferably means that the fuel fluid can be delivered to the injection nozzle in a substantially repetitive manner. 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 delivered to the injection nozzle.

[0043] 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 flow into the injection nozzle, for example, from the high-pressure tank.

[0044] Preferably, the fuel fluid can be introduced as condensate from the condenser into the high-pressure pump and then into the high-pressure tank, wherein the fuel fluid can preferably be introduced from the high-pressure tank into the injection nozzle.

[0045] The preferred components of the air-steam engine according to the invention are preferably fluidly connected to one another. In the context of the invention, fluid connection preferably means that a flow of the fuel fluid is enabled. The flow connection can be provided, for example, by a fluid line, such as a pipe or hose.

[0046] The preferred air-steam engine does not violate the first and / or second laws of thermodynamics, as materials and / or energy are supplied that enable the preferred air-steam engine to function. For example, a battery is required to enable the piston to move. Furthermore, an electric current is preferably required to enable 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.

[0047] The preferred air-steam engine is based primarily on the well-known diesel engine. A key advantage of the preferred air-steam engine is that it enables (instant) steam generation in the prechamber, in approximately milliseconds.

[0048] Currently, internal combustion engines are available as gasoline and diesel engines. Both types draw in air, compress it, add fuel, and ignite the fuel, resulting in an increase in pressure, which leads to power output through expansion. The gasoline engine requires external ignition of the fuel-air mixture (the Otto cycle), while the diesel engine operates through self-ignition (the diesel cycle).

[0049] 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 operating principle. Two- and four-stroke engines, as well as any other internal combustion engine, can be used. The preferred air-steam engine combines the Otto and Diesel cycles and operates according to a limit-pressure process, something previously unattainable in the state of the art. The advantageous result is a significantly improved overall efficiency.

[0050] The preferred air-steam engine is able to draw air from the atmosphere, like gasoline and diesel engines, and compress the intake air at a compression ratio of approximately 24:1 (gasoline 10:1, diesel 24:1). In the diesel process, the highly compressed air, which creates a pressure of approximately 60 bar and a temperature of approximately 900 °C, is injected by the preferred air-steam engine with a medium (the fuel fluid), e.g. distilled water, CO2 or other suitable media. Shortly before top dead center (0 T), finely atomized, highly pressurized water (i.e. water at an increased pressure) is injected into the cylinder, for example at a pressure of approximately 2600 bar (e.g. through a piezo injector), directly into the cylinder, into a pre-chamber or swirl chamber.

[0051] The piston can preferably have a spherical chamber in the piston surface, into which the air-steam mixture is directly injected and advantageously swirled very well. However, conventional pre- and swirl chambers can also be used.

[0052] The fuel fluid, e.g., water, is compressed by 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 an injection nozzle containing finely atomized water droplets, preferably directly into the cylinder, directly into the piston chamber, or into a separate pre- or swirl chamber. An immediate phase transition preferably occurs in the chambers, particularly from the water state to vapor formation.

[0053] The already highly compressed air in the cylinder at 0 T preferentially fills the chamber (e.g., at approximately 60 bar and approximately 900°C). Water is then injected, undergoing a lightning-fast phase transition and a reversal process within milliseconds. An air-steam mixture is immediately created, meaning the air temperature in the prechamber drops 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. Both of these occur preferably in ratios of approximately 3:1 and approximately 1:3. The temperatures and pressure are controlled in the confining pressure process.

[0054] The well-mixed, high-pressure air-steam mixture expands preferentially in the cylinder and performs work. Shortly before 0 T (top dead center), the expanded air-steam mixture is preferably passed via a normal exhaust valve into a condenser, where the air is preferably separated from the water. The water is then compressed to approximately 2600 bar, preferably via a high-pressure pump, and stored in a preheated high-pressure tank (approx. 95-98 °C). From here, the highly compressed fuel fluid (e.g., hot water) preferably reaches the injection nozzle, and the working process is preferably circulated as described above. This means that the water tank advantageously does not need to be refilled; instead, it only requires refilling any leaks in the system. The water supply preferably takes place in a circulating process. The water is preferably distilled.

[0055] The special physical effect of the air-steam engine results primarily from the high compression (diesel principle) of the intake air, particularly at a compression ratio of approximately 24:1, which preferably results in a temperature of the intake air of approximately 900°C and a pressure of approximately 60 bar. In this hot air, the injection nozzle injects finely atomized, preheated (distilled) water (instead of fuel) into the prechamber at a pressure of preferably approximately 2600 bar. This water mixes intensively with the hot air and, through a physical reversal process, results in a temperature drop from approximately 900°C to approximately 300°C and a pressure increase from approximately 60 bar to approximately 200 bar (and all this without combustion). This now highly pressurized air-steam mixture expands preferentially 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 pollution-free new engine drive concept, which solves some current problems in vehicle and engine technology.

[0056] The preferred air-steam engine generates energy through an automatic reverse process of lowering the temperature of the intake air and increasing the pressure of the air-steam mixture. The highly pressurized air-steam mixture is preferably directed from the pre-chamber into the cylinder, where it expands and performs work. With direct injection into the piston chamber, the same process preferably occurs.

[0057] This advantageously results in a simple, pollution-free engine principle, very low general operating costs, extremely high power density, low-noise operation, a closed-loop system working process, minimal maintenance requirements, low ongoing costs and a favorable purchase price.

[0058] State-of-the-art combustion engines, on the other hand, have to mix expensive fuel with the compressed air and ignite it for the same process in order to increase the pressure of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder, with all the known major environmentally harmful disadvantages of today's combustion technology, with considerably higher general costs and the major known environmental damage caused by exhaust gases.

[0059] The complete extinction of today's disadvantageous combustion engine technology is already foreseeable due to competition from very expensive electric vehicles or other expensive alternative drive systems such as hydrogen engines, hybrid drives, etc. However, the total emission of pollutants in all alternative vehicles during the value creation process of these new drive systems is very high. However, this is not generally communicated directly to society and consumers, because the majority of the emission generation from the electricity for electric vehicles is currently shifted to large power plants, and the entire electric drive system of the vehicles, with its battery and control technology, is complicated, very complex, and very expensive. Battery explosions during stationary operation or in accidents are also known in battery-powered vehicles.The entire hydrogen production process for hydrogen engines is even more complex and dangerous, as the complex, very expensive, and problematic global infrastructure is lacking. It is known that in Germany alone, costs of approximately several hundred billion euros are incurred, a fact that is also not directly communicated to society. In addition, the highly pressurized hydrogen, which is forcibly stored everywhere in multiple locations, is highly explosive. The general safety of this expensive hydrogen is currently still very questionable. In serious accidents, explosions and / or fires are impossible or difficult to prevent. Maintenance is very complex and extremely costly.

[0060] Thus, the preferred air-steam engine achieves a significant improvement over the already known state of the art.

[0061] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the condenser, the high-pressure pump and / or the high-pressure tank are data-connected to a control unit.

[0062] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the condenser, the high-pressure pump, the high-pressure tank and / or the injection nozzle are data-connected to a control unit, wherein preferably the control unit is data-connected to further components, wherein the further components are selected from a group comprising a laser and / or an inlet and outlet valve (control valve).

[0063] For the purposes of the invention, "data-connected" preferably means that an exchange of data is possible between the control unit and one or more of these components. Data 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 flow parameters of the fuel fluid. For example, it may be preferable to regulate the flow rate of the fuel fluid starting from the condenser. Furthermore, it may be preferable, for example, for the control unit to control the pressure of the high-pressure pump and / or the monitoring of the high-pressure tank.

[0064] A control unit preferably refers to a unit configured to read, receive, transmit, and / or evaluate data. Thus, the control unit is preferably a data processing unit. A control unit can preferably be selected from a 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.

[0065] The control unit can preferably also comprise a storage unit and / or communication unit. A storage unit allows the backup and / or intermediate storage of data. Non-limiting examples of memories, preferably semiconductor memories, are volatile memory (RAM) or non-volatile memories, such as ROM memories, EPROM memories, EEPROM memories, or flash memories and / or other memory technologies. A communication unit, within the meaning of the invention, preferably refers to a device for transmitting, in particular for sending and / or receiving, data.Transmission is preferably carried out by 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. The following data transmission methods can be used, for example: Bluetooth, WLAN, ZigBee, NFC, Wibree or WiMAX in the radio frequency range as well as IrDA and optical radio link (FSO) in the infrared or optical frequency range.

[0066] In further preferred embodiments, the control unit is present as or in combination with a sensor. The sensor is preferably configured to measure parameters of one or more of the components comprising the condenser, high-pressure pump, and / or high-pressure tank, as well as one or more or all of the data relevant to the operation of the preferred air-steam engine.

[0067] 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 the pressure sensor and / or the temperature sensor is preferably data-connected to a control unit.

[0068] The pressure sensor can be attached to preferred components of the air-steam engine. The temperature sensor can also 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 corresponding sensor is attached can be measured and thus reliably monitored.

[0069] In further preferred embodiments, the air-steam engine may comprise a plurality of pressure or temperature sensors, which are attached, for example, to different components in order to measure and / or monitor the plurality of components.

[0070] In particularly preferred embodiments, one or more pressure and temperature sensors are present in combination. Furthermore, it is preferred that the pressure and temperature sensors are data-connected to the control unit, i.e., have a data connection to the control unit. Advantageously, the control unit can operate components and / or regulate their operation based on the pressure and temperature measurements from the sensors.

[0071] For example, it may be preferable for a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor to be mounted on the prechamber. These are data-connected to a control unit. Preferably, other components of the air-steam engine, for example (but not limited to) an inlet and outlet valve, a laser, a prechamber piston, an injection nozzle, and / or the high-pressure pump, can be operated taking into account the pressure and temperature values ​​within the prechamber.

[0072] 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 lifting movement within the pre-chamber can be carried out by the pre-chamber piston.

[0073] 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 lifting movement can be carried out by the pre-chamber piston within the pre-chamber, whereby a higher pressure can be generated in the pre-chamber.

[0074] The presence of a pre-chamber piston additionally displaces the 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. By increasing the pressure within the pre-chamber, a more intense pressure of the air-steam mixture can be advantageously transferred into the cylinder, thus also increasing the kinetic energy of the piston within the cylinder.

[0075] In the context of the invention, the pre-chamber piston preferably refers to a piston located within the pre-chamber. The pre-chamber piston is preferably connected to the piston within the cylinder, so that both pistons perform a reciprocating movement.

[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the prechamber piston has a drive, wherein the drive is preferably mechanically or electromagnetically operable. Advantageously, the volume displacement of the steam or air-steam mixture in the prechamber 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 prechamber, so that a stroke movement of the piston can be performed particularly efficiently. This advantageously allows a variable, higher pressure in the prechamber to be regulated via the preferred control unit.

[0077] For the purposes of the invention, a mechanical drive preferably refers to a drive by mechanical means. In a mechanical drive, torque transmission is preferably achieved by means of transmission means such as clutches and / or belt drives. An electromagnetic drive preferably refers to a drive by means of electromagnetic means.

[0078] In preferred embodiments, the prechamber piston is combined with the prechamber's inlet and outlet valve. In particularly preferred embodiments, the inlet and outlet valve is 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 a movement in lateral directions within the prechamber.

[0079] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the fuel fluid is selected from a group comprising water and / or carbon dioxide and / or other suitable fluids. Advantageously, water and / or carbon dioxide are available in almost unlimited quantities in nature, so that, in contrast to prior art engines, resources are saved. 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. It advantageously prevents pollutants from being emitted into the environment. In further preferred embodiments, this can be distilled water.

[0080] Water has also proven extremely useful for operating the preferred air-steam engine. Water has suitable thermodynamic properties, such as a suitable enthalpy of vaporization, to cause a sufficient pressure increase and temperature reduction within the prechamber. The water is preferably distilled (distilled water).

[0081] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the prechamber is operatively connected to a heating element, preferably a glow plug. In further preferred embodiments, additional heating systems and / or heaters can also have an operative connection with the prechamber.

[0082] 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 prechamber. This enables faster and spatially symmetrical evaporation of the fuel fluid within the prechamber.

[0083] A heating element preferably refers to a device through which heat can be transferred. "Operatively connected" here preferably means that there is a connection between the heating element and the prechamber such that the heat can be transferred from the heating element to the prechamber. Thus, it may be preferable to place the heating element directly on, onto, or into the prechamber. It may also be preferable to connect the heating element to the prechamber via heat lines.

[0084] In preferred embodiments, the heating element is a glow plug. Glow plugs have proven particularly useful and reliable in the prior art, allowing the engine to start at low temperatures and operate with low noise and emissions during the warm-up phase. Glow plugs are also advantageously excellently suited for use with the preferred air-steam engine.

[0085] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the high-pressure tank is operatively connected to a heating element. This advantageously also allows the high-pressure tank to be adjusted to a desired temperature to ensure an optimal pressure and / or temperature of the fuel fluid, particularly within the high-pressure tank.

[0086] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the air-steam engine comprises a laser, wherein the prechamber can be irradiated from the laser. Preferably, the prechamber comprises a prechamber piston and / or a drive for the prechamber piston. Preferably, the laser beams are emitted from the laser inward into the prechamber.

[0087] The laser's installation has proven particularly advantageous in that the laser beams emitted by the laser can achieve particularly rapid vaporization of the injected fuel fluid within the prechamber, in the millisecond range. Furthermore, the laser's installation is particularly easy to implement. The laser can preferably emit laser beams in a pulsed or continuous mode.

[0088] The preferred laser can be used in preferred embodiments of the invention. For example, it may be preferable to position the laser such that the laser 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 incorporated within the prechamber. The laser can preferably irradiate the prechamber in the embodiment in which a prechamber piston is incorporated within the prechamber. The laser can preferably irradiate the prechamber in the embodiment in which a prechamber piston with a drive is present.

[0089] For example, there is preferably a laser that irradiates the pre-chamber, enabling a particularly rapid phase transformation of the propellant fluid within the pre-chamber. The pre-chamber can preferably have a drive for a pre-chamber piston that, for example, performs a sideways movement. Furthermore, it can be preferred for the pre-chamber to have an inlet and outlet valve as a control valve to regulate the flow rate of the air-steam mixture from the pre-chamber into the cylinder. In particular, the advantages of the laser, the inlet and outlet valve (as a rain valve) and / or the drive of the pre-chamber piston can be combined to enable particularly efficient functional operation. The resulting efficiency is higher than would be expected from the effects of the individual components, so that a synergistic effect is achieved.It may be preferable to install temperature and / or pressure sensors, which can be mounted, for example, on the prechamber (but not limited thereto) and have a data connection to the control unit. This advantageously ensures a particularly reliable process sequence of the preferred air-steam engine. In further preferred embodiments, the laser can also be used if the prechamber has an outlet and inlet valve (as a rain valve). In further preferred embodiments, the laser can be used if the prechamber does not have an inlet and outlet valve.

[0090] Instead of or in addition to a prechamber, it may also be preferable to provide a piston chamber. In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is therefore characterized in that the air-steam engine has a piston chamber.

[0091] In particular, the prechamber can be omitted if a piston chamber is used. By omitting the prechamber, steam formation and steam generation can be shifted to the piston chamber. The advantage of this variant is direct steam formation in the cylinder chamber. Furthermore, the cost savings of the intake and exhaust valves (as control valves), the drive of the prechamber piston, and the laser represent an advantage. This design advantageously allows all existing combustion engines to be easily and cost-effectively converted.

[0092] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the fuel fluid can be introduced into the prechamber of the injection nozzle at a pressure between 2000 bar - 3000 bar, preferably between 2200 bar - 2800 bar, particularly preferably between 2400 bar - 2600 bar, very particularly preferably between 2500 bar - 2700 bar.

[0093] The pressure values ​​mentioned have proven to be advantageous in that, on the one hand, they caused a sufficient pressure increase within the prechamber and, on the other hand, they were particularly easy to implement in the context of the invention.

[0094] 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.

[0095] In a further preferred embodiment, the air-steam engine is characterized in that the air-steam engine is operable 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.

[0096] Advantageously, conventional prior art engines are required to provide the preferred air-steam engine, in particular those with an injection nozzle and a pre-chamber. 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 file number: EP 3143258 B1).

[0097] In particularly preferred embodiments, the preferred air-steam engine is operable using a four-stroke mechanism. The four-stroke mechanism preferably refers to a working process that can be performed during operation of the preferred air-steam engine.

[0098] The four-stroke mechanism preferably has four working steps, which can also be referred to as cycles. The preferred four-stroke mechanism preferably comprises the following four cycles:

[0099] • 1st stroke (intake): The piston moves from top dead center to bottom dead center, with air being sucked in from the atmosphere during this stroke.

[0100] • 2nd stroke (compression): The piston moves from bottom dead center back to top dead center, during this stroke the air is compressed (compressed air) and the pressure increases. For example, the pressure can be around 60 bar and the temperature around 900°C. The compressed air enters the pre-chamber. Shortly before the piston reaches top dead center of the cylinder, the fuel fluid is preferably introduced into the pre-chamber, for example at a pressure of around 2600 bar. The introduced fuel fluid is immediately vaporized after being introduced into the pre-chamber, so that an air-vapor mixture forms in the pre-chamber. This increases the pressure, for example to around 220 bar, while the temperature drops, for example to around 370°C. • 3rd stroke (working): 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 the bottom dead center.

[0101] • 4th stroke (ejection): The piston moves from bottom dead center back to top dead center. The air-vapor mixture is pushed into the condenser and expands in the process. The air-vapor mixture condenses, with the vapor in particular being separated from the air-vapor mixture and present as condensate in the condenser, while the air is vented to the atmosphere. The condensate (the fuel fluid) returns to the circuit, for example, to the high-pressure pump, the high-pressure tank, and then back to the injector.

[0102] In particular, the four-stroke mechanism has proven to be advantageous in accordance with the state of the art of reciprocating piston technology when using the preferred air-steam engine in means of transport.

[0103] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a preferred air-steam engine for converting energy into mechanical energy, preferably kinetic energy, within a means of locomotion. In particular, energy conversion in the context of the invention means that the thermal energy, which preferably arises in the prechamber, can be converted into kinetic energy, for example, for a means of locomotion.

[0104] Energy conversion into mechanical energy involves the ability to perform mechanical work based on the position or movement of a component of the air-steam engine, preferably the piston. In particular, the piston's reciprocating motion in the cylinder moves a connecting rod, allowing the mechanical energy to be transferred.

[0105] Preferably, the preferred air-steam engine converts energy into kinetic energy, which is particularly suitable for use in means of transportation. A means of transportation preferably refers to a device with which people and / or goods can be moved, e.g., automobiles in the form of passenger cars, trucks, mobile homes, watercraft such as boats, ships, railways, trains, aircraft, and / or steam turbines, etc.

[0106] In further preferred embodiments, the preferred air-steam engine can also be used in all static applications where it is appropriate, for example for the provision of energy in houses, apartments, etc.

[0107] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of the air-steam engine for operating an air conditioning compressor. The preferred air-steam engine can advantageously be used as an air conditioning compressor according to the prior art, with appropriate temperature, pressure, and / or volume control in the prechamber.

[0108] The aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail below using examples, without being limited to these examples.

[0109] FIGURES Short description of the figures

[0110] Fig. 1 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine - basic representation of the air-steam engine

[0111] 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

[0112] 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

[0113] Fig. 4 Further schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine comprising a laser on the pre-chamber with measuring sensors and a drive for the pre-chamber piston in the pre-chamber

[0114] Fig. 5 Further schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine comprising a laser on the pre-chamber

[0115] Fig. 6 Further schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine comprising a laser on the pre-chamber without inlet and outlet valves

[0116] Fig. 7 Further schematic representation of another preferred embodiment of a preferred air-steam engine comprising a piston chamber in the piston without inlet and outlet valves

[0117] Detailed description of the characters

[0118] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of an air-steam engine 1.

[0119] The air-steam engine comprises a cylinder 3 and a piston 5. The piston can perform a reciprocating movement between the bottom dead center and the top dead center of the cylinder 3. The reciprocating movement of the piston 5 and a connecting rod 25 is illustrated by the arrow symbol (directed up and down). Furthermore, the air-steam engine 1 has an injection nozzle 7, which is designed as a piezo injection nozzle 7, and a pre-chamber 9. The pre-chamber 9 is located between the piezo injection nozzle 7 and the cylinder 3, wherein the two are in fluid communication with one another. Starting from the piezo injection nozzle 7, a fuel fluid can be introduced into the pre-chamber 9. The pre-chamber has a temperature such that the fuel fluid evaporates in the pre-chamber and the fuel fluid is thus present in the pre-chamber as vapor. Compressed air, i.e.compressed air, can be absorbed by the pre-chamber 9, so that an air-vapor mixture forms within the pre-chamber 9. The air-vapor mixture can be introduced into the cylinder 3, so that the reciprocating movement of the piston 5 can be effected within the cylinder 3. This can be demonstrated, for example, by a downward movement from top dead center towards bottom dead center. The cylinder comprises an inlet valve 21 and an outlet valve 23, wherein the outlet valve 23 is connected to a condenser 11. The air-vapor mixture condenses, with the vapor in particular being present as condensate in the condenser 11. The condensate can then be fed from the condenser 11 to a high-pressure pump 13, then into a high-pressure tank 15 and then again into 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 arranged in a single circuit and are fluidly connected to one another. Thus, a single circuit can be executed by the air-steam engine 1.

[0120] The air-steam engine 1 advantageously emits no pollutants, thus creating a significant improvement over the state of the art. The air-steam engine 1 can be operated, for example, with water or steam and other suitable fluids as fuel. Consequently, a beneficial contribution to the climate and the environment is achieved.

[0121] Furthermore, the preferred air-steam engine 1 also offers automobile manufacturers enormous efficiency in the development and manufacture of automobiles. Existing engines can be provided as before, but thanks to the design of the preferred air-steam engine 1, they are significantly more cost-effective than the already known state-of-the-art engines. Approximately 85 million passenger cars are produced worldwide, with approximately 500 million existing passenger cars currently available that can be particularly easily integrated with the preferred air-steam engine 1. Advantageously, known engines, such as state-of-the-art electric and hydrogen engines, are no longer required. Therefore, large profit margins can be achieved because the air-steam engine 1 is an unrivaled product.

[0122] The components of the preferred air-steam engine 1 are well known and have proven to be inexpensive. Thus, the production of the preferred air-steam engine 1 as such can be easily carried out in mass production, 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.

[0123] The prechamber 9 has an inlet and outlet valve 19. The air-steam 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. The inlet and outlet valve 19 of the prechamber 9, in particular as a control valve, can advantageously regulate the flow rate of the air-steam mixture from the prechamber 9; in particular, continuous control is possible. The inlet and outlet valve 19 can be adjusted both mechanically and electrically.

[0124] 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.

[0125] Furthermore, it is 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 explanations in the further descriptions of the figures). The data connection allows an exchange of data between the control unit 17 and one or more of these components. Thus, commands for executing functions and / or for setting the one or more components can be adapted. The settings can, in particular, relate to settings of flow parameters of the fuel 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 that can measure the flow rate of the fuel fluid. The control unit 17 can also control the pressure of the high-pressure pump 13 and / or monitor the high-pressure tank 15.

[0126] Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of the preferred air-steam engine 1.

[0127] In addition to the components already described in Fig. 1, there is a pre-chamber piston 27 within the pre-chamber 9. The pre-chamber piston 27 is connected to the piston 5 of the cylinder, so that the pre-chamber piston 27 can perform a reciprocating movement within the pre-chamber 9. The use of a pre-chamber piston 27 advantageously results in the additional volume of steam or air-steam mixture being displaced within the pre-chamber 9. Consequently, the pressure of the steam or air-steam mixture in the pre-chamber 9 is also increased accordingly. By increasing the pressure within the pre-chamber 9, an intensive pressure of the air-steam mixture is transferred into the cylinder 3, which overall increases the performance of the air-steam engine 1.

[0128] Fig. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the preferred air-steam engine 1.

[0129] Essentially, the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is shown here, but the prechamber piston has a drive 29. The drive 29 can be mechanical or electromagnetic. The prechamber piston can perform a lateral movement. An inlet and outlet valve 19 can also be provided here, allowing the air-steam mixture to be metered even more precisely.

[0130] Advantageously, the volume displacement of the steam or air-steam mixture in the prechamber 9 can be adjusted particularly easily and precisely using the drive 29. This advantageously results in variability in the possible selection and adjustment of the pressure within the prechamber 9, so that a stroke movement of the prechamber piston 27 can be performed particularly efficiently.

[0131] Fig. 4 shows schematically another embodiment of the preferred air-steam engine 1 .

[0132] Here, a pressure sensor 33 and a temperature sensor 35 are mounted on 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 advantageously be operated taking into account the pressure and temperature values ​​within the prechamber 9. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the air-steam engine 1.

[0133] In the embodiment according to Fig. 5, the air-steam engine 1 also has a laser 31, with the prechamber 9 being connected to the cylinder 3 via an inlet and outlet valve 19 (as a control valve). Here, the effects of both the inlet and outlet valve 19 and the laser 31 can be advantageously utilized, achieving a synergistic effect.

[0134] Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the air-steam engine 1.

[0135] A laser 31 is also shown, with the prechamber 9 being present as such and no additional components being used. An extremely rapid phase transformation of the fuel fluid is advantageously still ensured in the prechamber 9. Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of the air-steam engine 1.

[0136] Here, the air-steam engine 1 has a piston chamber 37 in the piston 5. The prechamber 9 is omitted, and steam formation and generation are shifted to the piston chamber 37. The advantage of this variant is direct steam formation in the cylinder chamber and the cost savings of the intake and exhaust valves 19, the drive of the prechamber piston 27, the drive 29, and the laser 31. With this variant, all existing combustion engines could be easily and cost-effectively converted.

[0137] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0138] 1 air-steam engine

[0139] 3 cylinders

[0140] 5 pistons

[0141] 7 Injector

[0142] 9 Antechamber

[0143] 11 Capacitor

[0144] 13 High pressure pump

[0145] 15 High-pressure tank

[0146] 17 Control unit

[0147] 19 Inlet and outlet valve

[0148] 21 Inlet valve

[0149] 23 Exhaust valve

[0150] 25 connecting rods

[0151] 27 pre-chamber pistons

[0152] 29 Drive for pre-chamber piston

[0153] 31 lasers

[0154] 33 Pressure sensor

[0155] 35 Temperature sensor

[0156] 37 Piston chamber

Claims

PATENT 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 in that the air-steam engine (1) has an injector nozzle (7) and a prechamber (9) and / or piston chamber (37), wherein the prechamber (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 prechamber (9) and / or piston chamber (37) from the injector nozzle (7), and the fuel fluid can be converted into vapor in the prechamber (9) and / or piston chamber (37), and compressed air from the cylinder (3) can be drawn into the prechamber (9), so that an air-steam mixture is formed within the prechamber (9), and the air-steam mixture can be inserted into the cylinder (3),such 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).

2. Air-steam engine (1) according to the previous claim, characterized in that the condenser (11), the high-pressure pump (13), the high-pressure tank (15) and / or the injection nozzle (7) is data-connected to a control unit (17), wherein preferably the control unit is data-connected to further components, wherein the further components are selected from a group comprising a laser (31), an inlet and outlet valve (19) and / or a drive (29) for the pre-chamber piston (27).

3. Air-steam engine (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in 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 in that a pre-chamber piston (27) is provided within the pre-chamber (9), wherein the pre-chamber piston (27) is connected to the piston (5) in the cylinder (3), so that a stroke movement within the pre-chamber (9) can be performed by the pre-chamber piston (27). is, whereby a higher pressure and a higher temperature can be generated in the pre-chamber (9). Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-chamber piston (27) has a drive (29), wherein the drive (29) is preferably mechanically or electromagnetically operable. Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the propellant fluid is selected from the group comprising water and / or carbon dioxide and / or other suitable fluids, wherein the water is preferably distilled water. Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-chamber (9) is operatively connected to a heating element, preferably a glow plug. Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high-pressure tank (15) is operatively connected to a heating element.Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air-steam engine (1) has a laser (31) wherein the prechamber (9) can be irradiated from the laser (31), wherein preferably the prechamber (9) has a prechamber piston (27) for increasing the pressure and temperature in the prechamber (9) and / or a drive (29) for the prechamber piston (27). Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air-steam engine (1) has a piston chamber (37). Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in 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, preferably between 2200 bar - 2800 bar, particularly preferably between 2400 bar - 2600 bar.Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compressed air from the cylinder (3) into the pre-chamber (9) has a temperature between 500°C - 1000°C, preferably between 600°C - 900°C and / or a. Pressure between 20 bar and 80 bar, preferably between 30 bar and 60 bar, wherein, preferably, after the introduction of the fuel fluid into the prechamber (9), the pressure within the prechamber (9) increases and the temperature within the prechamber (9) decreases. Air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air-steam engine (1) can be operated using a four-stroke mechanism or a two-stroke mechanism. Use of the air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims Claims for energy conversion into mechanical energy, preferably in Kinetic energy within a means of transport. Use of the air-steam engine (1) according to one or more of the preceding Claims 1 - 13 for the operation of an air conditioning compressor.

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