Porsche patents new water-injection system that's futuristic evolution of internal combustion tech

Porsche has filed a patent for a water-injection system that could help breathe new life into its internal combustion engines. 

Water-injection isn’t new; it’s been around for a while, but it has never gained too much traction in the automotive industry.

However, that could be set to change with Porsche filing patents for a water-injection system. 

The German carmaker filed an initial patent back in March, and this has since been joined by another – but how would the tech work?

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How does a water-injection system work?

Water-injection systems have had limited use in production vehicles, but they do come with some pretty neat benefits. 

The systems work by introducing a fine mist of water into the intake charge and combustion chamber, which takes heat away from its surroundings as it vaporizes. 

Having a cooler intake temperature means that knock is reduced, alongside that, there’s an increase in the car’s power.

It also helps to improve fuel efficiency and consumption. 

But the system does have its drawbacks. 

If things go wrong, you could end up with engine damage caused by the water-hammer effect: when small water droplets smash into parts of the engine, leaving behind dents and dings. 

Typically, water-injection systems have mainly popped up in the motorsports industry or on vehicles that have had high-performance tuning mods. 

However, it seems as though Porsche is keen to take a closer look at the technology and has filed two patents in Europe for a new water injection system.

Porsche has filed patents for a new system

The original patent, filed back in March, was for a new water-injection system that appeared to be aimed at solving the problem of the water hammer effect. 

The patent suggested initially introducing more water into the intake charger, which would wet the surfaces of the intake manifold and cool off more quickly. 

The newer filing, which was published earlier this month, is titled ‘Methods for diagnosing a water injection system and diagnostic system’. 

And, as its name suggests, it doesn’t center on the chemistry behind the water-injection system but instead gives an explainer on how Porsche would be able to check the system was working as it should. 

Now, it’s important to point out that just because a carmaker has filed a patent, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll see that technology pop up in any upcoming models.

But it certainly appears to show that it’s something Porsche is exploring. 

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