Optimization of Gasoline Engines by Water Injection

Authors

Dr.-Ing. T. Pauer, Dipl.-Ing. M. Frohnmaier, Dr.-Ing. J. Walther, Dipl.-Ing. P. Schenk, Dr.-Ing. A. Hettinger, Dr.-Ing. S. Kampmann, Robert Bosch GmbH, Schwieberdingen

Year

2016

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Reihe 12, Nr. 799

Summary

The design of new gasoline engines is strongly influenced by CO₂ and emission limits set by legislation, real-world fuel economy, the demand for higher torque, higher specific power, and costs. While downsizing concepts including turbocharging in combination with direct injection have made significant contributions in maximizing the potential of the gasoline engine, further improvement of engine efficiency and performance is limited due to knocking. This report presents a cost-effective solution to minimize knocking in (downsized) gasoline engines: Water injection. While water injection is already a well-known technology that has been used in motorsports, aviation industry etc., the current trends in legislation related to the automotive sector make it particularly relevant for serial production in passenger vehicles. We begin with a compact discussion on upcoming CO₂ legislation and the resulting worldwide trends in the gasoline engines market.