Water Injection Additives to Reduce Emissions

ABSTRACT

Water injection in internal combustion engines is becoming increasingly popular as a means to achieve enhanced efficiency and reduced emissions. Water injection also provides an opportunity to introduce beneficial additives to the combustion process and the Seeker for this Challenge is looking for novel ideas for compounds to be added through water injection with a focus on reducing emissions from hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines.

This Theoretical Challenge requires only a written proposal.

 

OVERVIEW

Water injection in internal combustion engines utilizes a spray of water into the fuel/air intake stream or directly into the combustion chamber to primarily cool the combustion chamber and prevent detonation of the fuel charge. It has been used for decades in aircraft and automobile engines to allow more power production while protecting engine components from the detrimental effects of detonation. The composition of the injected fluid is primarily water but may also be a 50/50 mixture with alcohol and may contain a trace of water-soluble oil. There are also disadvantages to the presence of water in the combustion chamber like corrosion or dilution in engine oil.

Along with the benefits of water injection mentioned above it also provides an opportunity to introduce compounds to the combustion chamber that cannot be introduced in other ways and that may benefit engine performance. The Seeker is interested in finding compounds that can be introduced using a water injection system and that will reduce emissions from hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines. While hydrogen-fueled engines burn extremely cleanly based on their fuel, there are sources such as lubricating oil in the combustion chamber that contribute to engine emissions.

This is a Theoretical Challenge that requires only a written proposal to be submitted. The Challenge award will be contingent upon theoretical evaluation of the proposal by the Seeker.

To receive an award, the Solvers will have to transfer to the Seeker their exclusive Intellectual Property (IP) rights to the solution. 

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on 19-Jan-2022.
Late submissions will not be considered.

 

What is InnoCentive?

InnoCentive is the global innovation marketplace where creative minds solve some of the world's most important problems for cash awards up to $1 million. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with InnoCentive to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is an InnoCentive Theoretical IP Transfer Challenge?

An InnoCentive Theoretical Challenge builds upon an idea but is not yet a proof of concept. A solution to a Theoretical Challenge will solidify the Solver's concept with detailed descriptions, specifications and requirements necessary to bringing a good idea closer to becoming an actual product or service.

This Challenge is a Theoretical IP Transfer Challenge, meaning that Solvers must transfer all rights to the Intellectual Property (IP) for which they are awarded. Solvers that do not win retain the rights to their solution after the evaluation period is complete. The Seeker retains no rights to any IP not awarded.