Toyota's Patent: Hydrogen Engine with Water Cooling

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【Summary】Toyota has filed a patent for a water-cooled hydrogen combustion engine that includes water injection valves to intake ports for the combustion chamber. The patent explains that the water can be injected as the intake valve is opening or closing. Toyota claims that if water flows into the cylinder, it will evaporate if the droplets are small enough. The patent is for a hydrogen combustion engine, which is different from the engine found in the Toyota Mirai.

FutureCar Staff Oct 04, 2023 11:18 PM PT

Toyota's Patent: Hydrogen Engine with Water Cooling

Toyota has recently filed a patent application for an engine that incorporates water injection valves into the intake ports of the combustion chamber. This innovative design was discovered by CarBuzz at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The patent explains that the water can be injected either when the intake valve is opening or when it's closing, ensuring that it is not constantly spraying. Toyota reassures that if water enters the cylinder, it will simply evaporate if the droplets are small enough. In the event that water reaches the crankcase, it may mix with the oil, but it is more likely to evaporate due to the internal pressure.

It is important to note that this particular patent is specifically for a hydrogen fuel engine, but it differs from the unit found in a Toyota Mirai. Instead, it is a hydrogen combustion engine, which features a completely different design. Essentially, it operates similarly to any other combustion engine but utilizes hydrogen gas to generate the necessary explosions. Toyota even showcased an AE86 Concept earlier this year, which is equipped with a hydrogen combustion engine.