Porsche Patents Six-Stroke Engine: Double the Bang, Double the Fun!

In a time when electric vehicles are stealing the spotlight, Porsche has turned heads by patenting a revolutionary six-stroke engine design. The German automaker, known for its cutting-edge sports cars, has decided to shake up the internal combustion engine (ICE) game with this innovative technology. According to the patent filed under the name “Method for a Combustion Machine With Two Times Three Strokes,” Porsche seems to be exploring a new way to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

What Makes the Six-Stroke Engine Different?

The traditional four-stroke engine—used by most internal combustion vehicles—operates on four phases: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. Porsche’s six-stroke engine adds two more phases into the mix, allowing for a second compression and power stroke, which could enhance power output and efficiency.

Here’s how the new system works:

This additional set of power and compression strokes aims to give a more complete fuel burn, which Porsche hopes will lead to better fuel efficiency, more horsepower, and reduced emissions. As described in the patent abstract, this method involves the piston moving between two top dead centers (TDC) and two bottom dead centers (BDC) during a three-revolution cycle.

A Mix of Four-Stroke and Two-Stroke Technology

Porsche’s new engine combines elements of both four-stroke and two-stroke engine designs. Typically, a four-stroke engine requires four revolutions of the crankshaft for two power strokes, while a two-stroke engine only needs two revolutions. Porsche’s six-stroke engine offers two power strokes every three revolutions—an attempt to get the best of both worlds.

Will It Work? The Challenges

While the idea of a six-stroke engine isn’t entirely new—dating back to Samuel Griffin’s 1883 design—previous attempts have struggled due to the complexity and cost of the designs. The patent mentions that the engine uses planetary gears to operate the crankshaft, a design choice that adds to the challenge. These gears allow the piston to reach different TDC and BDC points, creating variable compression in the process.

However, this innovation does come with its share of technical hurdles. One significant issue is controlling the NOx emissions (oxides of nitrogen), which are a common byproduct of combustion engines. The scavenging process—which forces fresh air into the combustion chamber to remove exhaust gases—could lead to excess oxygen, making it harder to control emissions. Despite these challenges, Porsche’s pedigree and innovative approach keep many enthusiasts hopeful for a breakthrough.

Potential for Carbon-Neutral E-Fuels

Porsche’s six-stroke engine could also play a role in the company’s push for carbon-neutral e-fuels. By developing a more efficient combustion process, Porsche might be able to extend the life of ICE vehicles in a more environmentally friendly way. This aligns with their recent efforts to keep combustion engines alive, even as the auto industry shifts toward electrification.

Key Patent Claims

1. The method involves a working cycle of three crankshaft revolutions, with the piston reaching two top dead centers and two bottom dead centers during this cycle.
2. It includes a second compression stroke and a second power stroke, which aim to increase efficiency and reduce emissions.
3. The engine uses a planetary gear system to manage piston movement and stroke lengths.
4. An exhaust valve opens during the second bottom dead center to remove gases from the combustion chamber.

What’s Next for Porsche?

While the six-stroke engine concept is still in the patent phase, it’s clear that Porsche is serious about exploring new ways to enhance ICE technology. Whether or not this design will make it to production is still uncertain, but it shows that the iconic automaker isn’t ready to give up on internal combustion just yet.

Porsche fans and the auto industry alike are keeping an eye on further developments. Could this be the next big thing in performance engines? Or will the complexities outweigh the benefits? Only time will tell.