Porsche has received a patent on a new form of the variable-compression-ratio engine. The design may Porsche has received a patent that increase fuel efficiency, particularly in engines with turbochargers, by adjusting compression ratios while the engine is operating. Source: Porsche and ExtremeTech.com, reports ExtremeTech.com.

The consulting arm of Porsche and its client Hilite International worked to conceive of a way to adjust the apparent length of the connecting rods between the crankshaft and the pistons. A solenoid allows small oil-pressure-driven rods and an eccentric adjuster to raise or lower the bearing supporting the piston.

The car starts off with the piston in the high position. When the turbo begins injecting pressurized air, the piston drops to the low position. That reduces the compression ratio momentarily, allowing for more turbocharger boost and more power. The design appears to be comparatively simple, at least compared to other variable-compression-ratio efforts that date back a century.

The engine technology might be offered to other automakers, if and when, it becomes commercially viable.