A comparative theoretical analysis of the spark ignition (SI) engine performance is performed for the cases of feeding it by the reforming products of two different alcohols: ethanol and methanol. Energy efficiency of the steam reforming process, optimal reactor temperature and obtainable compositions of the reforming products are showed and analyzed for the considered two fuel types.
Three compositions of the reforming products: ethanol steam reforming (SRE), methanol steam reforming (SRM) and products of the low-temperature ethanol reforming are considered as gaseous fuels in the engine performance simulations. Change in the fuel burning velocity as a function of fuel composition and air excess factor is taken into account in a modeling of the heat release process.
Effect of the selected reforming product compositions on the achievable internal combustion engine (ICE) and reformer-ICE powerplant efficiencies, NOx and CO emissions are analyzed and compared with the cases of ICE feeding by reference fuels: gasoline, ethanol and methanol.