This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Single Cylinder Spark Ignition Engine Study of the Octane, Emissions, and Fuel Economy Characteristics of Methanol-Gasoline Blends
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
A two phase test program was carried out on a single cylinder, fuel research engine (CFR) to determine the octane, emissions, and fuel economy characteristics of methanol-gasoline blends. The first phase of the work was an evaluation of the octane characteristics of methanol blended with unleaded gasoline. Blends ranging from 2% to 100% by volume methanol for four different base gasolines were knock rated. A simplified mathematical model of the results was developed to aid in comparing the effects of methanol on the octane ratings of the various base fuels. The results indicate that methanol can substantially increase both the Research and Motor Ratings of a relatively low octane unleaded gasoline. However, as the octane rating of the base gasoline is increased, the octane increase produced by the addition of methanol is reduced. For base fuels with Motor Ratings over 85 the addition of methanol has little effect on the Motor Octane rating. Comparisons and data for base fuels having Research Octane Numbers ranging from 81 RON to 98 RON are given.
The second phase of the test program was an evaluation of the emissions and fuel economy of a 10% by volume blend of methanol with two base fuels in the single cylinder engine. Clear Indolene and a 95 RON commercial gasoline were used for these tests. The results for the Indolene blend are presented since both fuels behaved in a similar manner. Where differences did exist appropriate comments are included. For the blends examined, the specific emissions (gm/ihp-hr) were changed very little by the addition of methanol when the engine was operating at equivalent spark, speed, and stoichiometry. Although the addition of methanol increased the ISFC, the thermal efficiency of the engine was not significantly changed.
General conclusions were that a blend of 10% methanol and gasoline demonstrated no significant change in the emissions or energy efficiency over the gasoline fueled engine when operated at equivalent conditions. Under some operating conditions, the addition of methanol could increase the octane rating of the base fuel. This increase could conceivably be enough to reduce knock problems in some vehicles.
Recommended Content
Technical Paper | On-Road Monitoring of Low Speed Pre-Ignition |
Technical Paper | Improving Heavy-Duty Engine Efficiency and Durability: The Rotating Liner Engine |
Technical Paper | Injection System Control for a Multi-Fuel SI Engine |
Authors
Topic
Citation
Johnson, R. and Riley, R., "Single Cylinder Spark Ignition Engine Study of the Octane, Emissions, and Fuel Economy Characteristics of Methanol-Gasoline Blends," SAE Technical Paper 760377, 1976, https://doi.org/10.4271/760377.Also In
References
- Reed T. B. Lerner R. M. “Sources and Methods for Methanol Production” paper no. S15-63 proceedings of The Hydrogen Economy Miami Energy Conference Miami Beach, Fla. March 1974
- Sheehan R. G. et. al. “Seattle's Solid Waste…An Untapped Resource” Department of Engineering and Lighting City of Seattle, Wash. May 1974
- Bolt J. A. “A Survey of Alcohol as a Motor Fuel” SAE Special Publication No. 254 June 1964
- Hetrick S. S. “The Effect of Oxy-Hydrocarbon Fuels on Exhaust from Spark Ignition Engines” Dissertation Abstracts, Science & Engr. 28 6 Dec. 1967 2401B
- Starkman E. S. et.al. “Alternative Fuel for Control of Engine Emission” Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association 20 2 Feb. 1970
- Ingamells J. C. Lindquist R. J. Chevron Research, Private Communication 1974
- American Petroleum Institute “Use of Alcohol in Motor Gasoline-A Review” 1971 10
- Reed T. B. Lerner R. M. “Science 182” 1973
- Indolene is the trade name for the test fuel manufactured by Standard Oil Company to meet the specifications called out in the Federal Register 37 221 Nov. 15 1972
- “ASTM Manual for Rating Motor, Diesel, and Aviation Fuels” 1973-74 American Society for Testing and Materials 1916 Race St., Philadelphia
- Johnson R. T. Riley R. K. “Evaluation of Methyl Alcohol as a Vehicle Fuel Extender” Final Report for Department of Transportation contract: DOT-OS-40104 1975
- Wigg E. E. Lunt R. S. “Methanol as a Gasoline Extender - Fuel Economy, Emissions, and High Temperature Driveability” SAE Paper 741008 Oct. 1974
- Ingamells J. C. Lindquist R. H. “Methanol as a Motor Fuel or a Gasoline Blending Component” SAE Paper 750123 Feb. 1975
- Stivender D. L. “Development of a Fuel Based Mass Emission Measurement Procedure” SAE Paper 710604 June 1971
- Colucci J. M. “Methanol and Methanol-Gasoline Blends as Automotive Fuels” Proceedings of the EPA Conference on Alternate Fuels-Research-Combustion Research Ann Arbor, Mich. Oct. 1974
- Harrington J. A. Pilot R. M. “Combustion and Emissions Characteristics of Methanol” SAE Paper 750420 Jan. 1975
- Most W. J. Longwell J. P. “Single-Cylinder Engine Evaluation of Methanol-Improved Energy Economy and Reduced NO x ” SAE Paper 750119 Feb. 1975
- Ebersole G. D. Manning F. S. “Engine Performance and Exhaust Emissions: Methanol versus Isooctane” SAE Paper 720692 Aug. 1972
- Ninomiya J. S. Golovy A. Labana S. S. “Effect of Methanol on Exhaust Composition of a Fuel Containing Toluene, n-Heptane, and Isooctane” Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association 20 5 May 1970
- Jackson M. W. “Exhaust Hydrocarbon and Nitrogen Oxide Concentrations with an Ethyl Alcohol-Gasoline Fuel” SAE Special Publication No. 254 June 1964
- Canton E. J. Lestz S. S. Meyer W. E. “Lean Combustion of Methanol-Gasoline Blends in a Single Cylinder SI Engine” SAE Paper No. 750698 June 1975