A Comparative Study of Methanol-Gasoline Blends on Performance and Emissions on BS-IV and BS-VI Class of Two Wheeler Vehicles

Methanol, a fuel obtainable through the capture and conversion of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), has garnered attention as a suitable alternative fuel for gasoline. Methanol-gasoline blends, characterized by their high-octane rating, commendable performance, and reduced carbon emissions, present themselves as promising alternative fuels for internal combustion engines. In the present study, a comprehensive comparative analysis was conducted to assess the performance and emissions characteristics of unmodified vehicles utilizing methanol blends at lower concentrations, ranging up to 30%, in gasoline. The research focused on two distinct classes of vehicles commonly found on the roads of India: those compliant with BS-IV (Euro IV) and BS-VI (Euro VI) emission standards. Experimental evaluations were carried out on a chassis dynamometer, with the vehicles subjected to the Worldwide Harmonized Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC) and Wide open throttle (WOT) driving tests. The emissions from these vehicles were meticulously collected and subjected to detailed analysis to assess the key performance and emission parameters. It was observed that the methanol blends are suitable for BS-IV vehicles without any modifications; however, the BS-VI vehicles need the ECU models to be recalibrated for their adoption of methanol blends.