A Thermodynamic Simulation Model for a Methanol Fueled Spark Ignition Engine

A thermodynamic simulation model for the 4-stroke cycle of a single cylinder spark ignition engine operating on neat methanol is described in this paper. The development of the model for all the processes is illustrated. It computes the gas pressure, gas temperature and the rate of formation of nitric oxide and carbon monoxide at each crank angle using basic energy equation and reaction kinetic mechanism. A gas exchange model has been formulated by finite difference scheme to evaluate the mass flow rate through valves and the properties in the intake and exhaust systems. The validation of the above model has been carried out by comparing the predicted and experimental data at different operating conditions encompassing changes in fuel-air equivalence ratio, speed, load, spark timing and compression ratio. The special characteristics of methanol such as rapid burning rate, high power output and reduced nitric oxide emissions have been truthfully predicted by the model.