Development and Optimization of Alcohol Fueled SI-Engines for Passenger Cars for the Brasilian Market

During the last four years FIAT AUTO has cooperated with AVL in the development of three generations of ethanol vehicles for the Brasilian market for current, 1992 and 1997 Brasilian emission standards. This paper deals with

• suitability of ethanol as SI-engine fuel
• combustion system development and calibration strategies for 1992 lean burn engines and 1997 TWC-concepts
• transient and warm up development
• single fuel cold start systems
• TWC emission control requirements
• vehicle performance, fuel economy, emissions with and w/o catalyst.

The paper shows that the concepts chosen allow calibrations with sufficient margin with respect to emission standards. Cold start and driveability can be developed for single fuel operation down to 0 deg. C. Vehicle driveability and performance are on a competitive level. For aldehyde control the TWC is a very good solution. Application problems with TWC can occur if the catalyst is located remote from the engine.