The University of Tennessee Methanol Corsica - Engineering for Low Emissions, High Performance

The University of Tennessee's methanol (M85) fueled Corsica won both the 1989 Methanol Marathon and the 1990 Methanol Challenge Competitions. The more rigorous 1990 Methanol Challenge offered an opportunity for the student team to get significant evaluations of their conversion concepts.

This paper describes the approach taken by the winning team that resulted in an overall first place finish, best acceleration, lowest emissions, best rally fuel economy, and a tie for best overall fuel economy. The Tennessee vehicle achieved total aldehyde emissions results that are comparable to its gasoline-fueled counterparts. Data on fuel economy, acceleration, and emissions are included.

The results suggest that careful implementation of turbocharging coupled with appropriate drivetrain modifications can have beneficial effects on acceleration and fuel economy with no adverse effects on emissions. In addition, strategically controlled air injection may be an effective method to control aldehydes from methanol-fueled engines.