The Use of Ethanol as a Fuel for Compression Ignition Engines

The combustion of ethanol in compression ignition engines reveals some attractive properties of this fuel, e.g. low black smoke, NO_x, and hydrocarbon emissions. These results are confirmed by theoretical examination of the diesel combustion process. The direct use of ethanol in CI engines is enabled by ignition improvers, a variety of which is discussed in terms of their effectiveness, working mechanism, exhaust emissions, and economy. Vehicle tests over more than 1 million kilometers showed, among other favourable results, good fuel economy and low engine wear, but also ethanol-fuel-caused corrosion problems. Future development work will enable a further rise in specific power output and a reduction in fuel costs and could also open up possibilities of using ethanol derivatives as fuels for diesel engines.