Water-Gasoline Fuels-Their Effect on Spark Ignition Engine Emissions and Performance

Single-cylinder engine tests, an analytical engine cycle simulation, and automobile tests were employed to study the effects of supplementing gasoline with water for use in spark ignition engines. Factors examined include: the method of water addition (both water-in-gasoline emulsions and direct manifold water addition), antiknock characteristics with water addition, MBT spark requirement, indicated engine efficiency, engine cooling requirement, exhaust emissions, volumetric efficiency, lean operating limit, smoke level, exhaust temperature, and vehicle driveability. Among the negative aspects of water addition were increased hydrocarbon emissions and decreased vehicle driveability. Also, the polyoxyethylene type of emulsifier used in the water-in-gasoline emulsions, gave poor fuel stability and caused a rapid buildup of engine deposits. However on the positive side, water-gasoline fuels have higher octane ratings and decrease nitric oxide emissions.