Browse Topic: Alternative fuels

Items (8,427)
Brazil PL8 regulation has required that manufacturers comply with new emissions levels for all of vehicle life – 0 km up to 160.000 km. On this study, tests found that results between new and used vehicles are remarkably similar except for Aldehydes on Ethanol tests. To better understand this phenomena, two main ideas were considered: first, the engine mileage needed to stabilize aldehydes emissions; and second, the main factors responsible for higher acetaldehyde values on new engines only.
Fernandes, SarahBorsari, MarcioBrondani, Dhouglas
In alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s 2023 GHG Strategy and the Paris Agreement, this study investigates the viability of ternary blends of marine diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol as low-emission marine fuels. While previous studies have established the physicochemical behavior and storage stability of such blends, particularly the co-solvency role of biodiesel to prevent phase separation, limited data exists on their combustion performance under engine-relevant conditions. This work addresses this gap through a series of controlled experiments conducted in a Rapid Compression Machine (RCM), which enables the approximate a single-cycle combustion in a compression ignition engine. The tested blends included varying proportions of ethanol (up to 20% in volume) in a blend of fossil fuel with 25% of biodiesel (25%), and their combustion were evaluated across different injection timings. Key performance metrics such as ignition delay, maximum temperature and pressure
Lobato, Maria Letícia CostaSánchez, Fernando ZegarraTicona, Epifanio MamaniPradelle, Renata Nohra ChaarBraga, Sergio LealCoelho, Lucas Dos SantosPradelle, Florian
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Coelho, Gabriella VilelaAlvarez, Carlos Eduardo CastillaRibeiro, Jessica Oliveira Notório
Particulate matter (PM), mainly its finer fraction, is among the main atmospheric pollutants present in an urban environment. The relationship between the increase in the concentration of this pollutant and the harm to human health is well established. The main sources of particulate matter in urban areas are mobile sources, which include the exhaust emission from light duty vehicles. This work measured the emission of PM in three light duty passenger vehicles, characterizing it in terms of emitted mass in one “flex” vehicle with port fuel (indirect) injection (PFI), using ethanol and gasohol (mixture of 22% anhydrous ethanol and 78% gasoline, by volume), in another “flex” vehicle with direct fuel injection (GDI), and in a diesel vehicle. In addition to mass measurement, images of the filters used in PM sampling were produced using scanning electron microscopy. The processing of these images made it possible to determine the average PM size, as well as establish a particle size
Borsari, VanderleiNeto, Edson Elpídiode Abrantes, Rui
Growing interest in cleaner energy has spurred progress in engine technology, focusing on greater efficiency and lower emissions. Methane-based fuels, like compressed natural gas (CNG), have become an alternative for spark-ignition engines, especially in Brazil. Among performance strategies, dethrottled operation stands out by reducing intake restrictions and minimizing pumping losses, a major inefficiency in conventional spark ignition engines. This improves thermal efficiency and reduces both fuel consumption and emissions. This study experimentally examines the performance and combustion of a CNG-powered Hyundai HR 2.5 16V engine, converted from diesel to spark ignition with natural gas, comparing factory (omega) and custom (reentrant) piston geometries under both conventional and dethrottled modes. The research evaluates how piston design affects combustion stability, efficiency, and emissions across different load strategies. Tests were conducted at 7, 8, and 9 bar loads, as well
Silva, Cristian Douglas Rosa daGarlet, Roberto AntonioDapper, Jackson MayerFagundez, Jean Lucca SouzaLanzanova, Thompson Diórdinis MetzkaMartins, Mario Eduardo Santos
The road transport mode is predominant in Brazil, representing more than 50% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy sector [1]. Currently, trucks use internal compression combustion engine (ICCE) with fuel Diesel as propulsion, considering the reference for technical and economic studies for alternative propulsions such as: electrification or hydrogen (H2) as fuel. Both technologies are extremely important to achieve the goals defined by Brazilian nationally determined contribution (NDC) (commitment to Paris agreement target) to avoid climate changes catastrophic issues due climate temperature risk to exceed 2°C. In addition, several companies have announced sustainability compromises to contribute with reduction of GHG emissions in scopes 1,2 and 3, focusing on Environmental, Social and governance (ESG), where road transportation has a larger contribution to achieving the target. Contran Resolution (CR) n° 882/2021 defines the maximum weights and dimensions of vehicles to be
Ferreira, Bruno FranciscoOliveira Da Silva, Laura de
In recent decades, interest in alternative fuels has grown exponentially. Hydrogen has been researched as total or partial substitutes for gasoline in light vehicles, showing great potential. However, this fuel has unique characteristics and properties that can bring improvements or limitations in engine performance. Therefore, a quick analysis of the pressure and HRR curve can highlight changes in combustion and performance. To this end, the aim of this work is to develop a visual interface generated by MATLAB capable of showing the performance parameters of a spark ignition engine when using hydrogen as fuel, initially. This graphic interface is supported with a zero-dimensional model based on the Wiebe function and Woschni correlation to estimating the pressure and HRR values. The interface is designed to receive operating conditions and geometry of the engine, as well as combustion angles. From the information entered, it is possible to visualize mass fraction burned, heat transfer
Rincon, Alvaro Ferney AlgarraAlvarez, Carlos Eduardo CastillaOliveira Notório Ribeiro, Jéssica
The aviation sector currently accounts for 2-3% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, while the projected increased air travel demand (average 3.4% per year), might surge the aviation fuel use. This increase in jet fuel demand, associated with the current decarbonization pathway of other sectors might increase the aviation’s absolute emissions, as well as its relative global GHG share. This scenario has driven the aviation stakeholders into a decarbonization strategy, focused on an immediate and gradual GHG reduction effort associated with a net-zero commitment by 2050. Meanwhile, the aviation sector is known as one that set most difficulties to use alternative fuels and/or powertrains, such as battery electric or sustainable hydrogen fueled propulsion systems, already used on some road and rail applications, but still restricted to the aviation, due to the inherent weight and volume tight requirements. In this context, the sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are set as the most
Barbosa, Fábio Coelho
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Assis, GuilhermeSánchez, Fernando ZegarraPradelle, Renata Nohra ChaarBraga, Sergio LealTicona, Epifanio MamaniSouza Junior, JorgePradelle, Florian
The transition to renewable fuels is critical to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality in the transportation sector. Ethanol has emerged as a promising biofuel for compression ignition (CI) engines due to its renewability and low-carbon profile. However, its low cetane number, high latent heat of vaporization, poor lubricity, and corrosive properties severely limit its auto-ignition capability and durable operation under conventional CI conditions. Building upon previous work using a Rapid Compression Machine (RCM) to assess ignition improvers for ethanol, this study explores a broader range of fuel formulations to enhance ethanol-based combustion. A total of nine blends were prepared, consisting predominantly of hydrated ethanol (50-80% by volume), combined with 5-25% biodiesel and up to 5% of a commercial ignition improvers. The biodiesel component acted both as a co-solvent and as a combustion stabilizer, particularly under cold-start conditions. Tests were
Bacic, Denise AmatoSánchez, Fernando ZegarraTicona, Epifanio MamaniPradelle, Renata Nohra ChaarSantos Coelho, Lucas dosMota, Crislane Almeida Pereira daPradelle, Florian
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Assis, Marcelo Suman SilvaPaula Araújo, Gabriel Heleno deBaeta, José Guilherme CoelhoAbreu, Pedro Blaso Barbosa deFilho, Fernando Antonio Rodrigues
The increasing demand for reduced emissions in the automotive sector has driven research into alternative fuels, including Diesel, Biodiesel, and ethanol blends. This study aims to optimize mixing rules to predict the physicochemical properties of ternary fuel blends, essential for improving engine performance and minimizing emissions. Seven established mixing rules—Kay’s Equation, Semilogarithmic Equation, Grunberg-Nissan Equation, Modified Lederer Equation, Hu-Burns Equation, Power Law, and Polynomial Equation—were evaluated to estimate key properties such as kinematic viscosity, cetane number, cetane index, flash point, pour point, and cloud point. A comprehensive database, sourced from previous literature, included pure fuel properties and blend data for 33 to 101 cases. MATLAB was used to implement nonlinear optimization, adjusting coefficients to minimize error metrics like Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Standard Deviation (SD). The physical
Tirado, Carlos Andrés AbantoLobato, Maria Letícia CostaPassos, Sthefany FaberPradelle, Renata Nohra ChaarPradelle, Florian
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Siqueira, Caio Henrique MoreiraÁzara, Luiz Eduardo MartinsRibeiro, José Vitor PuttiniSoares, Gabriel FariaSilva, Fábio MoreiraAlvarez, Carlos Eduardo Castilla
Flex-fueled vehicles (FFV) dominate the Brazilian market, accounting for over 75% of the national fleet. Ethanol fuel is widely used, primarily in the form of hydrated ethyl alcohol fuel (HEAF). Given the similar physicochemical properties of ethanol and methanol, fuel adulteration is a growing concern, often involving the addition of anhydrous ethanol, methanol, or even water to hydrated ethanol. These adulterants are visually imperceptible and can only be detected through analyses conducted by regulatory agencies using specialized instruments. However, they can significantly affect vehicle performance and accelerate engine component deterioration. The experiment was performed with a small displacement 3-cylinder port fuel injection flex-fuel engine on an engine test bench (dynamometer) and compared when fueled with ethanol and methanol. Data acquisition included combustion pressure, spark plug temperature, torque, air-fuel ratio, fuel flow, spark maps, and the overall effects of
Mascarenhas, Giovana RebellatoGomes, EdersonCruz, DiegoDuque, Edson Luciano
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Apaza, Jerson Bequer UrdayPradelle, FlorianBraga, Sergio LealSánchez, Fernando ZegarraGuzman, Juan Jose Milon
This study presents a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of urban buses powered by Diesel S10 with three fuel blends: B7 (7% biodiesel), B15 (15% biodiesel), and B100 (100% biodiesel). Employing a well-to-wheel approach, the analysis covers the extraction, production, distribution, and use of the fuels, as well as vehicle manufacturing and maintenance. The environmental impacts were quantified using the CML-IA and ReCiPe 2016 (Midpoint and Endpoint) methods. Results indicate that B100 significantly reduces Global Warming Potential, yet exhibits higher impacts in eutrophication, abiotic depletion, and ecotoxicity. Sensitivity analysis regarding vehicle occupancy revealed greater variability for B100. In conclusion, the optimal fuel choice depends on the prioritization of specific impact categories, providing insights for sustainable transportation policies.
Cavaliero, Carla Kazue NakaoBarboza, Franciele AlvesSeabra, Joaquim Eugênio AbelFerreira, Marcela CravoCarpoviki, Renan SiqueiraCruz, Robson Ferreira
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Rodrigues, Jônatas SoaresMoreira, Thiago Augusto AraújoSouza Pereira, Felipe Augusto deCastro, Daniel Enrique
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