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A state-of-knowledge review of the emissions effects of methanol vehicles

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7024616

This paper characterizes the state of knowledge of the emission effects of methanol vehicles. The results of more than 50 recent tests of methanol in single vehicles and small fleets are synthesized. Test results are presented for vehicles powered by spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines fueled by methanol blends or neat methanol. To provide a comprehensive assessment of the emissions characteristics of methanol vehicles, the test results are supplemented by recent estimates by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the emission effects of these vehicles. At least six different methanol utilization concepts in compression-ignition engines have been studied. Test results suggest that at the current stage of engine development, HC and CO emissions may increase with methanol, NO/sub x/ and particulate emissions are generally lower, and engine-out aldehydes are greatly increased. Continued evaluation of methanol vehicle emissions is clearly required, because most of the emissions data published to date have been obtained from non-optimized methanol engines. 12 refs., 5 tabs.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
7024616
Report Number(s):
CONF-881138-2; ON: DE89000535
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English