Single cylinder spark ignition engine study of the octane, emissions, and fuel economy characteristics of methanol--gasoline blends
A two phase test program was carried out on a single cylinder, fuel research engine (CFR) to determine the octane, emissions, and fuel economy characteristics of methanol-gasoline blends. The first phase of the work was an evaluation of the octane characteristics of methanol blended with unleaded gasoline. Blends ranging from 2% to 100% by volume methanol for four different base gasolines were knock rated. A simplified mathematical model of the results was developed to aid in comparing the effects of methanol on the octane ratings of the various base fuels. The results indicate that methanol can substantially increase both the Research and Motor Ratings of a relatively low octane unleaded gasoline. The second phase of the test program was an evaluation of the emissions and fuel economy of a 10% by volume blend of methanol with two base fuels in the single cylinder engine. Clear Indolene and a 95 RON commercial gasoline were used for these tests. The results for the Indolene blend are presented since both fuels behaved in a similar manner. Where differences did exist appropriate comments are included. General conclusions were that a blend of 10% methanol and gasoline demonstrated no significant change in the emissions or energy efficiency over the gasoline fueled engine when operated at equivalent conditions. Under some operating conditions, the addition of methanol could increase the octane rating of the base fuel. This increase could conceivably be enough to reduce knock problems in some vehicles.
- OSTI ID:
- 7278977
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-750264-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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ALCOHOLS
ANTIKNOCK RATINGS
AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
DISPERSIONS
ENGINES
EXHAUST GASES
FUEL ECONOMY
FUELS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASOLINE
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
METHANOL
MIXTURES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES
TESTING
USES
WASTES