Comparison of Ethanol and Methanol Blending with Gasoline Using Engine Simulation

Abstract

During the last years, concerns regarding climate change, decline of energy security, and hydrocarbon reserves have resulted in a wide interest in renewable alternative sources for transportation fuels. Methanol and ethanol have been possible candidates as alternative fuels for the internal combustion engines because they are liquid and have several physi-cal and combustion properties which resemble those of gasoline. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop the one-dimensional model of a gasoline engine for predicting the effect of various fuel types on engine performances, specific fuel consumption, and emis - sions. Commercial software AVL BOOST was used to examine the engine characteristics for different blends of methanol, ethanol, and gasoline (by volume). A comparison was made between the results gained from the engine simulation of different fuel blends and those of gasoline. They show that when blended fuel was used, the engine brake power decreased and the BSFC increased compared to those of gasoline fuel. When blended fuel increases, the CO and HC emissions decrease, and there is a major increase in NOx emissions when blended fuel increases up to 30% M30 (E30). Increase in the percentage of ethanol and methanol leads to a significant increase in NOx emissions.