Comparison of the emission potential of renewable fuels in mono- and bi-fuel systems from the point of view of a car fleet in an incoming circular economy

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate the most effective approach to reduce the emissions of a SI-engine while using a limited amount of renewable fuel. In this study, the renewable fuels ethanol, methanol, 2-ethoxy-2-methylpropane (ETBE), acetone, and dimethylformamide (DMF) were investigated with various fixed admixture rates and with a fully variable on-board fuel mixture (Smart-Fuel concept). One result of the study is that for a Smart-Fuel concept using methanol a reduction in CO₂ emissions of approx. 12.5% and a reduction in particulate emissions of approx. 60% can be achieved, when considering an entire car fleet. In terms of engine efficiency, as well as particulate emissions, the pure substances, except DMF, achieved significant improvements compared to standard gasoline. Compared with the pure substances, the Smart-Fuel concept achieved lower advantages; however, it used significantly less scarcely available renewable fuel in the process. Based on the limited availability of renewable fuels within the first stages of a circular economy, the Smart-Fuel concept proves to be a very efficient transition technology to achieve the CO₂ reduction targets. The Smart-Fuel concept only uses renewable fuel when it is worthwhile in terms of efficiency or emissions. Predefined fuel blends in a mono-fuel concept offer much less reduction potential in terms of emissions than the Smart-Fuel concept. However, with respect to particulate raw emissions, especially for moderate mixing rates significantly increased particle emissions are sometimes observed, despite the overall very good performance of the pure substances.