Title: Comparison and optimization of emission efficiency and power of five automotive fuels in one engine

Authors: H.C. Watson, E.E. Milkins

Addresses: Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia

Abstract: A CFR engine has been operated on iso-octane, propane, methane, methanol and hydrogen over an extensive range of compression ratio, inlet pressure and temperature, engine speed, mixture strength and spark timing. Torque, efficiency and HC, CO and NO, emissions were measured. Selection of optimum operating conditions allowed the fuels to be ranked in terms of efficiency and power potential. Hydrogen offers best efficiency and lowest emissions over most of the range of conditions investigated. Methanol shows highest specific output potential. Methane can be operated at thermal efficiencies 20 to 30% greater than iso-octane, whilst maintaining the same power output as iso-octane.

Keywords: HC emissions; CO emissions; NOx emissions; iso-octane; propane; methane; methanol; hydrogen; engine performance; CFR engine; combustion; exhaust gas analysis; compression ratio; brake mean effective pressure; brake thermal efficiency; spark retard; spark timing; fuel thermal efficiency; vehicle emissions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1982.061291

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1982 Vol.3 No.4, pp.463 - 476

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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