Title: Comparative performance of spark ignition engine using blends of various methanol percentages with low octane number gasoline

Authors: J. Yamin, M. Abu-Zaid, O. Badran

Addresses: FET, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. ' Mechanical Engineering Department, Mu'tah University, Al-karak, Jordan. ' FET, Mechanical Engineering Department, Al-Balqa' Applied University, Amman, Jordan

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of methanol addition to low octane number gasoline, in terms of calorific value, octane number, compression ratio at knocking and engine performance. Locally produced gasoline (octane number = 87) was blended with five different percentages of methanol, namely 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% on volume basis. The properties of the respective fuel blends were first determined. Then they were tested in an engine. It was found that the octane number of gasoline increases continuously and linearly with methanol percentages in gasoline. Hence, methanol is an effective compound for increasing the value of the octane number of gasoline. Also, it was found that the engine performance improves as the percentage of methanol increases in the blend within the range studied.

Keywords: gasoline fuel; methanol; engine performance; low octane number; alternative fuels; spark ignition engines; knocking; fuel blends.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2005.006872

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2005 Vol.23 No.3, pp.336 - 344

Published online: 19 Apr 2005 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article