Impact of denatured anhydrous ethanol–gasoline fuel blends on a spark-ignition engine

Abstract

Alcohols are a potential alternative fuel because of their renewable bio-based sources. Since the nineteenth century alcohols have been used as an alternative fuel in gasoline engines. Investigations into performance and emissions relating to the use of denatured anhydrous ethanol (DAE) (94.8% ethanol + 5% methanol + 0.2% water) blends with gasoline are discussed in this paper. Tests were carried out at half throttle and under variable speed conditions for a speed range of 1000 to 4000 rpm with various blends of DAE–gasoline fuel on a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine. It was observed that DAE has a significant positive effect on the performance of the gasoline engine. The results showed that blending gasoline with DAE slightly increases the torque, brake power, volumetric efficiency and brake power with higher brake specific fuel consumption. In addition, DAE reduces CO, HC and NOx emission. In terms of investigated parameters, up to 50% blends with gasoline have been found to be a promising fuel for gasoline engines.