Investigation of hydrogen addition to methanol-gasoline blends in an SI engine

In this study, effects of hydrogen-addition on the performance and emission characteristics of Methanol-Gasoline blends in a spark ignition (SI) engine were investigated. Experiments were conducted with a four-cylinder and four stroke spark ignition engine. Performance tests were performed via measuring brake thermal efficiency, brake specific fuel consumption, cylinder pressure and exhaust emissions (CO, CO2, HC, NOx). These performance metrics were analyzed under three engine load conditions (no load, 50% and 100%) with a constant speed of 2000 rpm. Methanol was added to the gasoline up to 15% by volume (5%, 10% and 15%). Besides, hydrogen was added to methanol-gasoline mixtures up to 15% by volume (3%, 6%, 9% and 15%). Results of this study showed that methanol addition increases BSFC by 26% and decreases thermal efficiency by 10.5% compared to the gasoline. By adding hydrogen to the methanol - gasoline mixtures, the BSFC decreased by 4% and the thermal efficiency increased by 2% compared to the gasoline. Hydrogen addition to methanol gasoline mixtures reduces exhaust emissions by about 16%, 75% and 15% of the mean average values of HC, CO and CO2 emissions, respectively. Lastly, it was concluded that hydrogen addition improves combustion process; CO and HC emissions reduce as a result of the leaning effect caused by the methanol addition; and CO2 and NOx emission increases because of the improved combustion. (C) 2018 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.