Performance characteristics of methanol-diesel blends in ci engines

Abstract EN

Owing to the energy crisis and pollution problems of today, investigations have concentrated on decreasing fuel consumption and on lowering the concentration of toxic components in combustion products by using non-petroleum, renewable, sustainable and non-polluting fuels.

While conventional energy sources such as natural gas, oil and coal are non-renewable, alcohol can be coupled to renewable and sustainable energy sources.

In this study, the combustion characteristics of diesel fuel and methanol blends were compared.

The tests were performed at steady state conditions in a four-cylinder DI diesel engine at full load at 1500-rpm engine speed.

The experimental results showed that diesel methanol blends provided 12.7 % increase in brake-specific fuel consumption due to its lower heating value.

The results indicated that methanol may be blended with diesel fuel to be used without any modification on the engine.