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Int. j. eng. sci., Vol(3), No (4), April, 2014. pp.

25-32

TI Journals

ISSN:

International Journal of Engineering Sciences

2306-6474

www.tijournals.com

Copyright 2014. All rights reserved for TI Journals.

Experimental Investigation on the Performance and Combustion


Characteristics of a Gasoline Engine run with Ethanol Blend
T. Shanmuga Vadivel *
Professor, Annamalai University, India.

C. G. Saravanan
Professor, Annamalai University, India.

P. Balashanmugam
Assistant Professor, Annamalai University, India.
*Corresponding author: vadivel_ts@yahoo.com

Keywords

Abstract

Alcohol-gasoline blends
Ethanol
Engine performance
Gasoline engine
Emission

Internal combustion engine are the most preferred prime mover across the world. Spark ignition engine is
preferred locomotive prime mover due to its smooth operation and low maintains. The gasoline is fossil fuel
which is limited in reservoirs causes varieties of study in search of alternative fuel for SI engine, where
alcohol promises best alternative fuel. Studies on alternative fuels are important due to the worldwide
depletion and accelerated exploitation of oil reserves. In this study, experiments were conducted to study the
performance, emission, and specific fuel consumption of a spark ignition (SI) engine using ethanol based
fuels. Experiments were carried out in three different stages. In the first phase, base reading was obtained
using gasoline. In the other two phases, the engine performance was studied by blending of ethanol with
gasoline in different percentage. The results of various blends have been compared with that of the gasoline.
A number of tests are conducted in a SI engine using different fuel mix ratios. To validate the result, the
trials are repeated two times. The engine works at a fixed full load, but at different speeds, i.e., 2000rpm,
2400rpm, 2600rpm, 2800rpm and 3000rpm. The performance, specific fuel consumption, and the emission
characteristics of exhaust gases of the engine are analyzed and compared. The reduction in engine soot
emission has been observed to increase with the increase of ethanol percentage in the fuel blend. The effect
of ethanol addition to gasoline on oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbon, exhaust gas temperature, and thermal
efficiency has been experimentally investigated. The goal of this work is to study the engine performance
when ethanolgasoline blends are used.

1.

Introduction

Today, almost every aspect of modern living possesses potential health risks. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the places where we
live and work in may be contaminated with toxic substances or chemical additives. This is in addition to UV light present in sunshine. Some of
our habits, such as cigarette smoking, are clearly related to an eased occurrence of lungs cancer. The adverse effects of chemical pollutants in
the environment are not limited to ourselves, but may be passed on to future generations by way of genetic mutations, birth-defects, inherited
diseases, and so on. Pollution may be defined as the excessive discharge or addition of undesirable substances or unwanted foreign matters into
the environment, there by adversely altering the natural quality of the environment, and causing damage to human, plants or animal life or it may
unreasonably interfere with the comfortable of life or the conduct of business.
The term pollutant is normally applied to any substance added to the environment in a sufficient concentration to have a measurable effect on
humans, animals, vegetation, or building materials. The atmosphere is about 150 km thick. However, more than half of its total weight is
concentrated in the troposphere, which is just up to 6.4 km about the earth. The upper portion is called the stratosphere. The troposphere has
clouds of water vapour and a considerable movement of air, due to temperature variation. The air pollution concerns mainly the state of the
troposphere. The air pollution may be defined at the excessive discharge of undesirable foreign substances into the atmospheric air, there by
adversely affecting the quality of air, and causing damage to human, plants and animal lives.
With the rapid development of the industry and society, the requirement of fossil fuels is growing higher and higher, so there is great anxiety
about the shortage of energy because of finite reserves or other political reasons (such as petroleum crisis and the Persian Gulf War). Besides
designing more efficient engines to save fuel, we need to look for other energy sources to completely or partially substitute the fuels we are
suing at present. Then the demand and dependence on fossil fuels can be lowered. Furthermore, environmental protection issues have been
emphasized around the word in recent years, so it is urgent to find some clean and suitable alternative fuels to meet environmental needs. In
alcohols, methanol and ethanol are used most often as fuels and fuel additives.
F.N. Alasfour (1997) investigated the effect of using a 30% iso-butanol blend on NOx emission in a spark ignition engine. It was observed that
by using the 30% iso-butanol blend the maximum level of NOx emission is reduced by 9% compared to gasoline and the reduction of NOx level
was evident in the rich region. Preheating inlet air from 40-60C causes the level of NOx to increase by about 10%.

T. Shanmuga Vadivel *, C. G. Saravanan, P. Balashanmugam

26

International Journal of Engineering Sciences Vol(3), No (4), April, 2014.

Filizkara osmanoglu et al., (2000) introduced molasses fuels oil as an innovative blending agent for methanol gasoline fuels and investigates it
effects on phase-separation temperature. The result obtained in this study suggests that a byproduct of methanol production process may be used
effectively in solving the phase separation problem of the methanol gasoline fuels.
M. Al. Hasan (2001) investigated the effect of using unleaded gasoline-ethanol blend on SI engine. Performance tests were conducted and
emissions were analyzed at three fourth throttle opening position and variable engine speed ranging from 1000 4000 rpm. The CO and HC
emissions contributions in the engine exhaust decreases, while CO2 concentration increases. The 20 % volume ethanol in fuel blend gives best
results for all measured parameters at all engine.
Fikret yuksel et al., (2003) investigated the SI engine by using ethanol-gasoline blend 60% ethanol and 40% gasoline blend was exploited to test
performance, the fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Experimental results indicated that torque output of engine increased slightly, CO
and HC emissions decreased dramatically and CO2 emission increased because of improved combustion.
MA Ceviz, F. Yuket (2004) investigated the effects of using ethanol-unleaded gasoline blends as a fuel decreased coefficient of variation in
indicated mean effective pressure and CO and HC emissions. The 10% volume ethanol in fuel blend gave the best result.
Toyga Topgul et al., (2005) investigated the effects of using ethanol unleaded gasoline blends on Hydra (single cylinder) SI engine at constant
speed of 2000 rpm and at wide open throttle. The results showed that blending unleaded gasoline with ethanol slightly increased the brake
torque and decreased CO and HC emissions. It was also found that blending with ethanol allows increasing compression ratio without knock
occurrence.
Can Cinar et al., (2005) investigated that SI engine by using ethanol-gasoline blends on SI engine with variation of compression ratio and
concluded that with increase in the compression ratio up to 11:1 engine torque increased with E0 fuel at 2000 rpm engine speed.
Liu Shengua et al (2006) studied spark ignition engine fueled with methanol, gasoline fuel blends without any retrofit of engine, and experiments
show that the engine power and torque will decrease with increase fraction of methanol in fuel blends and wide open throttle (WOT) conditions.
If spark ignition timing is advanced, the engine power and torque can be improved under WOT conditions. From this study it can be concluded
that low fraction methanol/gasoline blend can be used in SI engines without any modifications. The fuel blend has slightly lowered the engine
power and torque while increases the engine brake thermal efficiency. The most interesting things is that methanol addition to gasoline
improves the SI engines cold start and lower CO and HC emissions significantly
H. Serdar Yucesu et al., (2006) performed the test by varying the ignition timing, relative air fuel ratio (RAFR) and compression ratio at a
constant speed of 2000 rpm and at wide open throttle in a ethanol-unleaded gasoline blends fuelled SI engine. They concluded that maximum
torque was obtained at 0.9 RAFR for all test fuels for both compression ration 8:1 ad 10:1. The engine torque is higher than sole fuel.

2.

Fuel Preparation

From the literature review much research work has been carried out with ethanol. In this study the Dioxine are added to the blended ethanol to
improve the fuel quality. The preparations of different gasoline blends with additives on volume basis are given below.

Table 1: Preparation of test fuels


Gasoline

Ethanol

Dioxine

E25+A2.5

Fuel blends

72.5

25

2.5

E30+A5

65

30

E35+A7.5

57.5

35

7.5

E40+A10
Sole Fuel

50
100

40
-------

10
-------

2.1 Gasoline
Gasoline or gasoline is a gasolineeum-derived liquid mixture consisting mostly of aliphatic hydrocarbons, enhanced with iso-octane or the
aromatic hydrocarbons Dioxine and benzene to increase its octane rating, and is primarily used as fuel in internal combustion engines. Most
Commonwealth countries or former Commonwealth countries, with the exception of Canada, use the term "gasoline" (abbreviated from
gasolineeum spirit). The term "gasoline" is commonly used in North America where it is often shortened in colloquial usage to "gas". This
should be distinguished in usage from genuinely gaseous fuels used in internal combustion engines such as liquefied gasolineeum gas (which is
stored pressurized as a liquid but is allowed to return naturally to a gaseous state before combustion). The term mogas, short for motor gasoline,
distinguishes automobile fuel from aviation gasoline, or avgas. The word "gasoline" can also be used in British English to refer to a different
gasolineeum derivative historically used in lamps, but this use is now uncommon.

27

Experimental Investigation on the Performance and Combustion Characteristics of a Gasoline Engine run with Ethanol Blend
International Journal of Engineering Sciences Vol(3), No (4), April, 2014.

2.2. Methanol
Methanol was first produced from pyrolysis of wood many organic materials, resulting in its common English name of wood alcohol. Pyrolysis
is the thermal decomposition of organic materials in a low-oxygen environment. Both methanol and ethanol burn at lower temperatures than
gasoline, and both are volatile, making engine starting in cold weather difficult. Using methanol as a fuel in spark ignition engines it can offer an
increased thermal efficiency and increased power output compared with gasoline due to its high octane rating and high heat of vaporization. Mud
racers have mixed methanol with gasoline and nitrous oxide to produce more power than gasoline and nitrous oxide alone. Methanol is a
traditional ingredient in methylated spirit or denatured alcohol

2.3 Additives
Bio additive is a secondary alcohol, formula C6H11OH, consisting of a bio additive ring with one hydrogen substituent replaced by a hydroxyl
group. It can be oxidized to bio additive by chromic acid (formed by dissolving sodium dichromate in water and concentrated sulfuric
acid).[citation needed] The oxidation will stop at bio additive, as a stronger oxidizing agent is required to break the carbon bond.

Table 2: Tested best blend properties (Distillation range)


Initial boiling point C

42

Recovery up to 70 C

29 %

Recovery up to 100 C

64 %

Recovery up to 180 C

94 %

Final boiling point C

180

Residue %

0.78

Sulphur %

0.0087

Lead

nil

Flash point C

-38

Fire point C

-32

Gross calorific value kJ/kg

48223

(Source: ITALAB Pvt. Ltd., Industrial testing and analytical Laboratories Chennai 01)

3.

Experimental setup and Procedure

A vertical water cooled, twin cylinders, four strokes, Nano Engine was used for the study. The engine was coupled to an eddy current
Dynamometer for load measurement. Hydrocarbon. Carbon monoxide. Carbon dioxide and NOx emissions were measured by using AVL gas
analyzer. Experiments were carried out in three different stages. In the first phase, base reading was obtained using gasoline. In the other two
phases, the engine performance was studied by blending of ethanol with gasoline in different percentage. The results of various blends have
been compared with that of the gasoline.
3.1. Experimental Procedure
The following test was conducted on Nano engine, using gasoline and various fuel blends. The specification of nano engine is given in the table
3.

Speed test
Emission test

3.1.1.Procedure for speed test


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Check the gasoline level in the fuel tank before starting the engine.
Load, speed, temperature indicator are switched on.
Open the fuel flow to the carburetor.
The engine was started ensuring there is no load.
The engine is allowed to run at the initial speed for a period of 20 minutes to reach the steady state and then apply the required load
and speed.
Fuel consumption is measured by stop watch pressure difference is measured by manometer.
In the same way take the readings for 2000, 2400, 2600, 2800 and 3000 rpm speeds.
After taking the reading close the fuel supply and to stop the engine.

T. Shanmuga Vadivel *, C. G. Saravanan, P. Balashanmugam

28

International Journal of Engineering Sciences Vol(3), No (4), April, 2014.

3.1.2. Procedure for emission test


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Switch on the AVL gas analyzer through the electrical power supply, and also allow it to settle down for 15 minutes. Allow the
display to settle at zero readings.
Run the engine as per speed test procedure.
Hold the sample taking probe in the exhaust gas outlet for emission test then digital display will show the ridings. These readings start
increasing and at the maximum value, the values stands for few seconds and then the readings start reducing. Take the maximum
value of the reading corresponds to CO, CO2, HC and NOx.
Take out the sample taking probe from exhaust gas out and allow the display to settle at zero reading.
Repeat the same for different speeds of gasoline and blended fuel.
At the end, switch off the power supply for the exhaust gas analyzer.

3.2. Engine specification


Type

Vertical in-line petrol Engine

No of Cylinders

Bore

73.5 mm

Stroke

73.5 mm

Displacement

624cc

Compression Ratio

9.5:4

Cycle

4 Strokes

Power

12.56 kW @ 3000 rpm

Speed

2500 rpm

Orifice Dia

31.75 mm

Cooling System

Water

Loading Device

Eddy current Dynamometer

3.3 Experimental procedure for gasoline as fuel


3.3.1. Precautions
1.
2.
3.

Check the fuel level in fuel tank.


Check the water flow.
Check whether the engine is on no-load condition.

3.3.2. Procedure
The engine is started by switching the hand electric switch. The engine is allowed to run for 5 to 10 minutes to attain steady state. Then the gear
is engaged with the loading device and allowed to run for 5 minutes. The speed and load of the engine were applied. The temperature of water
inlet and outlet temperature were taken. Then the exhaust gas temperature is also measured. The gas analyzer is used to find the amount of HC
in ppm, CO in 5 by volume, CO2 in % by volume and NOx in ppm is measured. Then the water inlet temperature and outlet temperature is also
measured. The load and speed is applied they the fuel consumption is noted. Likewise the same procedure is followed and all the readings
above said are noted for all the further loads applied various speeds.

4.

Results and Discussion

The effects of methanol addition to gasoline with bio fuel additives on SI engine performance and exhaust emissions at variable engine speeds
were investigated. The variation of brake thermal efficiency with brake power for different percentage of additives of ethanol with the gasoline
as shown in figure 2. The additive of ethanol shows the brake thermal efficiency is higher than the gasoline. The brake thermal efficiency is
higher for various additives because of improves combustion efficiency. The brake thermal efficiency is based on speed and calorific value of
the engine. For E40+A10 fuel blend, the brake thermal efficiency is high at economy speed of 2800 rpm when compared with other fuel blend.
The effect of the gasoline methanol with additive blends, on the CO emissions is shown in figure 3 It can be seen that ethanol with additive
concentration increases and reduces the CO emissions. It is noted that in E40+A10 at 2600 rpm, the concentration of CO emission decreases
0.16 % by volume. The variation of CO emission for the E40+A10 is less when compared to that of the sole fuel. The reason is due to the
increase in the percentage of ethanol and Dioxine concentrations as a result to leaner combustion due to the presence of oxygen in ethanol.
Owing to the leaning, CO emissions decrease tremendously. In general, for all concentration blends CO emissions are reduced when
concentration increases.

29

Experimental Investigation on the Performance and Combustion Characteristics of a Gasoline Engine run with Ethanol Blend
International Journal of Engineering Sciences Vol(3), No (4), April, 2014.

The effect of the gasoline ethanol with additive blends on CO2 is shown in figure 4. In E35+A7.5, the CO2 value is 7.9 % by volume at 2600
rpm, which is minimum than sole fuel. It is obvious that there is significant reduction in CO 2 emissions when using ethanol blends. There is
appreciable reduction in E40+A10 this is due to the presence of maximum blend of additive in the ethanol gasoline blends.
The effect of alcohol percentage in the additives on the HC emissions is shown in the figure 5. In all the blends there is decrease in the HC
emissions at all speeds. The amount of HC emissions in all blend ratios is lower when compared to that of the sole fuel at all the speeds, it is due
to the fact that, ethanol has lower flame speed compared to sole fuel operation. As a result, less mass fraction of fuel is burnt in the case of
ethanol blends gasoline with additive. In E40+A10, the value of the HC emissions is 34 ppm at 2600 rpm which is minimum than the sole fuel.
The effect of the gasoline ethanol with additive blends on the speed versus NOx is shown in figure 6. It can be seen that ethanol gasoline
blend decreases NOx emissions. This is the main reason attributed to the properties of ethanol blends. For E40+A10 it is found that NOx level
is significantly reduced for all speeds. The percentage of reduction in NOx level ranges from 582 to 300 ppm for the E40+A10 which is slightly
lesser than other fuel blend. This indicates that they have lower heating value of ethanol than gasoline. This decreases the combustion heat
energy and lowers the combustion temperature in the cylinder. In E40+A10, the NOx value is 582 ppm at 2600 rpm which is minimum than
other samples.

Figure 7 shows the effect of gasoline ethanol with additive blends on the speed Vs O2. All the blend ratios were found to decrease the O2
emissions at all speeds. In E40+A10, the value of O2 emission is 9.28 % by volume at 2600 rpm which is maximum than the sole fuel. The
reason for the increase in oxygen content in the exhaust gas is due to the increase in ethanol and additive percentage. The effect of the gasoline
ethanol with additive blends on the exhaust gas temperature is shown in the figure 8. In sole fuel, the exhaust gas temperature is 465 C at 3000
rpm which is maximum than other fuel blend. It is obvious that there is significant improvement in the exhaust gas temperature when using
ethanol blend ratio.

Figure 1: Experimental setup

Figure 2: Engine speed Vs brake thermal efficiency

T. Shanmuga Vadivel *, C. G. Saravanan, P. Balashanmugam


International Journal of Engineering Sciences Vol(3), No (4), April, 2014.

Figure 3: Engine speed Vs CO

Figure 4: Engine speed Vs CO2

Figure 5: Engine speed Vs HC

30

31

Experimental Investigation on the Performance and Combustion Characteristics of a Gasoline Engine run with Ethanol Blend
International Journal of Engineering Sciences Vol(3), No (4), April, 2014.

Figure 6: Engine speed Vs Oxides of nitrogen

Figure 7: Engine speed Vs O2

Figure 8: Engine speed Vs Exhaust gas temperature

T. Shanmuga Vadivel *, C. G. Saravanan, P. Balashanmugam

32

International Journal of Engineering Sciences Vol(3), No (4), April, 2014.

5.

Conclusion

From the study, the following conclusions can be deduced:


1.

Using of ethanol blend as a additive to gasoline causes improvement in engine performance and exhaust emissions.

2.

Using of ethanol blended gasoline leads to a significant reduction in exhaust emissions. For all engine speeds the values of CO, CO2, HC
and NOx have been reduced. On the other hand O2 emissions have been increased significantly.

3.

The E40+A10 of the ethanol blend gives the best result for the engine performance and exhaust emissions.

The CO emission is 0.16 % by volume at for E40+A10 at 2600 rpm.


The CO2 emission is 7.9 % by volume for E35+A7.5 at 2600 rpm.
The HC emission is 34 ppm for E40+A10 at 2600 rpm.
The NOx emission is 582 ppm for E40+A10 at 2600 rpm.
The O2 emission is 9.08 % by volume for E40+A10 at 2600 rpm.

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