Biofuels in spark-ignited engines

Jesper Schramm

Gasoline

Diesel

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Gasoline

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Diesel

SI Spark Ignition

CI Compression Ignition

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Gasoline
MeOH, EtOH
Hydrogen
LPG
CNG, LNG
Diesel
HFO
HVO, SVO,
FAME
DME

Drop-in

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Global Energy Consumption

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Is it straight forward to change the fuel?

Example: Ethanol (Methanol)

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

SI Engine Fuel
*
*

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Leaner operation is possible

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Increased efficiency due to:

Leaner operation
Increased CR
Charge cooling

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Emissions
Emissions from ethanol vehicles compared
to gasoline vehicles:
CO and HC emissions are generally reduced
(up to 60-70%)
NOx emission results were mixed. Some stated
reductions of about 60 percent, while others
stated increases of about 30 percent. FFVs and
dedicated vehicles for highlevel ethanol
blends or neat ethanol showed tolerance for
higher EGR ratios, reducing NOx.
PM??? (not much evidence)
CO2 emissions were found to be about 5
percent less per kilometer
Aldehydes generally increased dramatically
Many other organic compounds decreased

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Nothing bad about ethanol?

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Increased Fuel Tank Volume

*

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Evaporative Emissions

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Safety Issues

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Cold Start Problems

*

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Water Miscibility

E0
.
.
.
E100

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Water
Water Miscibility
Miscibility

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Copper
Water
Corrosion
Miscibility

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Miscellaneous:

Interaction with Lubricant

Copper corrosion
Etc.

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Road Vehicle Application

Overall

FFVs
DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

FFVs:

Running on combinations of ethanol and gasoline

E0-E85
Other materials
Fuel sensor
Fuel injection system (handle higher amount of fuel flow)
Fuel tank and evaporative system
ECU
AF ratio adjustment
Ignition timing (utilizing high octane number)

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

FFVs

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Is it straight forward to change the fuel?

Example: NGVs (BGVs)

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

NGVs
BGVs
Engine

Storage

SI
(Dual Fuel)

Excess space

Low regulated emissions

High efficiency
Unburned methane L

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Refueling
Not a liquid fuel
CNG
LNG

Unburned methane:

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Storage:

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

www.iangv.org
DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

BGVs

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

Conclusions:
Alcohols and biogas are the most obvious
biofuels for SI engines (and drop-in)
Vehicles are available
Some issues still need to be adressed

FFV sale in Sweden is going down

NGV/BGVs and unburned methane

Car owner experience is an issue

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark

DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark