Study of potential uses for farmstead ethanol as motor fuel

Abstract

In recent years the use of ethanol and mixtures thereof as a fuel in internal combustion engine has been studied at Estonian University of Life Sciences. In the course of the research there have occurred new problems and issues to solve. Ethanol fuels in this study include bioethanol produced in farm environment, hereinafter referred to as farmstead ethanol. Farmstead ethanol is simply bioethanol obtained by applying a simpler (cheaper) production method. Such a production process does not adhere to or comply with the requirements set out for potable spirit. The first part of the article provides an overview of the production and properties of ethanol fuel. The second part contains comparative test results, analysis and conclusion concerning the use of ethanol, farmstead ethanol and gasoline (regular fuel) in Otto motor.