The Influence of N-Butanol Addition in Gasoline on the Combustion in the Spark Ignition Engine

Abstract

Butanol has good combustion properties and it can be a viable alternative fuel for automotive spark ignition engines due to its ability to improve energy and pollution performance. This paper analyses the influence of butanol content in gasoline blends on engine operation with a focus on operation stability, thermal efficiency and emissions. A Cielo Nubira A15MF engine type with four cylinders and a 1.5 L displacement was turbocharged and it was fueled with butanol in a blend with gasoline in percent’s of 10% vol. and 15% vol. An operation regime of 2500 1/min speed and 55% engine load was used, at different dosages, at which the engine power remained constant. Regarding the engine fueled with butanol in a blend with gasoline, the operation stability was improved, especially when lean dosages were used; the dosages at which the thermal efficiency was higher are comparative to classic fueling. Concerning the use of lean dosages, the combustion duration decreases and the energetic engine performance was improved when butanol was used comparative to gasoline. When butanol was used, polluting emissions and emission with a greenhouse effect were reduced. The sharp reduction in NOx is highlighted in this paper.