Studies on utilization of ethanol in small constant speed SI engines
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Date
2006-06
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
Apart from the problem of scarcity, the petro based fuels with their increased use have raised the level of pollutants in the atmosphere to such a large extent that combustion generated pollution has now become a matter of great concern. Through the reducing petroleum resources, increasing prices and pollution norms have necessitated the search for renewable alternate fuels.
In alternative liquid fuels, alcohols are more popular and use of ethyl alcohol lowers overall emission and is derived from renewable biomass sources. Gasohol (10:90 of alcohol: gasoline) is a commercial fuel in over thirty-five countries including USA, Canada and France. Due to lower heating value of ethanol than petro fuels there is reduction in power output from engine but at the same time it is having higher octane number then gasoline. This problem can be addressed with the use of higher compression ratio engines.
The studies were conducted to assess the performance test of four engines on kerosene and denatured ethanol of 2000, 1900, 1800 and 1700 proof. The fuel properties of selected fuels were studied and a long duration test was conducted on an engine coupled with an alternator on denatured ethanol of 1900 proof for 150 hours. Fuel consumption test of Honda make engines viz. GK300 model of 3600 rpm rated speed (CR 4.8:1), GK300 model of 1800 rpm rated speed (CR 4.8:1), G300 model (CR 6.5:1) and GK200 model (CR 4.5:1) were conducted. A long duration test of a Honda make GK300 model engine, coupled with an alternator was conducted for 150 hours to evaluate its performance on 1900 denatured ethanol in respect of fuel consumption, crankcase oil dilution and emission of CO, HC and NOx.
The observed results of experiment indicated that the denatured ethanol of 2000, 1900, 1800 and 1700 proof were found to have similar power producing capabilities as kerosene. Fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency and bsfc were found higher on denatured ethanol poof than kerosene. The emission of HC was found less but NOx emission was higher on denatured ethanol proofs than the kerosene. Results indicate that higher the compression ratio better is the brake thermal efficiency and lesser brake brake specific fuel consumption. The long duration test indicated no significant deposition of foreign matter on carburettor component and deterioration in the crank case oil quality within the recommended change period of 100 hours. The operation of alternator on 1900 proof ethanol was found satisfactory however 1800 proof denatured ethanol is recommended for use in engines.
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