CHARACTERIZATION AND RESEARCH INVESTIGATION OF METHANOL AND METHYL FUELS IN AUTOMOBILE ENGINES. FIRST YEAR REPORT

Methanol is compared with gasoline in steady state dynamometer test evaluations of power, thermal efficiency, and emissions. The reported comparisons are from OEM equipment with gasoline and low cost modifications of the fuel preparation system to accommodate methanol. Maldistribution of fuel-air mixture among the cylinders is severe for gasoline and somewhat worse for methanol. Even so, methanol is found superior in thermal efficiency. NOx emissions and equivalence ratio range is comparable with gasoline in power, hydrocarbons and CO. Methanol produces somewhat more aldehydes, particularly from lean equivalence ratios, but the absolute levels for both fuels are low. Also presented is some engine friction-wear data based on analysis of engine oil for various metals. Preliminary computer modeling of engine thermochemical processes predicts both emissions and performance in good agreement with experimental data.

• Corporate Authors:

  Santa Clara University, California

  Santa Clara, CA  United States 

  Southern Pacific Transportation Company

  1 Market Street
  San Francisco, CA  United States  94105
• Authors:
  • Pefley, R K
  • Royce, A E
  • Browning, L H
  • McCormick, M C
  • Sweeney, M A
• Publication Date: 1976-8

Media Info

• Pagination: 91 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air pollution; Aldehydes; Alternatives analysis; Carbon monoxide; Chemical concentration; Computer programs; Durability tests; Dynamometers; Exhaust gases; Friction; Fuel air mixtures; Fuel systems; Fuels; Gasoline; Hydrocarbons; Mathematical models; Measurement; Methanol; Nitric oxide; Nitrogen oxides; Oils; Performance evaluations; Power; Power output; Thermal efficiency; Traffic equivalence factor; Vehicle power plants; Wear
• Uncontrolled Terms: Experimental design; Models; Revisions
• Old TRIS Terms: Automobile engines; Fueling systems; Power measurement
• Subject Areas: Energy; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00155094
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: EPA/460/3-76/016
• Contract Numbers: EPA-R-803548
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 31 1978 12:00AM