METHANOL AS A POSSIBLE FUEL FOR AUTOMOTIVE USE

Methanol is a potential alternative synthetic liquid fuel for vehicle propulsion. It may be used as an additive (up to 15% volume) to gasoline without extensive engine modification. Its use may thus extend the supply of gasoline and alleviate the burden on gasoline demand by the transportation sector. Straight methanol-fuelled automobiles have better fuel economy on an energy basis and generally lower emission levels of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen. Although problems such as material compatibility and corrosion exist, it is felt that solutions for these would not be too difficult with present-day technology. There are many well-proven industrial processes for the production of methanol. Sufficient technological knowledge exists to permit the design and construction of large scale production plants to proceed without any delay. Raw materials for the synthesis of methanol are quite abundant. Other potential uses of methanol, such as an industrial and domestic fuel, for protein production and for fuel cell application are also possible. /Author/TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Loughborough University of Technology

  Department of Transport Technology
  Loughborough,   England 
• Authors:
  • LUCAS, G G
  • Choi, M F
• Publication Date: 1977-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 32 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Additives; Carbon monoxide; Costs; Energy; Exhaust gases; Fuel consumption; Fuels; Gasoline; Hydrocarbons; Methanol; Nitric oxide; Nitrogen oxides; Propulsion; Vehicle power plants; Vehicles
• Uncontrolled Terms: Artificial; Propulsion systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Automobile engines
• ITRD Terms: 1057: Air transport network; 9097: Artificial; 224: Cost; 232: Fuel consumption; 7338: Methanol
• Subject Areas: Energy; Finance; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00177373
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Report/Paper Numbers: TT Rpt. 7708 Monograph
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 27 1978 12:00AM