Showing papers on "Alcohol fuel published in 1990"
Patent•
29 Aug 1990
TL;DR: In this article, a fuel cell system in which a methane producing gasifier supplies methane fuel to an internal reforming fuel cell and unspent hydrogen from the anode exhaust of the fuel cell is used by the gasifier in processing the feedstock being converted by a gasifier to the methane fuel.
Abstract: A fuel cell system in which a methane producing gasifier supplies methane fuel to an internal reforming fuel cell and unspent hydrogen from the anode exhaust of the fuel cell is used by the gasifier in processing the feedstock being converted by the gasifier to the methane fuel.
80 citations
TL;DR: Exhaust and evaporative emissions tests were conducted on several methanol- and gasoline-fueled vehicles as mentioned in this paper, and separate samples for chromatograph analysis of formaldehyde, methanols, and individual hydrocarbons were collected in each of the three phases of the driving cycle and in each phase of the two portions of the evaporation emissions test.
Abstract: Exhaust and evaporative emissions tests were conducted on several methanol- and gasoline-fueled vehicles. Separate samples for chromatographlc analysis of formaldehyde, methanol, and Individual hydrocarbons were collected in each of the three phases of the driving cycle and in each of the two portions of the evaporative emissions test. One vehicle, equipped with an experimental variable-fuel engine, was tested using methanol/gasoline fuel mixtures of 100, 85, 50,15, and 0 percent methanol. Combustion-generated hydrocarbons were lowest using methanol fuel, and increased several-fold as the gasoline fraction was increased. Gasoline components In the exhaust Increased from zero as the gasoline fraction of the fuel was Increased. On the other hand, formaldehyde emissions were several times higher using methanol fuel than they were using gasoline. A dedicated methanol car and the variable-fuel car gave similar emissions patterns when they both were tested using methanol fuel. The organic-carbon composition of ...
45 citations
TL;DR: The MTBE fuel blend appeared to offer the most reduction in total hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen for the fuels and temperatures tested.
Abstract: Emissions from a 1988 GM Corsica with adaptive learning closed loop control were measured with 4 fuels at 40, 75, and 90° F. Evaporative and exhaust emissions were examined from each fuel at each test temperature. Test fuels were unleaded summer grade gasoline; a blend of this gasoline containing 8.1 percent ethanol; a refiner’s blend stock; and the blend stock containing 16.2 percent methyl tertiary butyl ether. The ethanol and MTBE blends contained 3.0 percent oxygen by weight. Regulated emissions (total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen), detailed aldehydes, detailed hydrocarbons, ethanol, MTBE, benzene, and 1, 3-butadiene were determined. The highest levels of regulated emissions were produced at the lower temperature. Blended fuels produced almost twice the evaporative hydrocarbon emissions at high temperatures as did the base fuels. Benzene emissions varied with fuels and operating temperatures, while 1, 3-butadiene emissions decreased slightly with increasing temperatures. Forma...
44 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the use of fumigated diesel fuel or gasoline as supplementary fuels for a naturally-aspirated, four-stroke diesel engine with a swirl-combustion chamber was evaluated and compared.
38 citations
Patent•
12 Nov 1990
TL;DR: In this paper, a solution of selected cyclic compounds, aliphatic amines and water, preferably dissolved in a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon and lower alcohol fuel base, is used to clean baked-on, carbonized sludges and varnish deposits.
Abstract: A composition is disclosed which cleans baked-on, carbonized sludges and varnish deposits from the internal surfaces of automobile, motorcycle and truck engines. The product comprises a mutually synergistic solution of selected cyclic compounds, aliphatic amines and water, preferably dissolved in a hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon and aliphatic lower alcohol fuel base. The solution or base product may be placed in a pressure resistant (aerosol) dispenser, and pressurized. When injected into an engine over a period of time, significant removal of deposited contaminants occurs, resulting in smooth and efficient engine operation and lower levels of unburned hydrocarbon fuel, carbon monoxide, and other air pollutants.
38 citations
AVL1
TL;DR: In this article, high-pressure injection fuel sprays have been investigated in a single-cylinder research Diesel engine using the laser and phase Doppler anemometry techniques to measure fuel droplet velocities and sizes and their spatial and temporal distributions within the spray.
Abstract: High-pressure injection fuel sprays have been investigated in a single-cylinder research Diesel engine using the laser and phase Doppler anemometry techniques to measure fuel droplet velocities and sizes and their spatial and temporal distributions within the spray. The measurements relate to the determination of the droplets' axial velocity component and diameter on the spray centre line between 75 and 100 nozzle diameters downstream from a single-hole injector nozzle. The experimental program covered the use of both Diesel and a non-combusting alcohol fuel. Measurements at radial locations in the spray and at different fuel loads were also taken for the alcohol fuel. Temporally resolved measurements of droplet velocity and size are presented together with time — averaged values in such a way as to isolate the contributions from the leading and trailing regions of each spray and identify two different break — up mechanisms occurring as suggested by a conceptual model of the spray behaviour.
32 citations
Patent•
05 Oct 1990
TL;DR: In this paper, the amount of fuel metered to the engine is controlled based upon engine operating conditions and a first correction factor is set at a value calculated based upon a signal from an alcohol concentration sensor to correct the amounts of fuel consumed by the engine.
Abstract: A fuel delivery control apparatus for use with an engine operable on either of gasoline fuel and gasoline/alcohol fuel blend. The amount of fuel metered to the engine is controlled based upon engine operating conditions. A first correction factor is set at a value calculated based upon a signal from an alcohol concentration sensor to correct the amount of fuel metered to the engine. A second correction factor is set based upon a signal from an oxygen sensor to correct the amount of fuel metered to the engine so as to provide an air/fuel ratio feedback control. In the event of failure of the alcohol concentration sensor, the first correction factor is estimated by modifying it based upon the signal from the oxygen sensor and a difference between the calculated and estimated values of the first correction factor is calculated. The first correction factor is set at the estimated value when the calculated difference is out of a predetermined range and at the calculated value when the calculated difference is within the acceptable range.
20 citations
Patent•
18 Dec 1990
TL;DR: A hybrid fuel composition in the form of a stable water-in-oil microemulsion comprises a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, a glycolipid surfactant and a vicinal aliphatic diol co-surfactant as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A hybrid fuel composition in the form of a stable water-in-oil microemulsion comprises a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, a glycolipid surfactant and a vicinal aliphatic diol co-surfactant. The hydrocarbon fuel can be a liquid fuel for autotraction such as gasoline or diesel fuel, or a liquid hydrocarbon fuel for domestic or industrial heating, such as gas oil, naphtha, kerosene and fuel oils in general.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a method based on laser attenuation was devised to accurately measure the phase separation and, in turn, the water tolerance of gasoline-methanol blends with and without cosolvents.
Abstract: A new method based on laser attenuation was devised to accurately measure the phase separation and, in turn, the water tolerance of gasoline-methanol blends with and without cosolvents. Water tolerances were quantified for a variety of blends in model and actual gasolines, as well as in major refinery streams - alkylate, FCC gasoline, and reformate - which make up commercial gasoline pools. Regression analysis of the data shows that the water tolerance behavior of blends with each cosolvent well-described by a correlation which includes cosolvent concentration, temperature, and base fuel hydrocarbon type.
16 citations
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a trajectory model was used to estimate the ozone-forming potential of emissions from methanol- and gasoline-fueled vehicles, and the results suggest that replacing gasoline-powered vehicles with methanoline-based vehicles may not reduce ozone in all urban areas.
Abstract: A trajectory model was used to estimate the ozone-forming potential of emissions from methanol- and gasoline-fueled vehicles. The composition of the emissions from the two types of vehicles was based on new measurements of the individual organic compounds emitted by vehicles operating on gasoline, M85 fuel, and M100 fuel. Simulations were conducted using a range of atmospheric conditions and two different chemical mechanisms. The results suggest that replacing gasoline-fueled vehicles with methanol-fueled vehicles may not reduce ozone in all urban areas. Also, it was found that the experimental methanol-fueled vehicle tested provides, at best, small ozone reductions compared to prototype gasoline-fueled vehicles. Additional work is necessary to reduce formaldehyde emissions from methanol-fueled vehicles. Lastly, if both M85 and M100 vehicles are assumed to have the same low-formaldehyde fraction in the emissions, the results suggest that M85 vehicles provide 80-85% of the ozone reductions of M100 vehicles.
TL;DR: In this paper, the alternative fuel issue as it relates to alcohol fuel usage, and an examination of the key issues that have to be addressed in considering adoption of any alternative energy strategy for controlling atmospheric pollution.
01 Oct 1990
TL;DR: In this paper, the results of screening tests of clear microemulsion and micellar fuels which contain 10 to 65% C(sub 1]-C(sub 4) alcohol were reported.
Abstract: Incidence of methanol use in diesel engines is increasing rapidly due to the potential to reduce both diesel particulate emissions and petroleum consumption. Because simple alcohols and conventional diesel fuel are normally immiscible, most tests to date have used neat to near-neat alcohol, or blends incorporating surfactants or other alcohols. Alcohol's poor ignition quality usually necessitates the use of often expensive cetane enhancers, full-time glow plugs, or spark assist. Reported herein are results of screening tests of clear microemulsion and micellar fuels which contain 10 to 65% C(sub 1)--C(sub 4) alcohol. Ignition performance and NO emissions were measured for clear, stable fuel blends containing alcohols, diesel fuel and additives such as alkyl nitrates, acrylic acids, and several vegetable oil derivatives. Using a diesel engine calibrated with reference fuels, cetane numbers for fifty four blends were estimated. The apparent cetane numbers ranged from around 20 to above 50 with the majority between 30 and 45. Emissions of nitric oxide were measured for a few select fuels and were found to be 10 to 20% lower than No. 2 diesel fuel.
Patent•
13 Nov 1990
TL;DR: In this paper, a novel method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine is provided, which produces approximately as much power as the same volume of gasoline.
Abstract: A novel aqueous fuel for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel comprises water from about 20 per cent to about 60 per cent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the class consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, diesel fuel or mixtures thereof. A novel method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine is provided. The method produces approximately as much power as the same volume of gasoline. The method comprises introducing preheated air and said aqueous fuel into a carburetor or fuel injection system, said fuel comprising water from about 20 per cent to about 60 per cent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, diesel fuel or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said air/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber or chambers in the presence of a hydrogen producing catalyst to operate said engine.
Patent•
19 Apr 1990
TL;DR: In this article, a fuel additive consisting of a mixture of n-heptane, water, isobutanol and ethanol is added to the gasoline to reduce CO emissions, total C emissions and the emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from internal combustion engines.
Abstract: To reduce CO emissions, total C emissions and the emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from internal combustion engines, a fuel additive consisting of a mixture of n-heptane, water, isobutanol and ethanol is added to the gasoline.
TL;DR: The Brazilian alcohol program, Proalcool, was developed as a strategic answer to the high dependence on imported oil and sharp increases in oil prices that adversely affected the Brazilian balance of payments as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Brazilian alcohol program, Proalcool, was developed as a strategic answer to the high dependence on imported oil and sharp increases in oil prices that adversely affected the Brazilian balance of payments The program is intended to replace part of the gasoline consumption with ethanol The availability of resources, including fertile land and unskilled labor, made possible its implementation As a result of these measures, there were important changes in the Brazilian energy matrix The most important were the substitution between gasoline and fuel alcohol and also between fuel oil and electricity Other benefits with Proalcool include environmental gains, employment creation, increase in rural area income, and technological improvements in the sugarcane sector These have allowed an ethanol cost reduction from US$70/bbl at the beginning the program (1976) to US$45/bbl in 1989 This means a cost reduction of about 4% per year during the 1980s, which must continue in the same way during the n
01 Jan 1990
TL;DR: In this article, an electrochemical engine was proposed to drive propulsion motors for a range of electric vehicles using indirect methanol cell fuel for transportation applications, which could do much to improve impacted environmental areas and to convert part of the transportation fleet to natural gas-and coal-derived methanoline as the fuel source.
Abstract: The indirect methanol cell fuel concept actively pursued by the USDOE and General Motors Corporation proposes the development of an electrochemical engine'' (e.c.e.), an electrical generator capable for usually efficient and clean power production from methanol fuel for the transportation sector. This on-board generator works in consort with batteries to provide electrical power to drive propulsion motors for a range of electric vehicles. Success in this technology could do much to improve impacted environmental areas and to convert part of the transportation fleet to natural gas- and coal-derived methanol as the fuel source. These developments parallel work in Europe and Japan where various fuel cell powered vehicles, often fueled with tanked or hydride hydrogen, are under active development. Transportation applications present design challenges that are distinctly different from utility requirements, the thrust of most of previous fuel cell programs. In both cases, high conversion efficiency (fuel to electricity) is essential. However, transportation requirements dictate as well designs for high power densities, rapid transients including short times for system start up, and consumer safety. The e.c.e. system is formed from four interacting components: (1) the fuel processor; (2) the fuel cell stack; (3) the air compression and decompression device; and (4)more » the condensing cross flow heat exchange device. 2 figs.« less
01 Jan 1990
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyzed the costs, emissions and ozone impacts, and energy security of methanol for vehicles, and showed that the substitution of methenol for gasoline in cities can reduce ozone impacts.
Abstract: This paper analyzes the costs, emissions and ozone impacts, and energy security of methanol for vehicles. It is organized into the following sections: An introduction to the program; Emissions from gasoline and methanol vehicle, and ozone impacts from substitution of methanol for gasoline in cities; Costs of methanol; Cost- effectiveness of methanol; Impacts on US energy security from methanol use.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a summary review of several comparative studies on the emission characteristics of methanol- and diesel-fueled buses and conclude that the substitution of a diesel bus for a methanoline bus is not likely to result in net air quality improvements during low-speed operations in an urban environment.
Abstract: This paper provides a summary review of several comparative studies on the emission characteristics of methanol- and diesel-fueled buses. In order to facilitate comparison, the emissions data at idle and various driving cycles are presented on an hourly and/or per-mile basis. The results suggest that the substitution of methanol-fueled buses for clean diesel buses is not likely to result in net air-quality improvements during low-speed operations in an urban environment. Under these conditions, the negative effects of increases in carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and hydrocarbons may offset the positive effects of particulate emissions reduction. However, for higher average driving speeds, the results to date are more promising, suggesting that methanol-fueled buses with well-operating catalysts offer net emissions benefits when substituted for old and recent-model diesel buses. This paper makes no attempt to weight emissions or to estimate air quality and does not estimate net emissions benefits. It is shown that pollutant-specific emissions from the test methanol vehicles are highly variable with average speed and are dependent on the engine technology and the emission-control devices used. It is also shown that the change in emissions resulting from the substitution of a methanol bus for a diesel bus can often be positive ormore » negative for a single pollutant, depending on how the buses are driven. In general, methanol does not ignite under compression as easily as does diesel fuel, leading to relatively poor emissions performance by methanol buses when those buses spend a great deal of time at idle or at low engine load and vehicle speed. 18 refs., 19 figs., 4 tabs.« less
TL;DR: A 5.8L (354 in3) displacement diesel engine was converted and operated on producer gas with fuel oil as a pilot fuel as discussed by the authors, and the engine produced about 78% of the rated power produced on fuel oil.
Abstract: A 5.8L (354 in3) displacement diesel engine was converted and operated on producer gas with fuel oil as a pilot fuel. Fuel gas, produced from air-dried, chipped citrus wood in a downdraft suction gasifier, was introduced along with air into the intake manifold of the engine and ignited when the pilot fuel oil auto-ignited. In the dual-fuel mode, the engine produced about 78% of the rated power produced on fuel oil. Nearly 75% of the energy came from the wood and the remainder from the pilot fuel. Wood fuel consumption was 0.95 kg/kWh (1.56 lb/hp-h). A ram fuel injector on the gasifier made refueling possible while the system was in operation.
01 May 1990
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the use of alcohol fumigation to control the exhaust emissions from diesel engines and found that it may be possible to reduce emissions using an amount of ethanol equal to from 2-6% of the diesel fuel consumed.
Abstract: Exhaust emissions from diesel engines are a substantial source of air pollution in this country. In recognition of this fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued strict new regulations due to take effect in 1991 and 1994 that will drastically reduce the amount of some pollutants these engines will be allowed to emit. The technology is not currently available to produce diesel engines that can meet these regulations without large penalties in engine performance and efficiency. One technique that offers promise of being able to reduce emissions from both existing engines and new engines is alcohol fumigation. The objective of this project was to investigate the use of alcohol fumigation to control the exhaust emissions from diesel engines. Specifically, the project was directed to address the questions of operating cost, formulation of alcohol-water mixture and the potential for producing increases in other emissions. In order to test the emission reduction from alcohol fumigation under conditions typical of actual bus and truck engine operation, the engine dynamometer and emission measurement system in the Internal Combustion Engine Laboratory at Iowa State had to be upgraded to allow transient testing. Most of the effort expended on this project was devoted to this upgrading. The result is a facility believed to be unique among U.S. universities in regard to its ability to simulate the EPA's Federal Transient Test Procedure. Test results indicated that the optimum formulation for the alcohol additive that is injected into the engine appears to be about 80 proof ethanol. The cost of operating an engine with alcohol fumigation depends on the amount of emission reduction desired. It was found that it may be possible to reduce emissions using an amount of ethanol equal to from 2-6% of the diesel fuel consumed. Reductions of 12.7% in oxides of nitrogen emission and 28.3% in particulates have been observed under transient conditions. There is a definite increase in the amount of aldehydes produced by the engine when operated on alcohol. The aldehyde was observed to increase by as much as 2.5 times its diesel-only value.
TL;DR: In this paper, a coal-derived synthetic fuel was blended with a control diesel fuel and then tested in a single-cylinder, direct-injected, diesel engine to determine how well the fuel blend would perform as a direct replacement for diesel fuel.
Abstract: A coal-derived synthetic fuel was blended with a control diesel fuel and then tested in a single-cylinder, direct-injected, diesel engine. Comparisons of the blended fuel to the control Diesel fuel were made on the basis of performance, combustion characteristics, gas-phase emissions, including aldehydes, and particulate emissions. In addition, the mutagenic activity of the soluble organic compounds from the particulates were analyzed using the Ames test. The objective of these experiments was to determine how well the fuel blend would perform as a direct replacement for diesel fuel. Use of the blended fuel decreased performance and increased gas phase emissions, but particulate emissions were unchanged. However, a significant increase in the mutagenic effect of the soluble organic compounds was observed with the blended fuel.
01 Mar 1990
Patent•
22 Oct 1990
TL;DR: In this article, a map for startable alcohol concentration from temperatures of intake air and main fuel and controlling a compression ratio variable actuator in accordance with a compared result with the actual alcohol concentration, when an engine is started.
Abstract: PURPOSE:To obtain good startability without using auxiliary fuel of gasoline or the like by searching a map for startable alcohol concentration from temperatures of intake air and main fuel and controlling a compression ratio variable actuator in accordance with a compared result with the actual alcohol concentration, when an engine is started. CONSTITUTION:In case of deciding an engine for its operation in cranking by a cranking decision means 59, startable alcohol concentration A0 is referred to a map by a reference means 47 while searching the map for a start-time fuel injection amount Ti' by a reference means 47 with temperatures of intake air and main fuel serving as a parameter. Next the reference startable alcohol concentration A0 is compared with alcohol concentration A1 of alcohol fuel calculated by a calculating means 50 by a decision means 51. When a relation of A1>A0 is decided in the decision means 51, a compression ratio variable actuator driving means 55 actuates a compression ratio variable actuator 29 which adjusts compression ratio of the engine, to a high compression ratio side.
01 Jan 1990
TL;DR: In this article, the authors track changes of the chemical composition of current and emerging transportation fuels by providing a survey of gasoline chemical composition at the pump from ten sites throughout the US, as well as data on seasonal chemical changes in gasoline in a hot and a cold community.
Abstract: The US national transportation fuel supply is changing significantly because of environmental pressure to reduce carbon monoxide, ozone, hydrocarbon, and lead emissions The desire to replace petroleum fuels with alternative fuels because of world shortages and cost has abated but will reappear again as world demand for petroleum approaches supply The variety of gasoline fuel blends is becoming and will be more varied in the future The goal of this research is to track changes of the chemical composition of current and emerging transportation fuels by providing: (1) a survey of gasoline chemical composition at the pump from ten sites throughout the US, (2) data on seasonal chemical changes in gasoline in a hot and a cold community, (3) analytical data for tracing actual fuel-related engine problems to constituents in gasoline, and (4) foundational data for tracking changes in chemical composition This paper deals with the analytical methods being used to fingerprint the over 180 fuel samples that will be analyzed in this study