Abstract
Flex-Fuel vehicles, launched in the Brazilian market in 2003, operate with gasoline blended with anhydrous ethanol (18–25% vol/vol), 100% hydrous ethanol (4.0–4.9% vol/vol of water) or any blend of these fuels. Dynamometer tests were conducted on a 1.4L, Flex-Fuel Otto engine. Gasoline with 25% vol/vol of anhydrous ethanol was blended with different ratios of hydrous ethanol. A programmable engine control unit was used to manage engine operation and spark timing calibration for maximum break torque at different speeds and torques. Combustion characteristics, such as mass fraction burned, heat release rate and combustion duration were calculated based on in-cylinder pressure curve data, measured by a special data acquisition system. Emissions of THC, NOX, CO, CO2, unburned ethanol and aldehydes were measured by a Fourier transform infrared analyzer. Hydrous ethanol addition reduced CO and THC, but increased CO2, aldehydes and unburned ethanol emissions. NOX results presented complex trends with ethanol addition, depending on the operating condition, spark advance timing and other parameters.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
