Onboard hydrogen generation by methanol decomposition for the cold start of neat methanol engines

Abstract

Hydrogen is excellent for use as a cold starting aid for methanol vehicles at low ambient temperatures. Hydrogen can be produced by partial decomposition of methanol at the moment of start. This enables the spark-ignition engine to utilize only one fuel and there is no need for fuel additives or a separate starting fuel. An experimental investigation indicates that it is possible to start a neat methanol engine down to at least −30°C using the product gas from the cold start reactor described in this paper. The engine ignited on the mixture, but additional methanol was needed to establish proper idling. The drivability was good directly after cold start by the addition of the hydrogen-rich gas. At room temperature it was possible to both start the engine and reach an acceptable engine speed at idling, with the use of only the gas from the cold start reactor.