Optimization of emission characteristics of spark ignition engine with chambered straight muffler running in methanol blend:An engine development technique for environmental sustainability

Abstract

Ever increase in demand of fossil fuel forced researchers to innovate new composition of blended fuel, for example Gasoline-Methanol blend, due to use of which, up to 20% reduction in depletion of Gasoline reserve could be achieved. But the emission characteristics of an engine are largely altered due use of blend. It is therefore essential to understand such variations and also the need of engine design modification to tune the emission characteristics to current emission standard. In this paper, a combined experimental and simulation method is developed to study the emission characteristics from a spark ignition engine using Gasoline-Methanol blend. The effect of replacing chambered type straight muffler with commercially available muffler is studied. An optimization technique is adapted to identify the desirable fuel blend, the suitable operating speed as well as load conditions of the engine for optimal emission characteristics. To achieve this, gasoline blended with Methanol in proportion of 5%, 10% and 15% are used. The fuel properties of the Gasoline-Methanol blend is defined through standard testing procedure. The blend thus prepared is tested in a single cylinder spark ignition engine in different combinations of loads and speeds. The purpose of this manuscript is to identify the optimized condition for minimum emission out of engine operated by Methanol-Gasoline blend. The modified the muffler geometry for reduced surface temperature is also reported.