A Comparison of Engine Performance and the Emission of Fusel Oil and Gasoline Mixtures at Different Ignition Timings

Abstract

Alcohols have been used as a fuel for engines since 19th century. Among the various alcohols, ethanol is known as the most suited renewable, bio-based and ecofriendly fuel for spark-ignition (SI) engines. In addition, ethanol has higher evaporation heat, octane number, and flammability temperature therefore it has positive influence on engine performance and reduces exhaust emissions. In this study, engine performance and emission levels of unleaded gasoline and unleaded gasoline-fusel oil blends in a spark ignition engine, under variable ignition timings are investigated. Engine torque increased and brake specific fuel consumption (bsfc) decreased with the ignition timings. For F0 and F10 blends, hydrocarbon emissions changed by 22% on average and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions changed by 9.2%. It was also observed that nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions were reduced.