Effects of Fuel Additives on Performance and Emission Characteristics of Spark Ignition Engine

Abstract

This research investigated the effects of addition of ethanol to gasoline with the aim of improving the performance and emission characteristics of Spark Ignition (SI) engine. Four samples of gasoline-ethanol blend were prepared, namely 100% ethanol, 100% gasoline, 95% gasoline + 5% ethanol and 90% gasoline+10% ethanol, and were labeled sample A, B, C and D respectively. Physicochemical analysis was carried out on the four samples while sample B, C, and D were used to run a single cylinder, two stroke, air cooled SI engine to determine the performance characteristics of the engine at four engine speeds of 800rpm, 1000rpm, 1200rpm, and 1400rpm. An exhaust gas analyzer was used to analyze the exhaust emission to determine its constituents at no load. The research concluded that blending gasoline with ethanol not only improved the performance of the engine, it also yielded a friendlier emission. It also solves the problem of sole dependence on petroleum products to run SI engines with its attendant cost and environmental implications.

Performance and emissions of si engine with octane boosters

“…It would also result in more fuel-air charge being formed in the cylinder and higher amount of density of the charge being present within the cylinder. As stated in [4,5], increase in ethanol percentage causes an increase in NOX emissions. But toluene reduces NOX emissions.…”

“…But toluene reduces NOX emissions. NOX emissions are produced due to high temperatures during combustion and with enough heat nitrogen and oxygen present within the air combine to form NOX as stated in [5]. From [6], we can understand that toluene, n-heptane and iso-octane have a much higher performance output than ethanol since they have a higher octane rating than ethanol.…”

Emission Characteristics of Agricultural and Industrial Cellulosic Wastes Blended with Gasoline

“…Organic fuels apart from being renewable are also characterized by reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and can represent a very cheap alternative to gasoline which can effectively ameliorate the growing concerns of energy shortage [17]. Cellulosic wastes like corncobs are renewable agricultural resources, generation of bio fuels from such wastes is of importance for possible replacement of the conventional fuels [1] and [8]. Cellulosic biomass wastes are not properly managed in developing countries such as Nigeria and are therefore of great health and environmental risks [3].…”