Research on Bioethanol/Gasoline Ratios and Engine Spark Ignition Control for Energy and Environmental Sustainability of Vehicles

Abstract

This article presents an experimental study focused on the impact of supplementing pure gasoline (E0) with bioethanol, gradually increasing the biofuel concentration up to 70% (E10, E50, and E70). The research was conducted in two phases: In the first phase (Part I), the engine's operation involved varying engine speeds (n = 2000 rpm, n = 2500 rpm) and adjusting throttle openings (15%, 20%, 25%) to analyze changes in brake torque, thermal efficiency, and ecological indicators. The second phase (Part II) aimed to complement and clarify the study data. Here, the engine was maintained at a constant speed (n = 2000 rpm) and brake torque (MB = 80 Nm) while altering ignition timing. The findings revealed that increasing the bioethanol concentration up to 70% led to modest enhancements in engine brake torque and thermal efficiency. However, the most significant impact was observed in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and incomplete combustion byproducts. The study also established that achieving higher thermal efficiency requires compensating for the extended ignition delay phase resulting from bioethanol addition by advancing ignition timing. Nevertheless, this approach is constrained by the escalating emissions of carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the balance between bioethanol supplementation, engine performance, and environmental sustainability in spark ignition engines.