Feasibility Assessment of Methanol Fueling in Two-Wheeler Engine Using 1-D Simulations 2021-01-0382

Alternative fuels, coupled with advanced engine technologies, are potential solutions to overcome energy crisis and environmental degradation challenges, that transport sector faces. Methanol has emerged as a potential candidate as an alternate fuel due to adequate availability of indigenous feedstocks, such as coal, biomass, and municipal solid waste (MSW). Policy makers of several countries are focusing on developing roadmap for methanol fueled vehicles, especially in developing countries like China and India. These countries have the largest two-wheeler market globally; therefore, methanol adaptability on 2-wheeler engine becomes important national priority. This study is aimed at feasibility assessment of methanol (M100) fueled two-wheeler engine using simulations. Present study was divided into four different phases. In the first phase, baseline data were collected on gasoline fueled (G100) Two-Wheeler (2W) engine at different engine speeds (2000, 3000 and 4000 rpm) and varying load conditions (3.5 and 6.3 bar BMEP). In the second phase, 1-D model was prepared based on collected data and design parameters using commercially available 1-D simulation software (GT-Power). In the third phase, the prepared virtual 1-D engine model was calibrated and validated using experimental data. In-cylinder pressure w.r.t. crank angle degree (CAD) history, A/F, brake power, exhaust gas temperature, and nitrogen oxide (NO) emission were key parameters for model validations. They were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. In the last phase, validated 1-D model was modified to adapt methanol in the 2W engine. Also, modifications in laminar speed correlations were made such that the combustion model accounted for the influence of methanol fueling (M100). 1-D simulation of methanol-fueled engine model was done at identical speed and load conditions, and their performance, combustion, and emission parameters were compared with validated gasoline-fueled engine model. Simulations revealed that methanol fueling through the port fuel injection (PFI) concept exhibited relatively higher in-cylinder pressure with low exhaust gas temperature. Inevitably, feasibility of methanol fueled virtual 2-W engine representing a potential solution to achieve similar/ higher power output with lower NO emissions.