Study of Performance and Emission Characteristics of Propan-2-ol and Gasoline Fuel Blends in an Unmodified Spark Ignition Engine

In view of the rapid depletion, increasing prices and uneven distribution of conventional petroleum fuels; the interest in the use of alternative fuels has increased exponentially. Fuels such as biodiesel & alcohol have been evaluated both at experimental and commercial scale due to improved emission characteristics as compared to conventional fuels. Alcohols are oxygenated and result in improving the engine performance. As a blend with conventional gasoline, the alcohols enhance the premixed and diffusive combustion phase which improves the combustion efficiency. The present investigation evaluates studies on stability and homogeneity along with physicochemical properties like density, viscosity, calorific value, copper-strip corrosion and solubility at room temperature of Propan-2-ol and gasoline blends. Comprehensive engine trials on unmodified petrol engine fuelled with blends of Propan-2-ol and gasoline blends in the proportions of 5, 10, 15 and 20% by volume have been conducted. The performance characteristics e.g. brake-specific energy consumption, brake thermal efficiency and emissions characteristics such as NO_X, CO and HC were studied and analyzed to evaluate the optimum alcohol/fuel blend for the petrol engine. The result yielded enhanced combustion and performance characteristics as compared to gasoline with reduced Carbon monoxide and un-burnt

hydrocarbon emissions. However, there was an increase in the oxides of nitrogen emissions.