Performance Evaluation of Alcohol-Gasoline Blends in 1980 Model Automobiles. Phase II. Methanol-Gasoline Blends.
Abstract
The Coordinating Research Council, Inc. (CRC) conducted a test program designed to define the emissions, fuel economy, drive-ability, and vapor lock characteristics of both simple and volatility-adjusted ethanol-gasoline (Phase I) and methanol-gasoline (Phase II) blends versus gasoline. The fuels were tested in 1980 model-year cars representing various emission-control technologies using test procedures accepted by the Federal Government and Industry. This report details the methanol-gasoline blends portion of the program. Six unleaded fuels were used for this phase of the program: a reference gasoline and five methanol blends. The methanol-gasoline blends had oxygen contents ranging between 1 and 8 weight percent, and included fuels with and without isobutanol co-solvent. Ten of the fourteen 1980 model cars from the Phase I portion of the program were re-used in Phase II, following renovation, reinspection, and acceptance by CRC. The study showed that methanol in gasoline affected most vehicle performance parameters. Organic and carbon monoxide tailpipe emissions were reduced, but effects on other emissions, driveability, and fuel economy were generally adverse with methanol at the higher concentrations. Another experimental program is needed to define the response of vehicle performance factors to fuel characteristics such as oxygen content and volatility, which this program strongly suggests are the two most influential on vehicle performance. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA159893