A Study of the Impact of Methanol, Ethanol and the Miller Cycle on a Gasoline Engine

Luke Oxenham and Yaodong Wang
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Luke Oxenham: Department of Engineering, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
Yaodong Wang: Department of Engineering, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 16, 1-24

Abstract: This paper focuses on the investigation and optimisation of the Miller cycle, methanol, ethanol and turbocharging when applied to a high-performance gasoline engine. These technologies have been applied both individually and concurrently to test for potential compounding effects. Improvements have been targeted with regards to both emission output and performance. Also assessed is the capability of the engine to operate when exclusively powered by biofuels. This has been carried out numerically using the 1D gas dynamics tool ‘WAVE’, a 1D Navier–Stokes equation solver. These technologies have been implemented within the McLaren M838T 3.8L twin-turbo engine. The Miller cycle early intake valve close (EIVC) improved peak efficiency by 0.17% and increased power output at low and medium loads by 11%. Reductions of 6% for both NO x and CO were also found at rated speed. The biofuels achieved NO x and CO reductions of 60% and 96% respectively, alongside an efficiency increase of 2.5%. Exclusive biofuel use was found to be feasible with a minimum 35% power penalty. Applied cooperatively, the Miller cycle and biofuels were not detrimental to each other, compounding effects of a further 0.05% efficiency and 2% NO x improvements were achieved.

Keywords: miller cycle; methanol; ethanol; petrol engine; turbocharger (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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