Methanol, the ICE Green Maker

Green methanol is a renewable fuel with great advantages when used in a spark ignition combustion process. Methanol has a comparatively high enthalpy of vaporization, leading to lower combustion temperatures as compared to gasoline combustion, and, hence, lower wall heat losses as well as a reduced tendency to pre-ignition. Therefore, a brake efficiency of more than 40 % (this is comparable to diesel engines!) and furthermore minimal emissions, even at cold start, are possible. The serial combination with an electric powertrain provides a disconnection of the load demand of the powertrain and the operating point of the combustion engine. In this case, a high volumetric and gravimetric power density, easy energy storage and proven infrastructure of fuel distribution are combined with electric driving, high efficiencies, minimal emissions, and a closed carbon cycle for the energy provision. Methanol offers remarkable advantages when employed in a spark ignition combustion process. A methanol-fueled spark ignition engine has great potential to maximize the efficiency of the Otto engine process. Results of the naturally aspirated two-cylinder Zero Vibration Generator of Obrist Powertrain GmbH, fueled with gasoline and methanol, are presented and compared. image