Investigation of engine performance parameters and emissions upon adding Solketal admixture to gasoline fuel

Abstract

PURPOSE: This research investigates the effects of adding solketal to gasoline on engine performance and environmental emissions. Solketal was mixed with gasoline to power a 150- cc motorcycle engine, tested under different loads (1.2 Nm, 6.2 Nm, and 11.2 Nm) at five RPMs (570, 850, 1044, 1269, and 1427).

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: We start by synthesizing glycerol as a byproduct of biodiesel production, and then we add solketal as an additive to gasoline. To examine the performance characteristics and combustion-generated emissions, we tested the physical and chemical properties of the blended fuel. Chemical and physical properties of the blended fuels were examined and measured, including density, heat value, flash point, and chemical exergy. Density was determined using an Anton DMA 35 device, while the heat value and flash point were assessed with a Labtron LBC-C22 oxygen bomb calorimeter and a PMA 5 tester, respectively.

FINDINGS: Glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production, poses challenges for biodiesel manufacturing. Performance parameters like brake power (Pb), brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and emissions (CO, CO2, O2, UHC) were assessed. Findings showed that a 15% solketal blend with gasoline re-sulted in optimal engine performance and decreased pollution emissions compared to other concentrations.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This blend ratio notably reduced CO and UHC emissions. Moreover, incorporating the three compounds into gasoline improved brake power exergy due to their high density.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Urban air pollution is mainly caused by gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine vehicles. Adding biofuel-based additives to gasoline presents a practical solution for decreasing emissions while improving engine performance.