Comparative and numerical evaluation of methanol blends in CI diesel engine

the purpose of this work is to investigate the influence of methanol addition to diesel fuel on the performance and pollutants of in a six cylinder CI Diesel using Numerical simulation tool. The mixtures were prepared by adding methanol (5, 15 and 25% by volume) to achieve 5M, 15M and 25M. A series of numerical simulations were performed in GT-Power an engine simulation package at 4 different engine loads (4.5, 7.5, 10.5 and 12.75Bars) and at a constant engine speed (1800 rpm) to study engine performance and pollutants. The addition of methanol increased brake thermal efficiency (BTE) as compared to diesel fuel. The results indicated methanol mixtures cut down carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NO
_X
). However, due its high latent of evaporation the HC emissions of the mixtures were higher than that of diesel fuel operation. Moreover, the high oxygen content of the mixtures resulted in a greater conversion of CO to CO
₂
thereby increased carbon dioxide (CO
₂
) emissions. The addition of methanol had an increasing effect on exhaust gas temperature (EGT).