Impact of Isopropanol Addition on Engine Performance and Emissions

Abstract

As global energy consumption grows and environmental concerns intensify, the demand for alternative fuels is becoming increasingly significant. This study investigates the properties and effects of isopropanol when added to gasoline as an alternative fuel. The overall analysis focusing on engine performance and emissions shows the impact of isopropanol as a fuel additive. From the results, an improvement in engine efficiency was observed due to isopropanol’s high-octane number and improved combustion characteristics when added. There are also disadvantages associated with increased fuel consumption due to the lower energy density. Emissions analysis shows that there is a reduction in hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions with the addition of isopropanol, although with different trends depending on the concentration. The results of the study present the complex relationship between fuel composition and engine performance, offering insights into the possibility of using isopropanol as an alternative fuel in the search for sustainable energy solutions. The results showed that for this engine, it is most effective to add isopropanol in the range of 5–15%, relative to which emissions are prioritized to be reduced. The lower energy density of isopropanol reduces the overall energy density, which increases fuel consumption to achieve efficiency over gasoline-only operation.

Keywords

• isopropanol
• isopropanol–gasoline blends
• engine emissions
• engine efficiency