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.