Combustion efficiency and engine out emissions of a S.I. engine fueled with alcohol/gasoline blends

► The effect of ethanol was studied in S.I. engine at standard pressure peak position. ► A slightly better global efficiency (∼5%) was achieved with E85 compared to gasoline. ► Particle number emissions were reduced (∼90%) with ethanol blends. ► A 50% reduction of benzene and 1,3-butadiene emissions was achieved with E85 blend. In this experimental work, the influence of some bio-fuels on the spark-ignition engine combustion efficiency and engine-out emissions was investigated. A conventional 1.6l port injection engine was tested over steady-states, with some bio-ethanol/gasoline blends (0, 10, 20, 30, and 85vol% of ethanol in gasoline) and with a 10vol% of n-butanol in gasoline. Study of combustion development was made through the heat release analysis of pressure cycles measured in combustion chamber. Regulated emissions, unregulated organics (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds and Volatile Organic Compounds) and particulate were measured. Particulate was characterized in terms of total particle number (PN) and size distribution between 7nm up to 10μm. The tests were carried out at stoichiometric conditions in closed loop and spark advance was optimized with a calibration tool software in order to have the same peak pressure position. By fueling the alcohol blends, the engine-out particulate emissions are strongly reduced compared to gasoline. The PN reduction percentage ranges between 60% and 90%. The benefits also concern some gaseous unregulated species very harmful for humans, such as benzene and benzo(a)pyrene (reduction of almost 50% and 70% respectively). The highest oxygen content of alcohol blends, instead, provides an increasing of the total carbonylic emissions.