Methanol Technology
Methanol is a very promising alternative fuel. Methanol produced from biodegradable sources is known as Bio-Methanol. Methanol can be used in IC Engines either by blending with gasoline or can be used without blending as 100% Methanol or M100.
Why Methanol?
Methanol is less expensive to produce sustainably than ethanol, although it produces more toxic effects than ethanol.
Methanol has lower energy density than ethanol.
Post-combustion, methanol is less polluted than conventional fuel such as gasoline or diesel.
The government of India has been pushing the adaptation of Methanol as an alternative fuel for multiple applications such as marine, automotive, farm equipment, and mining etc.
Methanol has a lower stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio of approximately. 6.4:1 and lesser calorific value of appx. 19.7 MJ/kg and. Due to its lesser calorific value, its consumption is higher than other fuels, which is compensated by the low cost of Methanol.
Key Benefits of Methanol for SI Engines
- High octane number (114) and knocking resistance.
- Lower HC and CO emissions, due to high oxygen content in Methanol (CH3OH)
- High flame speed.
