Experimental investigation of 2-methyl furan as an additive with camphor blended gasoline blend for SI engines

Abstract

The experimental investigation is performed on the MPFI spark-ignition engine fuelled by 20% camphor blended gasoline (CMO20) at various load conditions. In order to improve its performance characteristics, 2-methyl furan (2-MF) is added as an additive to the CMO20 blend in the proportions of 1%, 2%, and 3% by volume. In this study, the endoscopic combustion visualization technique is employed to compare and analyze the changes observed in the spatial flame characteristics between the test fuels. Also, the effect of 2-methyl furan as an additive with CMO20 blend on the engine combustion characteristics is studied. From the endoscopic results, it is found that the flame spread area with respect to different crank angle positions increases with2-MF concentration in the CMO20 during the early and middle stages of the combustion. The engine characteristics study results revealed that the CMO20 blend with 3% 2-MF gives a brake thermal efficiency (BTE) of 27.22% which is higher than sole gasoline and CMO20 blend whose values are 26.82% and 26.05%respectively at 8 kW load. It is observed that the early start of combustion and faster burn rate associated with 2-MF increased the cylinder pressure and heat release rates of the CMO20 blend. The CO and HC emission decreased by about 3.75% and 4.76% for 3% 2-methyl furan blended CMO20 blend when compared to sole gasoline and NOx emission slightly increased.