Methanol as an Alternative Fuel for Diesel Engines

Abstract

Global economic prosperity has led increasing population and a new era of motorization. Petroleum-based reserves are fulfilling the demand for global transport energy; however, petroleum reserves are rather limited and dwindling fast. This alarming situation demands immediate introduction of alternative fuels of bio-origin such as biodiesel, alcohols, vegetable oils. Among various primary alcohols, methanol has emerged as a strong alternate fuel candidate with the highest potential, and it has the potential to significantly contribute to the reduction in crude oil dependence and environmental preservation. Methanol can be straightway used as a replacement for gasoline, since it has very high octane number and has been successfully used in many spark ignition (SI) engine applications. However, utilization of methanol in compression ignition (CI) engines is quite challenging. This chapter deals with many challenges and opportunities of using methanol in CI engine applications.