Chapter 4 - Thermochemistry - V2
Chapter 4 - Thermochemistry - V2
Lecture 4
• Gasoline
• Octane Rating
• Diesel
• Cetane Rating
• Methane
• Bio Diesel
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 2
Fuels for IC Engines
Any liquid or gas that can burn with air and release enough energy to
do work.
• Gasoline
• Diesel
• Ethanol
m = mass
N = Number of Moles
M = Molecular Weight
So in every combustion with air all these gases will be included. Argon is also neutral. For simplifying
calculations:
Please note that Nitrogen and Argon are mostly chemically inert gases.
(Nitrogen reacts at very high temp.)
Air 28.97
Argon Ar 39.95
Carbon C 12.01
Carbon Monooxide CO 28.01
Carbon Dioxide CO2 44.01
Hydrogen H2 2.02
Water Vapour H2O 18.02
Nitrogen N2 28.01
Helium He 4.00
AIR:
FUEL: 12.5 O2 – oxygen 12.5 ( 16 x 2 ) = 400
(3.76) 12.5 N2 - Nitrogen 12.5 x 3.76 (14 x 2) = 1316
C8H18 – carbon 12 x 8 = 96, hydrogen 1 x 18 = 18 Total weight = 96 + 18 = 114 Weight of air = weight of oxygen + weight of nitrogen = 400 + 1316 = 1716
Stoichiometric Ratio:
For 114 gram of C8H18 air requires 1716 gram air.
for 1 gram of C8H18 air required is 1716/114= 15.02 grams
Normal engines run on 0.9 to 1.2 depending upon the type of condition.
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 8
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 9
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 10
Power &
Air Fuel Ratio
It is a mixture of:
iso-octane, is an organic compound with the formula (CH3)3CCH2CH(CH3)2. It is one of several isomers of octane (C8H18).
• This particular isomer is the standard 100 point on the octane rating scale (the zero point is n-heptane).
Octane Rating: 0
n-Heptane is the straight-chain alkane with the chemical formula H C(CH ) CH 3 2 5 3 or C7H16
It is undesirable in petrol, because it burns explosively causing engine knocking, as opposed to branched-
chain octane isomers, which burn more slowly and give better performance.
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 14
SIT
Temperature and
Ignition Delay
If mixture is heated to a temp above SIT, self ignition will be done after Ignition Delay (ID) time
Temp, Pressure, Density, Turbulence, Swirl, Fuel Air Ratio & presence of Inert Gases
• temperature less than SIT, no ignition will occur and the mixture will cool off.
• temperature above SIT, self-ignition will occur after a short time delay called ignition delay (ID).
• The higher the initial temperature rise above SIT, the shorter will be ID.
• The values for SIT and ID for a given air-fuel mixture are ambiguous, depending on many variables which include temperature, pressure, density,
turbulence, swirl, fuel-air ratio, presence of inert gases, etc. [93].
Ignition delay is generally a very small fraction of a second. During this time:
• Pre-ignition reactions occur, including oxidation of some fuel components and
• These preignition reactions raise the temperature at local spots, which then promotes additional reactions until, finally, the actual combustion
reaction occurs.
With no self-ignition the pressure force on the piston follows a smooth curve, resulting in smooth engine
operation.
When self-ignition does occur, pressure forces on the piston are not smooth and engine knock occurs.
Before Self Ignition, Pre-ignition occurs including oxidation of some of the fuel components and breaking of large
molecules.
Pre-ignition raises temperature. at local spots, promoting addition reaction until final combustion reaction
occurs.
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 18
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 19
How to Decide Octane Rating for an Engine
Combustion Process in SI Engine (SIT and Knock)
Combustion chamber can be divided into 4 equal mass units, occupying equal mass.
Combustion starts on spark plugs at left side and flame front travels from left to right.
This in turn raises pressure and expands the volume of that mass.
Un-burnt gas in front of the flame front are compressed by this higher pressure and compressive heating raises the temp. of
the gas.
Temp. of the un-burnt gas further raises by the radiation of the heating from the flame and this then raises the
pressure, which increases reaction rate. This in turn further compresses and heats the un-burnt gases in front of the flame.
Energy released in combustion process further raises temp. and pressure of burnt gases behind the flame front. This occurs
Thus flame front continues to travel through the un-burnt mixture that is progressively higher in temp. and pressure.
By the time flame front reaches the last portion of un-burnt gas, this gas is at very high temp. and pressure. In this end , near
The test fuel is then replaced with a mixture of the two standard fuels. The intake system of the engine is
designed such that the blend of the two standard fuels can be varied to any percent from all isooctane to all
n-heptane.
The blend of fuels is varied until the same knock characteristics are observed as with the test fuel.
The percent of isooctane in the fuel blend is the ON given to the test fuel.
For instance, a fuel that has the same knock characteristics as a blend of 87% isooctane and 13% n-heptane
It determines if fuel will self ignite or not. Higher octane number means no self ignition.
Higher temperature (and pressure) cause self ignition. Therefore compression ratio is limited to 11.1 to avoid self ignition.
• RON 88
The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before detonating (igniting).
Higher the octane rating more stable the fuel is under high temperature and pressure conditions. In other words it is knock resistance of
the fuel.
Ethanol is a natural octane enhancer - adding ethanol to petrol boosts the octane number and its performance.
• Gasoline is RON87
• Hi-octane is RON97
Larger the Cetane number, shorter is the Ignition Delay (ID) and
European (EN 590 standard) road diesel has a minimum Cetane number of 51.
Fuels with higher Cetane numbers, normally "premium" diesel fuels with
additional cleaning agents and some synthetic content, are available in some
markets.
Compression ratio is then varied until combustion starts at TDC, giving an Ignition Delay (ID) of 13
degree of Engine rotation.
Without changing compression ratio, the fuel is then replaced with a blend of the two reference
fuels.
Using the two fuel tanks and two flow controls the blend of the two reference fuels is varied until
combustion is again obtained at TDC and ID of 13.
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 34
Affect of Cetane Number on Engine
Normal Cetane Number range for vehicle fuel is about 40 to 60.
Cetane number of the fuel can be raised by using nitrates and nitrites.
fuel than desirable will be injected into the cylinder before the first fuel particles ignite causing a very large, fast pressure rise at the start of
combustion. This results in low thermal efficiency and rough running engine.
Long ignition delay of fuels with cetane numbers below 40 results in a very rich fuel-air mixture in the cylinder when ignition finally occurs. This results
in unacceptable exhaust smoke and these fuels are illegal by many emission laws.
compression stroke.
Where:
• G= (141.5/Sg) – 131.5
• Sg = Specific Gravity
• CN = Cetane number
• rc = compression ratio
Natural Gas is a mixture of components, consisting mainly of methane (60-98%) with small
amounts of other hydrocarbon fuel components.
In addition it contains various amounts of N2, CO2, He and traces of other gases.
Sulfur contents range may vary from little (sweet) to larger amounts (Sour).
STORAGE:
LNG (liquid Natural Gas) is stored at pressure of 70 to 210 Kpa and a temp around -160C.
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 39
Natural Gas as a fuel
Advantages
It works best in an engine system with single throttle body injector which gives longer mixing time.
It has fast flame speed and engine can operate at higher compression ratios.
Low engine emissions, less aldehydes than with methanol and less CO2.
Cleaner than both gasoline and diesel engines. Also, none of the smog-forming contaminates are emitted.
Increasingly important source of natural gas in the United States since the start of this century:
• In Year 2000 shale gas provided only 1% of U.S. natural gas production;
• U.S. government's Energy Information Administration predicts that by 2035, 46% of the United States' natural gas supply will come
• Shales are fine-grained sedimentary rocks that can be rich resources of petroleum and natural gas. Sedimentary rocks are
rocks formed by the accumulation of sediments at the Earth's surface and within bodies of water. Common sedimentary
• Pakistan stands 19th in terms of recoverable shale gas and oil reserves.
• Is a high octane fuel with anti-knock index number (octane number on fuel pump) of over 100.
• High octane numbers result at least in part from the high flame speed of alcohol. Engine using high-octane fuel can
• When burned, it forms more moles of exhaust which give higher pressure and more power in expansion stroke.
• Has high evaporative cooling (hfg) which results in a cooler intake process and compression stroke. This raises the
volumetric efficiency of the engine and reduces the work input in the compression stroke.
engine. Therefore:
• With equl thermal efficiency and similar engine output usage, twice as much fuel would have to be purchased and the distance which could be driven
• Alcohol contains oxygen and thus requires less air for stoichiometric combustion. More fuel can be burnt with same amount of air.
• More aldehydes in the exhaust. If as much fuel was consumed as gasoline, aldehyde emission would be a serious exhaust pollution
problem.
• Much more corossive than gasoline on copper, brass, aluminium, rubber and many plastics. This puts some restriction on the design and
manufacturing of engines to be used with this fuel. Fuel lines, tanks, gasket and even engine metal parts can be deteriorated with long
• Methanol is very corossive on metals. This is because it reacts with the exhaust CO2 and H2O and forms formic acid (CH2O2) and carbonic
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 48
acid (H2CO3).
Dis-advantages of Alcohol
• Poor cold weather starting characteristics due to low vapor pressure and evaporation. Alcohol-fueled engine starting at temepratures
below 10C. For cold starting small amount of gasoline can be added. This need to do this reduces it as an attractive fuel.
• Almost invisible flame which is considered dangerous when handling fuel. (small amount of gasoline removes this danger)
• Danger of storage tank flammability due to lower vapor pressure. Air can leak into storage tank and creates a combustible mixture.
• Lower flame temperature which generates less Nox but the resulting lower exhaust temperatures take longer to heat the catalytic
converter to an efficient operating temperature.
• Strong, possibly offensive ordor. Headache and dizziness have been experienced when refueling an automobile.
• Pure methanol and mixtures of methanol with gasoline are extensively tested. Most common mixtures are:
Their data is compare with M0 (pure gasoline) and M100 (100% methanol).
Some smart flexible fuel, variable fuel engines are capable of using any random mixture of methanol with gasoline ranging from pure methanol to pure gasoline.
Two fuel tanks are used and various flowrates of the fuel can be pumped to the engine, passing through the mixture. Using information from intake and exhaust, EMS adjusts the proper mixture being
used.
• In Alcohol-gasoline mixture alcohol has the tandency to combine with any water present. When this happens, alcohol separates from gasoline , resulting in non-homogeneous mixture. This causes
• Methanol can be obtained from many sources, both fossil and renewable. These include coal, petroleum, natural gas, biomass, wood, landfills and even the ocean. However any source requires
• M10 fuels produce almost same emissions as gasoline. It decrease HC and CO emissions. However it increases Nox and a large increase in formaldehydes formation.
• Methanol can also be used with small amount of CI which produces good results for ignotion.
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 50
Ethanol – C2H5OH
C2H5OH + 3(O2 + 3.773N2) = 2CO2 + 3H2O + 11.32N2 (Stoichiometric A/F Ratio
= 6.47)
• Ethanol is used as an automotive fuel In Brazil and many parts of the world. In Brazil there were more than 4.5 million vehicles in 1990s using
• In many parts of USA (Midwest, corn producing states) gasohol has been available for many years. Gasohol is 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol.
• Ethanol can be made from ethylene or from fermentation of grains and sugar. Sources include corn, sugar, beets, cane and cellulose (wood
• Current cost of ethanol is higher due to manufacturing and processing required. It may be reduced if quantity is increased.
• Ethanol has less HC emissions than gasoline but more than methanol.
about 14:1 can be utilized without serious knock issues. This makes high thermal efficiency.
• Low emissions. No CO, CO2, HC in exhaust. No carbon in fuel NOx emissions can be kept low if the engine is
operated at low fuel equivalence ratio. Need for catalytic convertor can be eliminated. Most exhaust would
• FUEL AVAILABILITY: Hydrogen can be obtained from natural gas and electrolysis of water. (however when
total energy and environmental picture is considered in converting natural gas as the engine fuel, it can be
argued that natural gas may be used directly as an engine fuel. Solar energy or improved fuel cell technology
• Difficult to refuel.
Blends of 20% biodiesel and lower can be used in diesel equipment with no, or only minor modifications, although certain
• The most common form uses methanol (converted to sodium methoxide) to produce methyl
esters (commonly referred to as Fatty Acid Methyl Easter - FAME) as it is the cheapest alcohol
available,
• Ethanol can be used to produce an ethyl ester (commonly referred to as Fatty Acid Ethyl Ester -
FAEE) biodiesel
• Higher alcohols such as isopropanol and butanol have also been used.
• Using alcohols of higher molecular weights improves the cold flow properties of the resulting
ester, at the cost of a less efficient transesterification reaction.
• Any free fatty acids (FFAs) in the base oil are either converted to soap and removed from the process, or they are esterified
• After this processing, unlike straight vegetable oil, biodiesel has combustion properties very similar to those of petroleum
• The methanol used in most biodiesel production processes is made using fossil fuel inputs. However, there are sources
of renewable methanol made using carbon dioxide or biomass as feedstock, making their production processes free of
fossil fuels.
• A by-product of the transesterification process is the production of glycerol . For every 1 tonne of biodiesel that is
• In the transesterification mechanism, the carbonyl carbon of the starting ester (RCOOR1) undergoes nucleophilic attack by the incoming alkoxide (R2O−) to give a
tetrahedral intermediate, which either reverts to the starting material, or proceeds to the transesterified product (RCOOR2).
• The various species exist in equilibrium, and the product distribution depends on the relative energies of the reactant and product.
• Strong acids catalyse the reaction by donating a proton to the carbonyl group, thus making it a more potent electrophile, whereas bases catalyse the reaction by
• Esters with larger alkoxy groups can be made from methyl or ethyl esters in high purity by heating the mixture of ester, acid/base, and large alcohol and evaporating
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 66
the small alcohol to drive equilibrium.
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 67
Source Materials for Bio-Diesel Production
A variety of oils can be used to produce biodiesel. These include:
• Virgin oil feedstock – rapeseed and soyabean oils are most commonly used.
soybean oil accounting for about half of U.S. production.
• It also can be obtained from Pongamia, field Pennycress and Jatropa and other crops such
as mustard, jojoba, flax, sunflower, palm oil, coconut and hemp
• Waste vegetable oil (WVO)
• Animal fats including tallow, lard, yellow grease, chicken fat, and the by-products of the production of Omega-3-
fatty acids from fish oil.
• Algae, which can be grown using waste materials such as sewage and without displacing land currently used for
food production.
• Oil from halophytes such as Salicornia bigelovii, which can be grown using saltwater in coastal areas where
conventional crops cannot be grown, with yields equal to the yields of soybeans and other oilseeds grown using
freshwater irrigation
• Sewage Sludge - The sewage-to-biofuel field is attracting interest from major companies like Waste Management
and startups like InfoSpi, which are betting that renewable sewage biodiesel can become competitive with
petroleum diesel on price. By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 68
Source Materials for Bio-Diesel Production
Jojoba
Soyabean
(*) Diesel fuel is not used in a gasoline engine, so its low octane By M isAyub,
rating not anLecturer,
issue; the MED,
relevantUOL
metric for diesel engines is the cetane number 72
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 73
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 74
By M Ayub, Lecturer, MED, UOL 75
Thank you