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Effects of Ethanol–Gasoline Blends on the Performance and Emissions of a Vehicle Spark-Ignition Engine

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  • Maciej Gajewski

    (Chair of Mechatronics and Working Machines, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jan and Jędrzej Śniadecki University of Technology in Bydgoszcz, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Szymon Wyrąbkiewicz

    (Chair of Mechatronics and Working Machines, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jan and Jędrzej Śniadecki University of Technology in Bydgoszcz, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

  • Jerzy Kaszkowiak

    (Chair of Mechatronics and Working Machines, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jan and Jędrzej Śniadecki University of Technology in Bydgoszcz, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland)

Abstract

This article presents experimental results related to the influence of bioethanol content in fuel blends on the performance and emissions of a spark-ignition engine. Tests were conducted for six ethanol–gasoline mixtures (ranging from 0% to 100% ethanol) under three engine control strategies: factory settings, a fuel dose increased by 10%, and a fuel dose increased by 20%—both with an ignition timing adjustment of +3°. Measurements included engine power and torque, as well as emissions of CO, CO 2 , HC, O 2 , and particulate matter, all performed under a full engine load. The results revealed the strong dependence of engine behavior on ethanol content. Increasing the ethanol concentration significantly reduced CO and HC emissions, as well as markedly lowering particulate emissions—particularly at 30% ethanol. Conversely, pure ethanol led to substantial reductions in power (up to 28%) and torque (up to 32%) compared to conventional gasoline. Adjustments to the fuel dose and ignition timing partially mitigated these losses. Emissions of CO 2 and oxygen content in exhaust gases varied depending on the blend, highlighting the complex nature of the combustion process. The findings contribute to the understanding of renewable fuel behavior in SI engines and underscore the influence of both fuel composition and control strategies on performance and emission characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Maciej Gajewski & Szymon Wyrąbkiewicz & Jerzy Kaszkowiak, 2025. "Effects of Ethanol–Gasoline Blends on the Performance and Emissions of a Vehicle Spark-Ignition Engine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:13:p:3466-:d:1692292
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Koç, Mustafa & Sekmen, Yakup & Topgül, Tolga & Yücesu, Hüseyin Serdar, 2009. "The effects of ethanol–unleaded gasoline blends on engine performance and exhaust emissions in a spark-ignition engine," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(10), pages 2101-2106.
    2. Musaab O. El-Faroug & Fuwu Yan & Maji Luo & Richard Fiifi Turkson, 2016. "Spark Ignition Engine Combustion, Performance and Emission Products from Hydrous Ethanol and Its Blends with Gasoline," Energies, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-24, November.
    3. Alfredas Rimkus & Saugirdas Pukalskas & Gabrielius Mejeras & Saulius Nagurnas, 2024. "Impact of Bioethanol Concentration in Gasoline on SI Engine Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-15, March.
    4. Ashraf Elfasakhany, 2021. "State of Art of Using Biofuels in Spark Ignition Engines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-26, February.
    5. Mourad, M. & Mahmoud, K., 2019. "Investigation into SI engine performance characteristics and emissions fuelled with ethanol/butanol-gasoline blends," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 143(C), pages 762-771.
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