Research in use of fuel conversion adapters in automobiles running on bioethanol and gasoline mixtures

V. Pirs* and M. Gailis

Motor Vehicle Institute, Faculty of Engineering, Latvia University of Agriculture,
⁵ Janis Caksteboulevard,LV-3001,Jelgava,Latvia;
*Correspondence: vilnis.pirs@llu

Abstract:

By using fuel conversion adapters, bioethanol and gasoline mixture (E85) can be used in automobiles which are designed to work with fossil fuel. Such adapters increase the amount of the injected fuel, by adjusting the opening time of injectors. Different fuel conversion adapters are available in various automobile markets, for instance, European and North American. The working principles and efficiency of usage of fuel conversion adapters are little researched and there is a lack of scientific studies in this area. The aim of this research is to explore the working properties, efficiency of usage and influence on automobile operational parameters of two different fuel conversion adapters. The authors found a significant difference in the design approach regarding availability of functions, working and regulation principles between different conversion adapters. The increase of the amount of the injected fuel is realised by prolonging of the original injector opening impulse or by generating an additional impulse. Both conversion adapters, subjected to tests, increased the amount of the injected fuel during cold start conditions. During full load conditions, full capacity of fuel injectors was reached and no further enrichment of air/fuel mixture was possible. The findings of the research can be useful for selection of a suitable fuel conversion adapter and providing guidance for designing of better adapters.

Key words:

bioethanol, conversion adapter., ethanol, spark ignition engine

Fuel Consumption Studies of Spark Ignition Engine Using Blends of Gasoline with Bioethanol

V. Pirs, D. Berjoza, G. Birzietis, and I. Dukulis

Motor Vehicle Institute, Faculty of Engineering, Latvia University of Agriculture,
5 J. Cakstes boulv., Jelgava, LV-3001, Latvia; e-mail: vilnis.pirs@llu.lv;
dainis.berjoza@llu.lv; gints.birzietis@llu.lv; ilmars.dukulis@llu.lv

Abstract:

The increased oxygen content in blends of gasoline with bioethanol causes the necessity for increasing fuel supply to the engine. Car oxygen sensor, reacting to the presence of oxygen in the exhaust gases, increases the amount of injected fuel. Consequently, the higher concentration of bioethanol in fuel blends usually also increases fuel consumption. This study explores how an increase in bioethanol concentration in fuel blends affects the standard car’s fuel consumption and determines which elements of the system limit the maximum possible concentration of bioethanol in the blend with gasoline.

Key words: