Effects of Isopropanol Additive on Exhaust Emissions in Gasoline Engines

The steady increase in transport needs worldwide, especially in areas with dense populations, makes it necessary to seek methods and means of using sustainable alternatives to conventional fuels to reduce the use of fossil fuels and significantly reduce environmental pollution. This study investigated the effectiveness of Isopropanol as a blend with gasoline to improve the environmental performance of internal combustion engines. Besides, as an alternative fuel isopropyl alcohol can also be considered as a renewable source of energy. Alcohols, as an alternative energy source, are considered with priority, building on their characteristics. Isopropanol, as part of the group of alcohols, has been investigated with regard to its potential to improve the mixing and combustion process and also to influence the laminar flame speed as well as the combustion rate compared to conventional gasoline in internal combustion engines. The study focused on its impact on emissions, specifically hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. The study was carried out in a laboratory environment, on a 4-cylinder gasoline engine, for the purpose of the study gasoline and gasoline-Isopropanol mixtures were used in the ratio as follows: 95% gasoline and 5% Isopropanol (IP5), 90% gasoline and 10% Isopropanol (IP10), 85% gasoline and 15% Isopropanol (IP15) and 80% gasoline and 20% Isopropanol (IP20). Due to the properties of Isopropanol there is a reduction of HC, CO, CO2 and NOx emissions, the most favorable for this engine is the fuel mixture with Isopropanol content between 10%-15%.