Comparison of aldehyde emissions simulation with FTIR measurements in the exhaust of a spark ignition engine fueled by ethanol

Abstract

This work presents a numerical simulation model for aldehyde formation and exhaust emissions from ethanol-fueled spark ignition engines. The aldehyde simulation model was developed using FORTRAN software, with the input data obtained from the dedicated engine cycle simulation software AVL BOOST. The model calculates formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations from post-flame partial oxidation of methane, ethane and unburned ethanol. The calculated values were compared with experimental data obtained from a mid-size sedan powered by a 1.4-l spark ignition engine, tested on a chassis dynamometer. Exhaust aldehyde concentrations were determined using a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analyzer. In general, the results demonstrate that the concentrations of aldehydes and the source elements increased with engine speed and exhaust gas temperature. The measured acetaldehyde concentrations showed values from 3 to 6 times higher than formaldehyde in the range studied. The model could predict reasonably well the qualitative experimental trends, with the quantitative results showing a maximum discrepancy of 39% for acetaldehyde concentration and 21 ppm for exhaust formaldehyde.

Application of FTIR Method for the Assessment of Immobilization of Active Substances in the Matrix of Biomedical Materials

“…The FTIR technology has proved to be useful in identification and characterization of homopolymers, copolymers, or polymer composite, and it has been successfully applied in the evaluation of polymerization process, characterization of the polymer structure, polymer surface, polymer degradation, and polymer modification [17,19,20]. More common applications of FTIR methodology include: Quality verification of materials; analysis of thin films and coatings [21]; decomposition of polymers and other materials, often through thermogravimetry combined with FTIR [22,23] and mass spectrometry; microanalysis of materials to identify contaminants; monitoring of emissions; and failure analysis [24,25,26]. The speed of FTIR analysis makes it particularly useful in screening applications, while its sensitivity allows many advanced research applications.…”

Performance enhancement and emissions reduction of ethanol‐fueled spark ignition engine with hydrogen

“…Researchers have reported an increase in unregulated emissions (acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, ethanol, ethane, ethene, methane and ammonia) when ethanol was used as a fuel. Zarante and Sodré 12 concluded that acetaldehyde emissions are significant with ethanol fuel owing to the presence of the hydroxyl (OH) group in ethanol. Gaffney and Marley 13 also stated in their study that aldehyde formation during combustion significantly limits the use of alcohol fuels.…”