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Improving Fuel Economy and Engine Performance through Gasoline Fuel Octane Rating

Author

Listed:
  • José Rodríguez-Fernández

    (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Industrial, University of Castilla—La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Castilla–La Mancha, Spain)

  • Ángel Ramos

    (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Industrial, University of Castilla—La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Castilla–La Mancha, Spain)

  • Javier Barba

    (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Industrial, University of Castilla—La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Castilla–La Mancha, Spain)

  • Dolores Cárdenas

    (Repsol Technology Lab, 28935 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain)

  • Jesús Delgado

    (Repsol Technology Lab, 28935 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

The octane number is a measure of the resistance of gasoline fuels to auto-ignition. Therefore, high octane numbers reduce the engine knocking risk, leading to higher compression threshold and, consequently, higher engine efficiencies. This allows higher compression ratios to be considered during the engine design stage. Current spark-ignited (SI) engines use knock sensors to protect the engine from knocking, usually adapting the operation parameters (boost pressure, spark timing, lambda). Moreover, some engines can move the settings towards optimized parameters if knock is not detected, leading to higher performance and fuel economy. In this work, three gasolines with different octane ratings (95, 98 and 100 RON (research octane number)) were fueled in a high-performance vehicle. Tests were performed in a chassis dyno at controlled ambient conditions, including a driving sequence composed of full-load accelerations and two steady-state modes. Vehicle power significantly increased with the octane rating of the fuel, thus decreasing the time needed for acceleration. Moreover, the specific fuel consumption decreased as the octane rating increased, proving that the fuel can take an active part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The boost pressure, which increased with the octane number, was identified as the main factor, whereas the ignition advance was the second relevant factor.

Suggested Citation

  • José Rodríguez-Fernández & Ángel Ramos & Javier Barba & Dolores Cárdenas & Jesús Delgado, 2020. "Improving Fuel Economy and Engine Performance through Gasoline Fuel Octane Rating," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:13:p:3499-:d:381223
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhen, Xudong & Wang, Yang & Xu, Shuaiqing & Zhu, Yongsheng & Tao, Chengjun & Xu, Tao & Song, Mingzhi, 2012. "The engine knock analysis – An overview," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 628-636.
    2. Wei, Haiqiao & Zhu, Tianyu & Shu, Gequn & Tan, Linlin & Wang, Yuesen, 2012. "Gasoline engine exhaust gas recirculation – A review," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 534-544.
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    Cited by:

    1. Karol Tucki, 2021. "A Computer Tool for Modelling CO 2 Emissions in Driving Cycles for Spark Ignition Engines Powered by Biofuels," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-33, March.
    2. Jian Gao & Anren Yao & Yeyi Zhang & Guofan Qu & Chunde Yao & Shemin Zhang & Dongsheng Li, 2021. "Investigation into the Relationship between Super-Knock and Misfires in an SI GDI Engine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-18, April.

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