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Methanol Combustion Characteristics in Compression Ignition Engines: A Critical Review

Author

Listed:
  • Panagiotis Karvounis

    (Maritime Safety Research Centre, Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean, and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK)

  • Gerasimos Theotokatos

    (Maritime Safety Research Centre, Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean, and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK)

  • Ioannis Vlaskos

    (WinGD, 8401 Winterthur, Switzerland)

  • Antonios Hatziapostolou

    (Department of Naval Architecture, University of West Attica, 12243 Egaleo, Greece)

Abstract

Methanol has been identified as a transition fuel for the decarbonisation of combustion-based industries, including automotive and maritime. This study aims to conduct a critical review of methanol combustion in compression ignition engines and analyse the reviewed studies’ results to quantify methanol use’s impact on engine performance and emissions characteristics. The diesel and diesel–methanol operation of these engines are comparatively assessed, demonstrating the trade-offs between the methanol fraction, the key engine performance parameters, including brake thermal efficiency, peak in-cylinder pressure, heat release rate, and temperature, as well as the carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter emissions. The types of the reviewed engines considering the main two combustion methods, namely premixed and diffusion combustion, are discussed. Research gaps are identified, and recommendations for future research directions to address existing challenges for the wider use of methanol as a marine fuel are provided. This comprehensive review provides insights supporting methanol engine operation, and it is expected to lead to further studies towards more efficient use of methanol-fueled marine engines.

Suggested Citation

  • Panagiotis Karvounis & Gerasimos Theotokatos & Ioannis Vlaskos & Antonios Hatziapostolou, 2023. "Methanol Combustion Characteristics in Compression Ignition Engines: A Critical Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-26, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:24:p:8069-:d:1300457
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Liu, Junheng & Yang, Jun & Sun, Ping & Gao, Wanying & Yang, Chen & Fang, Jia, 2019. "Compound combustion and pollutant emissions characteristics of a common-rail engine with ethanol homogeneous charge and polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers injection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(C), pages 1154-1162.
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