Combined exhaust gas and optical investigation of methanol DI-engine with focus on the fuel spray-wall interaction

Liquid e-fuels such as methanol represent a possible solution to emission-neutral drivetrains. Reduced emissions from the combustion process increase the influence of cylinder wall interaction of the fuel spray and the influence of the fuel ingress into the lubricating oil. Combining emission analysis methods and optical measurements allows a deeper understanding of the processes around the piston assembly group and cylinder wall. This paper aims to increase the understanding of the processes resulting from fuel spray and cylinder wall interaction. Emission measurements from a single-cylinder SI research engine were gathered across multiple operating parameters. Optical measurements were taken at similar operating points using an optically accessible engine. A laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) setup with dyed fuel was used for the optical measurements. This paper focuses on thermodynamic steady state measurements at 2000 rpm, varying loads between 3 and 11 bar IMEP, and corresponding optical measurements at 11 bar IMEP. The measurements of both engines were correlated, and a more profound understanding of the processes involved and their influence on emission behavior was derived. Measurements showed a lower particle emission behavior with a tendency of a higher PN₁₀ to PN₂₃ ratio and higher formic acid emissions using methanol fuel compared to gasoline. A higher wall film interaction with methanol could be visualized, and possible effects were correlated to the exhaust emission measurements. Tests with two start of injection timings (SOI) of 430° crank angle (CA) after fired top dead center, as used for gasoline operation, and 550°CA as an optimized SOI for methanol operation were compared. A correlation between the results from the thermodynamic engine and the optically accessible engine was demonstrated. The optical measurements showed lower penetration depths for the optimized SOI and lower fuel spray-to-piston interaction. The thermodynamic measurements have shown higher efficiencies and fewer emissions for the optimized SOI.