Evaluation of Impact of Additive-Blended Biofuels (ABFs) on Single-Cylinder Motorcycle Engines

Kazeem Babalola  Olawale; Ahmad Jais  Alimin

doi:10.37934/aram.126.1.123137

Authors

Kazeem Babalola Olawale Department of Automobile Technology, Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi, Kano-State, 703101, Nigeria
Ahmad Jais Alimin Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37934/aram.126.1.123137

Keywords:

Additive blended biofuels, ethanol, gasoline, single-cylinder engines, fuel subsidies, energy reserve

Abstract

The elimination of subsidies for conventional gasoline (E0) in Nigeria has led to a surge in fuel prices, prompting researchers to explore alternative automotive biofuels. Among the promising options are additive-blended biofuels, which can be used in spark ignition engines (S.I.E.). However, biofuels have limitations, such as lower energy density, compatibility issues, and potential infrastructure degradation. Additive-blended biofuels (ABFs) represent an advanced technology that can address these shortcomings and enhance the performance of blended biofuels in automotive engines. In this study, additives were prepared and added to ethanol-gasoline blends, which are referred to as additive-blended biofuels (ABFs). E0 and ABFs were then tested in a single-cylinder motorcycle engine on a chassis dynamometer to evaluate the performance and emission characteristics of ABFs at partial and full load respectively. It was found that ABFs exhibited an increase in engine torque (T), brake power (BP) and brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) by 42.3%, 25.2% and 48.3%, respectively over E0. In addition, ABFs showed a 40% reduction in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) compared to E0. On the other hand, the emission measurements showed that NO_X and HC emissions were reduced by 76 % and 35.3 % respectively for ABFs compared to E0.