A Spark Ignition Engine with Thermal Barrier Piston Using Methanol as a Fuel

Abstract

In this study, a thermal barrier (air gap) piston was used to improve the vaporization of methanol in the combustion chamber. The engine operating condition was fixed at 25 rps (1500 rpm) and wide open throttle. The experimental results are follows, (I) the degree of constant volume was improved about 2 % as compared to that of operation without the thermal barrier piston. (2) The indicated thermal efficiency was the same as that of operation with a fully vaporized methanol and air mixure. (3) The variation in maximum pressure and the rate of pressure rise were half that of operation with a liquid methanol and air mixture.