Performance Evaluation of a Light-weight Passenger Vehicle Using Regular Octane and Bio-fuel

The use of bio-fuel as an automotive fuel is expanding around the world. However, the impact of bio-fuel on efficiency and emissions under different operating conditions are not well understood. This study investigates the impact of low concentration bio-fuel blends on the fuel consumption and acceleration of an in-house built four wheeler light weight vehicle. Methanol based fuels were blended with octane at proportions of 5, 10, and 15% by volume. Acceleration tests were performed; fuel consumption was determined, in order to assess the performance of the vehicle under real-world driving cycles and varying loading conditions. All measurements were conducted over a customized driving cycle. The results show lower consumption of fuel consisting higher concentration of methanol. However the blending of bio-fuel slightly increases the acceleration of pure octane. Properties of the different blends including heating value and viscosity are experimentally measured to identify the causes of these findings. Furthermore, the adequacy of the structural design was evaluated using a computer model of the vehicle.