Volume 63

Three-Dimensional Thermodynamic Analysis of Hydrogen- Rich Methanol Combustion Enhanced by Steam Reforming in a Finite-Time Framework Ruizhao Gao, Ruihua Chen, Kunteng Huang, Li Zhao

Abstract

Growing global concerns regarding carbon emissions and the demand for cleaner alternative energy sources have positioned methanol as a promising fuel for internal combustion engines, thanks to its hydrogen-rich composition, reduced carbon footprint, and favorable storage and transport properties. Nevertheless, methanol faces significant challenges in cold-start scenarios, largely due to its poor volatility and considerable heat absorption during evaporation. To tackle this issue, this research introduces a combined strategy integrating in-cylinder steam reforming of methanol with combustion enhanced by hydrogen enrichment. A finite-time thermodynamic framework was established to model the coupled combustion and reforming processes, taking into consideration critical variables including pressure ratio, air-fuel ratio, and rotational speed. Findings indicate that increased pressure ratio and air-fuel ratio contribute positively to engine performance, in contrast to engine speed, which shows a detrimental influence. Through multi-objective optimization, optimal operating parameters were identified as a pressure ratio of 20, an air-fuel ratio in the range of 13-15, and an engine speed between 1000 and 3000 rpm. This work aims to offer fundamental theoretical insights to guide and assist future endeavors in the design and refinement of methanol-fueled internal combustion engines.

Keywords internal combustion engines, methanol steam reforming, finite-time thermodynamics, three-dimensional analysis