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