The Effect of Methanol Blending with Pertalite Fuel on The Performance of a Single-Cylinder Four-Stroke Gasoline Engine

Abstract

As petroleum-based fuel reserves continue to decline, the development of alternative fuels has become increasingly urgent. One promising approach is blending conventional gasoline with methanol, a renewable and readily available alcohol. This study aims to investigate the effects of methanol addition to Pertalite fuel on engine power, torque, and specific fuel consumption, and to determine the optimal blend ratio and engine speed for maximum engine performance. A single-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline engine was tested using a dynamometer at engine speeds ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 rpm, with methanol-Pertalite blend ratios of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The parameters measured included fuel consumption time, power, torque, and specific fuel consumption. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the 80% Pertalite–20% methanol blend yielded the best performance, with maximum power of 6.41 hp at 7,500 rpm, maximum torque of 5.76 lbf-ft at 4,500 rpm, and optimum specific fuel consumption of 5.33E+11 kg/hp-h at 7,500 rpm. It is concluded that methanol blending can significantly improve engine performance, with the 80/20 Pertalite-methanol mixture being the most effective formulation. These findings support the potential of methanol as a viable alternative fuel to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in the transportation sector.