Kinetic Modeling of the Oxidation of Ethanol and Gasoline Surrogate Mixtures

Abstract

The kinetic characterization of the oxidation of ethanol–gasoline mixtures is of interest due mainly to its role in sustainable combustion processes. The aim of this paper is to revise and validate a kinetic mechanism of ethanol combustion inside a general scheme able to describe the pyrolysis and oxidation of hydrocarbons. Model predictions and experimental measurements are discussed and successfully compared across a wide range of operating conditions. This study moves from the detailed analysis of species profiles of ethanol oxidation in jet-stirred, flow reactors and laminar flames to global combustion properties (ignition delay times and laminar flame speeds) by referring to a large set of literature data; the analysis is then extended to the effect of ethanol on the combustion of ethanol–gasoline mixtures. The large experimental data set discussed in this paper includes very recent measurements and covers a wide range of operating conditions. The chemical effect of ethanol on the combustion properties of ethanol–gasoline mixtures is also highlighted.

Keywords:

• Alcohol fuels
• Detailed kinetics
• Ethanol combustion
• Ethanol–gasoline mixtures

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors acknowledge the valuable discussions with Professor M. Dente, the financial support of ENI S.p.A. Refining & Marketing Division, and CNR-MAP in the behalf of Biofuel Project.

Notes

Note. A units = mole – l – s – K; Ea units = cal/mole.