Decomposed Methanol as a Fuel—A review

Abstract

The use of decomposed methanol, i.e., hydrogen and carbon monoxide, in spark-ignition engines is reviewed. The emphasis is on onboard decomposition and the paper docs not deal with engines fueled by stored hydrogen. The paper concentrates mostly on the experimental work performed using catalytically decomposed methanol, where the methanol is used as a hydrogen carrier. The greatest potential for this type of engine, besides the low energy consumption, lies in the low emissions of nitrogen oxides when running at lean air/fuel ratios.

An active and selective catalyst for the decomposition reaction is essential for the utilization of this concept. A literature review on catalyst investigations is included. Neat methanol engines arc not readily started at low ambient temperatures. The possibility of using decomposed methanol as a cold start fuel for methanol engines is reviewed. Decomposed methanol has been proposed as a fuel for gas turbines. A brief review of this subject is also included.

Key words:

• Methanol
• decomposition
• engine
• hydrogen
• emissions
• cold start
• catalyst
• gas turbine