ECU Calibration for Methanol Fuelled Spark Ignition Engines

Abstract

Energy demand for the transport sector is continuously increasing along with the implementation of stricter emission norms. It is necessary to find alternatives for conventional petroleum fuels. Methanol has emerged as a promising replacement for conventional petroleum fuels in the transport sector. It can be produced using renewable and non-renewable feedstocks. Also, it is considered an E-fuel as it can be produced using renewable electricity. The physicochemical properties of methanol are more suitable for its use in spark-ignition engines. Out of all the technologies, port fuel injection technology is one of the best ways for methanol utilization in existing electronic fuel injection (EFI) engines with minimal structural changes in the engine. The typical properties of methanol like lower calorific value, higher latent heat of vaporization, low volatility, higher laminar flame speed and higher octane number warrants modifications in the injection and ignition strategies in the conventional gasoline engines. For better performance, these strategies must be optimized for corresponding engine operating conditions. The combustion of EFI engines is primarily governed by Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which contains pre-calibrated maps to decide optimum injection and ignition strategy. ECU calibration is the process of determining the optimal calibration tables for an engine. In this chapter, the methodology of ECU calibration for methanol-fueled SI engine equipped vehicles is discussed at length.