Characterization of Emissions from a Methanol Fueled Motor Vehicle

Abstract

Exhaust, evaporative, and refueling emissions were examined from a methanol fueled Ford Escort operated with M85 (85 percent methanol-15 percent gasoline) and M100 (100 percent methanol) fuels. Exhaust and evaporative emissions were examined for vehicle operation at summer and winter ambient temperatures, while refueling emissions were examined at typical summer temperatures. Regulated emissions (total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides) as well as formaldehyde, methanol, and detailed hydrocarbon emissions were examined. Results indicated that carbon monoxide, methanol, hydrocarbon, and formaldehyde exhaust emissions increased substantially when the vehicle was operated at reduced temperatures. Formaldehyde emissions were more fuel sensitive than hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and methanol emissions. A significant portion of the total organic evaporative and refueling emissions with M85 fuel was comprised of hydrocarbons. Both hydrocarbon and methanol evaporative emissions were dependent on test...