Use of Methanol in a High-Power Density Generator

<div>Increasing global pressure to reduce anthropogenic carbon emissions has inspired a transition from conventional petroleum-fueled internal combustion engines to alternative powertrains, including battery electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids. Hybrids offer a promising solution for emissions reduction by addressing the limitations of pure EVs such as slow recharge and range anxiety. In a previous research endeavor, a prototype high-power density generator was meticulously designed, fabricated, and subjected to testing. This generator incorporated a compact permanent magnet brushless dynamo and a diminutive single-cylinder two-stroke engine with low-technology constructions. This prototype generated 8.5 kW of electrical power while maintaining a lightweight profile at 21 kg. This study investigates the performance and emissions reduction potential by adapting the prototype to operate on methanol fuel. Performance and emissions were experimentally evaluated under varying operating conditions. In addition, a comparative analysis between methanol fuel and conventional gasoline was performed. It was found that the generator operable on methanol achieved an overall increase in performance with a peak power output of 10 kW when compared to gasoline. In addition, the generator demonstrated significant reductions in carbon emissions. The goal of this research is to adapt and demonstrate the high-power density, low-emission electric power generator from previous work, which was suitable for applications such as, for example, range extenders and UAV propulsion, to use renewable fuel. This research showcases a potential direction for an electrical generator that offers reduced emissions in applications where specific power is critical.</div>