A study of the effect of ignition timing on combustion parameters in an <scp>SI</scp> engine running on alcohol/gasoline blends

Abstract Today, there is a desire to use low‐carbon fuels and non‐petroleum fuels in internal combustion engines. It is also important for energy diversity and security that countries use alternative fuels produced from local energy resources in energy production by blending them with fossil fuels. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of ignition timing on combustion parameters and knocking tendency by varying the initial flame kernel by varying the ignition timing ±5 o CA while using gasoline blends containing 30% alcohol by volume, which is a critical blend ratio for a spark ignition (SI) direct injection engine, and to analyze the data obtained. Based on the analysis, it was determined that retarding the ignition timing results in a drop in the cylinder gas pressure curve and a loss of engine power, as combustion takes place in a rapidly expanding cylinder volume. Ignition timing was found to have a direct effect on the magnitude and position of the cylinder gas pressure. Advancing the ignition timing increases the cylinder gas pressure for all fuels, while retarding the ignition timing reduces the cylinder gas pressure and moves it away from the top dead center. The knocking tendency of the engine is reduced when critical alcohol/gasoline blends are used. Significant reductions in NO x and PM emissions have been achieved when using alcohol blends.