Quote:
Originally Posted by Allch Chcar
Why are certain people insisting that Ethanol must do the impossible now to be competitive?
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Because Ethanol (alcohol diluted gasoline) is nowhere nearly as energy 'dense' as pure gasoline (indolene), ie: a gallon of E85 does not go as "far" as a gallon of gasoline will.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Allch Chcar
Isn't it good enough that E85 is ~5% more efficient in flex fuel engines that are designed for Regular Gasoline?
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Sorry, but my data indicates that "Flex" engines not incorporating turbochargers (to yield variable-compression ratio operation) have been LESS efficient...only those engines capable of operating at higher CR can effectively "use" the higher octane value of E85 and so advance timing to produce more HP...but NOT better fuel economy, ie more distance per gallon.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Allch Chcar
BTW, Ethanol has been used in Compression ignited and Spark ignited engines.
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True in "short-duration" operation for diesels (CI), but not under continued long-duration operation because gasoline/alcohol 'solvent' is damaging to injectors, because the injectors rely on diesel for lubrication...which E85 lacks. The new gasoline direct-injection (GDI, SIDI, etc.) engines will 'test' the quality & durability of new piezo-injectors with gasoline AND E85.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Allch Chcar
It (ethanol) has higher octane at Stoichiometric levels but at super lean mixtures it ignites much easier.
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Current EPA regulations effectively
dictate SI "closed-loop" engine operation at
stoichiometric (~14.7:1 A/F) because of the catalytic convertors; hence, the days--and discussions--of "lean-burn" operation is meaningless.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Allch Chcar
Things are changing and letting lower range continue to be an issue, is misguided short term thinking at best. Standard fuel tanks are already more than generous when manufacturers can claim 500+ miles between fillups.
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At one time the industry 'standard' was 8-hours driving at 50 mph, or 400 mile range, per tank...with tank "capacity" being 'sized' to achieve that range (roughly). Today, the 'standard' is more like 8-hours at 65 mph, or 520 miles expected range. And, since "fuel" is sold by volume, it isn't surprising that some people WANT as much range from each gallon they pay for as possible. It's called being 'conservative/frugile' rather than being 'extravagant/wasteful.'