Optimization of ethanol and methanol blends for enhanced performance and reduced emissions in BS-VI compliant motorbike engines

The study aimed to optimize the blend ratios of ethanol and methanol to improve the performance and emission characteristics of a BS-VI-compliant motorbike. Using a Central Composite Design (CCD), various ethanol and methanol concentrations were tested across 13 experimental runs. The response variables measured included fuel consumption, Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emissions, Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions, total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions, and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emissions. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant effects of ethanol and methanol concentrations on these responses. The optimal blend identified was 12.5% ethanol and 7.5% methanol. Under these conditions, fuel consumption was reduced to 7.63 l/100 km, CO₂ emissions to 121.6 g/km, CO emissions to 1.18 g/km, THC emissions to 0.85 g/km, and NOx emissions to 0.48 g/km. These results demonstrate the potential of ethanol and methanol blends to improve fuel efficiency and reduce key emissions. However, the observed increase in NOx emissions highlights the need for further research into effective mitigation strategies. While this study shows promise for biofuel blends in improving motorbike engine performance and emissions, further work is needed to confirm their long-term viability in achieving environmental sustainability and energy security.