Análise comparativa do consumo e emissões de poluentes em um motor de ignição por centelhamento elétrico operando com etanol hidratado de milho, cana-de açúcar e gasolina

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions from a flex-fuel engine operating with gasoline, corn ethanol, and sugarcane ethanol. The physicochemical properties of the fuels were evaluated, including the higher heating value (HHV), exhaust gas temperature, and emissions of CO, unburned hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). Experimental tests were conducted on a spark ignition engine, with fuel consumption and emissions monitored under different operating conditions (idle, medium, and high rotation). The results showed that although gasoline offers higher energy efficiency and range, it produces higher emissions of pollutants, particularly CO2 and NOx, negatively impacting the environment and public health. In contrast, sugarcane ethanol emerged as the most sustainable alternative, with lower GHG emissions and better combustion efficiency. Corn ethanol, while also renewable, generated higher NOx emissions compared to sugarcane ethanol. In conclusion, despite the high energy performance of gasoline, its emissions make it a less sustainable option, while sugarcane ethanol stands out as a more efficient and environmentally favorable alternative.