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This study describes the design and proof-of-concept testing of a system which has enabled sub-zero cold starting of a port-injected V6 engine fuelled with M100. At -30°C, the engine could reach running speed about 5s after the beginning of cranking. At a given temperature, starts were achieved using a fraction of the mixture enrichment normally required for the more volatile M85 fuels. During cold start cranking, firing is achieved using a high energy plasma jet ignition system. The achievement of stable idling following first fire is made possible through the use of an Exhaust Charged Cycle (ECC) camshaft design. The ECC camshaft promptly recirculates hot exhaust products, unburnt methanol and partial combustion products back into the cylinder to enhance combustion. The combined plasma jet/ECC system demonstrated exceptionally good combustion stability during fast idle following sub-zero cold starts.

This paper presents the results of an experimental and analytical study of the relative flammability hazard presented by the fuel tank headspace vapours of alcohol/gasoline blends. The aim was to determine if these blends pose a greater hazard in practice than conventional gasoline fuels. Three types of experiments were conducted. The first was a flammability test performed at high and low energy levels using the Bruceton method to assign a statistical probability of ignition at different temperatures. Vapour pressure measurement and gas chromatographic analysis allowed the experimental vapour phase flammability to be determined and a mathematical model to be validated. The model was used to examine the hazard parametrically for other conditions. Even with a high alcohol content, the characteristics of the vapour are strongly influenced by the more volatile gasoline fractions.