Regulated and Unregulated Emissions from Methanol Fuelled Engines

Globally, the transport sector is under threat due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuel reserves and emissions. Researchers are making constant efforts to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels by trying to find suitable alternative fuels and improving combustion technology. In their earnest efforts, the use of methanol fuel in Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) appears to be a ray of hope as it can be produced from municipal solid waste (MSW), high ash coal, biomass, and atmospheric CO₂, which can definitely reduce the rate of depletion of fossil fuel reserves. Additionally, it results in emissions of less harmful pollutants compared to diesel/gasoline-powered engines due to the presence of the inherent oxygen in its molecular structure. However, it is necessary to study regulated and unregulated tailpipe emissions before starting the commercial use of any alternative fuel on a large scale. The reason is that it can be a substitute for petroleum fuels, but its combustion may be harmful to the environment. This chapter explains the formation of both, regulated and unregulated pollutants from methanol fuelled engines and their adverse effects on human health. Also, it explains the factors that lead to the preference of methanol as a sustainable ICEs fuel. It also summarises various techniques for methanol utilization in both SI and CI engines.