Ethanol has less energy per gallon(76,000 btu) when compared to gasoline (115,000 btu) so yes, fuel mileage will drop. However, efficiency is defined as energy out divided by energy in. For an engine, the energy in, is in the form of heat energy (btu) and the energy out, is in the form of work (hp). MPG is based on the volume of fuel used and as such is not a direct measure of energy input or engine efficiency. Consider that diesel fuel has significantly more energy per gallon (135,000 btu) than gasoline, in this case, resulting in an increased MPG for a diesel engine as compared to a gasoline engine. See note below.
The stoichiometric air/fuel ratio for ethanol is 9.0 to 1 as compared 14.7 to 1 for gasoline. If the engine is adjusted (or computer controlled) for the fuel applicable air/fuel ratio the energy delivered to the combustion chamber is equivalent between the two fuels. Therefore, the engine will make the equivalent power on ethanol, gasoline or blends there of.
Note: The increased efficiency of the diesel engine is due to: 1) higher compression and 2) the inlet manifold is never below atmospheric pressure. The manifold vacuum in a gasoline engine respresents negative work and reduces efficiency.
This post was edited by Indiana Ken at 04:37:50 07/29/14.
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