Report:
Technology Committee
Synopsis:
The Technology Committee met on November 15, 1996. Major items discussed included an update on a Program Opportunity Notice; an overview of a research program concept: "Ozone Exposure" Control Project; and a review of Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the December Board Meeting. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided, together with an attendance roster. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on December 20, 1996 at 11:00 a.m.
Recommended Action:
Receive and file this report.
Leonard Paulitz, Chairman
Technology Committee
Program Opportunity Notice (PON) Update
Jon Leonard gave a brief update on the current PON, which was issued last month and closes on November 19, 1996. Jon indicated that, based on telephone calls and written inquiries, interest in the PON is widespread, and Technology Advancement can expect 50 or more pre-proposals to be submitted.
Research Program Concept: "Ozone Exposure" Control Project
Chris Abe gave a presentation on the "Ozone Exposure" Reduction Project which proposes air quality modeling and local demonstrations focused on two ozone control measures: 1) air exchanger-bound catalysts; and 2) the "Cool Communities" concept which promotes the use of lighter color roofing and paving materials and increased vegetation to reduce ambient temperatures and photochemical ozone formation.
Committee Topics
1. Award Contract for Air Quality Modeling Evaluation of an Ozone Control Strategy Focusing on Air conditioning-Bound Catalysts for Ozone Scrubbing
Control Strategies targeting high ozone receptor areas have been proposed as alternatives to more stringent Basin-wide emission controls. One promising strategy is the use of air conditioning-bound catalysts for ozone scrubbing. Based on a competitive solicitation, ICF Kaiser Consulting Group, Systems Applications International, Inc. has been selected to conduct air quality modeling to evaluate the feasibility of this strategy to evaluate the feasibility of this strategy. It was brought to Committee members’ attention that staff had not recommended the lower cost bidder, who had scored the highest number of points. Staff recommended the firm which had the higher technical rating, as the cost differential was minimal while the spread of technical points was significant. The Committee concurred with this recommendation. Total project cost is $49,457. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.
2. Award Contract for Air Quality Modeling Evaluation of the "Cool Communities" Ozone Control Strategy
The use of light color roofing and paving materials and increased tree planting has been suggested as a strategy to reduce temperatures in high ozone receptor areas, decreasing ozone formation and energy demand for cooling. Based on results of a competitive solicitation, Environ International Corporation has been selected to conduct air quality modeling to evaluate the feasibility of the "Cool Communities" strategy. Total project cost is $44,967. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.
3. Issue RFP to Measure Evaporative Emissions From Off-Road Equipment Powered by Gasoline and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Engines of 25 to Less Than 175 Horsepower
Off-road equipment powered by gasoline and LPG engines of 25 to less than 175 horsepower contribute significantly to the South Coast Air Basin’s mobile-source emissions. There are currently no emissions standards and control requirements for these engines. The proposed RFP asks for measurement of evaporative emissions from this equipment. The emissions will be used to suggest cost-effective control methods with estimation of potential emissions benefits. Staff pointed out to Committee members that cost effectiveness, i.e., cost weighted by technical strength, would be used as a significant criterion for scoring the cost component in proposal evaluation. This deviates from the general practice of using total costs as the sole criterion. The Committee members present agreed with this scoring concept. The AQMD is the sole participant in this project, and the total funding shall not exceed $150,000. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.
4. Execute Contract with CARB to Cost-Share Heavy-Duty Vehicle Fleet Characterization for Reduction of NOx and Particulate Matter Emissions in the South Coast Air Basin
The objective of this project is to obtain detailed activity and usage data for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) operating in the Basin to enable the design of incentive programs to increase the percentage of HDVs with low-emitting engines. The incentive programs supported by the ARB will assist the AQMD’s efforts to attain ambient air quality standards for ozone and particulates in the South Coast Air Basin. AQMD funding for this $200,000 project shall not exceed $100,000. The remaining balance will be funded by the ARB. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.
5. Issue RFP to Developm and Demonstrate Fast Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles
Automotive original-equipment manufacturers have announced the introduction of their EVs. Besides higher capacity batteries, fast charging systems for EVs have been identified as an area in which new technology is needed. It is proposed that the AQMD issue an RFP to expedite the development of this charging technology. Staff pointed out to Committee members that cost effectiveness, i.e., cost weighted by technical strength, would be used as a significant criterion for scoring the cost component in proposal evaluation. This deviates from the general practice of using total costs as the sole criterion. The Committee members present agreed with this scoring concept. AQMD funding of $1,000,000 for multiple projects is proposed. Expected cost-sharing is $2,000,000 with a total project value of $3,000,000. One Committee member left the meeting early and, therefore, less than three members were present. Pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, the Committee provides this communication but no recommendation.
6. Issue RFP to Study the Use and Impacts of Advanced Batteries in Electric Vehicles
Automotive original-equipment manufacturers have announced the introduction of their EVs, many with lead-acid batteries. Three manufacturers will sell EVs next year with advanced, higher-capacity batteries which increase EV range by 50%. These batteries may substantially alter EV usage, charging patterns and utility impacts compared to lead-acid batteries. This RFP solicits bids to conduct a study of the market and infrastructure impacts of advanced batteries in EVs. This information is crucial to ZEV introduction. Staff pointed out to Committee members that cost effectiveness, i.e., cost weighted by technical strength, would be used as a significant criterion for scoring the cost component in proposal evaluation. This deviates from the general practice of using total costs as the sole criterion. The Committee members present agreed with this scoring concept. Total funding is $480,000 including $240,000 being provided by the ARB. One Committee member left the meeting early and, therefore, less than three members were present. Pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, the Committee provides this communication but no recommendation.
Other Business
A discussion was held regarding the necessity of having a December meeting of the Technology Committee. It was decided that the Committee would meet on December 20, 1996 at 11:00 a.m. in CC-8.
Public Comment Period
There was no public comment.
Overview of CE-CERT Research Facility
Tim Truex, for Joe Norbeck, gave an overview of the CE-CERT research facility and briefly reviewed current projects.
Tour of CE-CERT
Tim Truex conducted a tour of CE-CERT’s research lab.
Attendance
Present were Committee Chairman Leonard Paulitz, and Committee Members Roy Wilson and Ron Loveridge. Other attendees were as follows:
John Dutrey SCAQMD Board Assistant
Judy Orttung SCAQMD Board Assistant
Chung S. Liu, ADEO Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Mike Nazemi, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Chris Abe, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Fred Minassian, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Mike Bogdanoff, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Jon Leonard, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Dory Kilgour, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Bill Wong, District Counsel’s Office SCAQMD
Jack Kitowski CARB
Lee Wallace Southern California Gas Co.
Michael Young Acurex Environmental