Proposal:
Execute a Contract to Cost Share the Evaluation of Fuel Cell Reformer Emissions
Synopsis:
The AQMP calls for deployment of ZEVs. Under current ARB definition, fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) with fuel reformers cannot qualify as ZEVs. On a life-cycle emissions basis, however, they are expected to be as clean as battery-powered EVs. ARB, working closely with AQMD, issued an RFP for a study to quantify emissions from FCVs with on-board reformers. The evaluation team selected Acurex Environmental to conduct this $250,000 study. Staff recommends executing a contract with ARB to provide an AQMD cost share of $125,000.
Committee:
Technology, February 13, 1995, Recommended for Approval
Recommended Action:
Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with the ARB in an amount not to exceed $125,000 to cost share the evaluation of fuel cell reformer emissions, subject to adoption and inclusion of the Technology Advancement Plan in the Clean Fuels Program.
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
ARA:JHL
Background
The Low-Emission Vehicles and Clean Fuels (LEV/CF) regulation adopted by ARB in September 1990 defines ZEVs as vehicles that have zero emissions under any and all operational modes and conditions. Both battery-powered EVs and pure-hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will meet this definition. Fuel cell vehicles that use on-board reformers to generate hydrogen from a carbon-based fuel (e.g., methanol) are extremely low emitting, but cannot be considered ZEVs under the current definition. However, ARB is considering the appropriateness of establishing "ZEV-equivalent" emission standards for non-ZEVs, using power plant emissions from recharging battery EVs as the baseline. This action may allow reformer-equipped fuel cell vehicles to qualify as ZEV-equivalent in the future, thereby providing additional incentive for vehicle manufacturers to commercialize them.
In August 1995, working closely with AQMD and DOE, ARB issued an RFP entitled "Evaluation of Fuel Cell Reformer Emissions." This RFP solicited a technical contractor to assess the emissions produced from fuel cell vehicles with on-board fuel reformers. ARB received two proposals in response to the RFP, but only one -- submitted by Acurex Environmental Corporation -- was found to be compliant. The Acurex proposal was sufficiently strong to be selected for contract award by the RFP evaluation panel, consisting of technical staff from ARB, AQMD, and DOE. ARB's Research Screening Committee (RSC), which includes senior-level AQMD members, subsequently recommended award of the contract to Acurex. At its January 25, 1996 meeting, ARB formally approved the RSC's recommendation. This two-year project will assist ARB and AQMD in determining if fuel cell vehicles with reformers can be categorized as ZEV-equivalent, in the event that ARB adopts changes in the current ZEV definition.
Proposal
Four major tasks will be performed by the technical contractor in this study. Task 1 will be a comprehensive engineering assessment of fuel cell technologies and fuel reformers. In Task 2, the contractor will conduct case studies of reformer emissions using simulation models that are representative of real-world driving scenarios. These models will address various combinations of fuel cells, reformer technologies, and fuels (including methanol, ethanol, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, and diesel). In Task 3, actual emissions testing will be performed on a reformer-equipped fuel cell vehicle. In Task 4, the contractor will prepare a final report that will include complete results of the simulation models and emissions testing program. Correlations will be made between emissions and operational parameters in the fuel cell and vehicle systems. Emissions durability factors will be carefully assessed and reported on.
This proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan for the Clean Fuels Program as Project MS-05, "Assessment of Emissions from Fuel Cell Reformers." The expected benefits of this project are that a quantification of emission levels from fuel cell vehicles will help establish future emission inventories and standards, and may stimulate vehicle manufacturers to accelerate related commercialization efforts.
Sole Source Justification
Section II, Step C(3) of the Consultant Selection Policy and Procedure identifies four provisions under which a sole-source bid may be justified: (1) cost to prepare documents exceeds cost for consultant, (2) delay would result in the endangerment of public health, (3) services are only available from sole source, and (4) other circumstances exist identifying sole source as in the best interests of the AQMD. This request for a sole-source bid is made under provision (4). The proposed project involves a unique study in which ARB is providing 50% of the funding along with administrative and technical oversight. ARB's technical contractor for the project, Acurex Environmental, was selected through a competitive bid process in which AQMD staff were directly involved. The Acurex proposal was fully compliant with ARB's subcontracting requirement for minority-owned businesses (15%), women-owned businesses (5%), and California disabled-veteran-owned businesses (3%).
Resource Impacts
As specified in the RFP, the total cost of the proposed project is estimated to be $250,000. ARB has requested that AQMD match its funding on a one-to-one basis by contributing $125,000. The DOE will contribute in-kind support and technical expertise to the project. Sufficient funds are available in the FY 1995-1996 Budget.
BD13:3-96B.doc