AGENDA NO. 32
Report:
Technology Committee
Synopsis:
The Technology Committee met on April 10, 1996. Major items discussed included a review of Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the May Board Meeting. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided, together with an attendance roster. The next Technology Committee meeting is June 12, 1996 in AQMD Conference Room CC-8 at 12:00 PM. (The May 8, 1996 meeting has been cancelled.)
Recommended Action
Receive and file this report.
Leonard Paulitz, Chairman
Technology Committee
ARA:dk
Committee Topics
1. Execute a Contract to Cost-Share a Follow-Up Tunnel Study to Evaluate the Impact of Reformulated Phase 2 Gasoline on Emissions from Vehicles
The Coordinating Research Council (CRC), with AQMD's cofunding, conducted a nationwide tunnel study in 1995 that included the Sepulveda and Van Nuys tunnels. The proposed contract with CRC will be a follow-up study at either or both of the Sepulveda and Van Nuys tunnels after the introduction of Phase 2 reformulated gasoline. The results will be compared to the 1995 study to evaluate the actual on-road impact of Phase 2 gasoline on vehicle emissions. The Committee reviewed the information presented and recommended approval of staff's recommendation.
2. Execute a Contract to Cost-Share the Incorporation of Radio Transponders Into Vehicle On-Board Diagnostic Systems
This item was pulled from the agenda and no action was taken by the Committee.
3. Execute a Contract to Cost-Share the Development and Demonstration of Phase-2 Electric US Postal Service Long-Life Vehicles (LLVs)
The US Postal Service (USPS) is developing electric conversions for its fleet of gasoline-powered Long-Life Vehicles (LLVs). A Phase-1 demonstration of two electric LLVs was successfully completed. TransMotive Technologies, in partnership with the USPS, now has proposed the development and demonstration of a Phase-2 electric LLV conversion. Following development, ten LLVs will be converted with five to be demonstrated in mail delivery service in Huntington Beach. The Committee reviewed the information presented and recommended approval of staff's recommendation.
4. Execute a Contract to Cost-Share the Development and Demonstration of an Electric Vehicle Range Extender
The first electric vehicles to be offered for sale will have lower-than-desired travel range due to battery limitations. AC Propulsion of San Dimas has proposed to develop and demonstrate an EV range extender that will enable EVs to be used for long trips. The availability of such units should enhance the marketability of EVs and increase their number in the vehicle fleet. The Committee reviewed the information presented and recommended approval of staff's recommendation.
5. Execute a Contract to Cost-Share the Development and Demonstration of Electric Airport Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
The AQMP, as part of an emission control strategy for airlines and airports, calls for airport ground support equipment (GSE) to operate on alternative fuels, including electricity. In response to the RFP, AQMD received only one bid, from United Airlines (UAL), to develop an electric push-out tractor for wide-body aircraft and an inductive charging system for electric baggage tractors. Committee members indicated the need to address the issue of electromagnetic force (EMF) associated with EVs. TA staff indicated they plan to bring to the Committee a Board Letter on EMF and health-related issues pertaining to EVs and EV charging infrastructure. The Committee reviewed the information presented and recommended approval of staff's recommendation.
6. Execute a Cost-Shared Contract to Provide Technical Information Relating to EV Infrastructure
The California Electric Transportation Coalition (Cal ETC) has proposed to supply the AQMD with technical information regarding the development and implementation of EV infrastructure standards. These include state building codes, emergency-response standards, and charging hardware standards. These all relate to the upcoming introduction of EVs in the Basin by the major automotive manufacturers. The Committee reviewed the information presented and recommended approval of staff's recommendation.
7. Execute a Contract to Cost-Share the Development of a Prototype Economical Advanced Electric Vehicle and a Plan for California Production
The ARB has identified several impediments to development and production of EVs by the major vehicle manufacturers, including low-volume production, uncertain market and undeveloped electric drivetrain and battery technologies. The proposed contract with ARB will result in a viable EV design and an analysis of the processes and costs of developing and manufacturing low production volumes of advanced EVs in California. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their tentative approval pending further discussions with the ARB on the details of the proposed program, and contingent upon review by Administrative Committee. Moved by Jon Mikels, seconded by Leonard Paulitz, to refer this item to Administrative Committee.
Other Business - There was no other business.
Public Comment Period - There was no public comment.
Attendance - Present were Committee Chairman Leonard Paulitz and Committee Members Jon Mikels and Roy Wilson. Other attendees were as follows:
| James M. Lents, Ph.D, Executive Officer | SCAQMD |
| Nick Nikkila, DEO Technical Support Services | SCAQMD |
| Chung S. Liu, ADEO Technology Advancement | SCAQMD |
| Andy Abele, Technology Advancement | SCAQMD |
| Mike Nazemi, Technology Advancement | SCAQMD |
| Paul Wuebben, Technology Advancement | SCAQMD |
| Shankar Prasad, Technology Advancement | SCAQMD |
| Mike Bogdanoff, Technology Advancement | SCAQMD |
| Chris Abe, Technology Advancement | SCAQMD |
| Fred Minassian, Technology Advancement | SCAQMD |
| Maria Belknap, Technology Advancement | SCAQMD |
| Dory Kilgour, Technology Advancement | SCAQMD |
| Bill Wong, District Counsel's Office | SCAQMD |
| Sam Atwood, Press Office | SCAQMD |
| Juan Osborn | ARB |