REPORT:

Technology Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Technology Committee met on September 27, 1996. Major items discussed included a Ballard zero-emission fuel cell bus technical briefing, bus demonstration, and ride; a review of Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the October Board Meeting; release Program Opportunity Notice (PON) for FY 1996-1997; and an update on the Fuel Cell Implementation Task Force. 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 October 25, 1996 at CE-CERT at 12:00 p.m.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file this report.

Leonard Paulitz, Chairman
Technology Committee

Attendance

Present were Committee Chairman Leonard Paulitz, Committee Vice Chair Jon Mikels, and Committee Members Roy Wilson and Ron Loveridge. Other attendees were as follows:

Chung S. Liu, ADEO, Andy Abele, Mike Nazemi, Paul Wuebben, Jon Leonard, Maria Belknap, and Dory Kilgour - AQMD Technology Advancement; Bill Wong, AQMD District Counsel’s Office; Sam Atwood, AQMD Press Office; Edric Guise, AQMD Board Member Assistant; Joe Borek, Ballard Power Systems; John Billheimer, Small Business Coalition.

Ballard Zero-Emission Fuel Cell Bus Technical Briefing, Bus Demonstration, and Ride

Jon Leonard introduced a representative of Ballard Power Systems who gave a brief technical overview of the Phase 2 Ballard Fuel Cell bus. AQMD co-sponsored the development and demonstration of this 40 foot zero-emission fuel cell bus. The technical briefing was followed by an opportunity for all members to ride on the bus.

Committee Topics

1. Adopt an Update of the Technology Advancement Plan for the Clean Fuels Program

The proposed update to the Technology Advancement Plan for the AQMD’s Clean Fuels Program outlines planned project expenditures for FY 1996-97 in accordance with Health and Safety Code 40448.5.1. This legislation requires that research, development, and demonstration projects for vehicle applications within the AQMD’s Clean Fuels Program do not duplicate the efforts of specified organizations. Based on communications with these organizations, staff has determined that the proposed projects are not duplicative. The Plan will be updated periodically to reflect new developments. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

2. Provide Additional Funding for Technical Support of AQMD’s Technology Advancement Program

Since 1988, AQMD’s Technology Advancement (TA) program has co-sponsored hundreds of development, demonstration, and research projects designed to expedite wide-scale use of progressively cleaner technologies and fuels. To optimize the effectiveness of this program, it has been advantageous to supplement in-house technical resources and expertise with outside assistance. A total of $151,500 in FY 1996-97 funding is proposed for four level-of-effort contracts to provide ongoing technical support for the TA program. Two existing contracts will be amended and two new contracts will be executed. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

3. Receive Funds for the Return of a Kewet El-Jet Electric Vehicle

In June 1995, the Board approved the purchase of a Kewet El-Jet EV from Green Motorworks of North Hollywood. This EV was purchased to be tested as a "station car." The staff has completed the tests and Green Motorworks offered to buy back the EV for 75% of the base purchase price, with the balance accounting for depreciation. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

4. Release Program Opportunity Notice (PON) for FY 1996-1997

Jon Leonard gave a brief overview of the draft PON, which is proposed for release in October. The PON is a mechanism by which AQMD’s Technology Advancement program generically announces that opportunities exist for funding of innovative, low- and zero-emission technologies. Contractors are asked to submit brief pre-proposals about prospective technologies.

5. Update on Fuel Cell Implementation Task Force

Jon Leonard reported on the meeting that took place on September 10, 1996. This was the third meeting of the Task Force, and was attended by approximately 60 people. The Task Force developed preliminary ideas on funding priorities for fuel cells and renewable energy technologies.

Other Business

Paul Wuebben handed out brochures announcing the October 4, 1996 Workshop on Fuel Cells for Stationary Emergency Backup Power Applications. This event will be held in the AQMD’s auditorium from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Public Comment Period

John Billheimer, of the Small Business Coalition, suggested that in the Technology Advancement Plan clarification be made that Clean Fuels Program funds can only be used for mobile-source clean fuels R&D. Very limited funds are available for technology advancement work based on fees collected from stationary sources.