Report:

Technology Committee

Synopsis:

The Technology Committee met on January 17, 1997. Major items discussed included an update on the reauthorization of the Clean Fuels Program; an overview of an RFQ for an advanced VOC control consultant; and a review of Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the February 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 February 28, 1997 at 11:30 a.m.

Recommended Action:

Receive and file this report.

Leonard Paulitz, Chairman
Technology Committee

Reauthorization of Clean Fuels Program

Catherine Witherspoon reviewed the history of the Clean Fuels Program and the legislation needed to continue Technology Advancement funding for this program. Proposed legislation to reauthorize this funding is expected to be introduced by Senator Rosenthal. Staff is seeking other co-authors. Technology Advancement and the Legislative Office will work together to encourage strong support of this measure.

Issue RFQ for Advanced VOC Control

Jon Leonard presented a brief, information-only item about a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that will be issued by Technology Advancement to solicit an expert consultant in the area of VOC emissions. This RFQ will lead to a $50,000 consulting contract to assist Technology Advancement in implementing projects involving advanced VOC controls.

Committee Topics

1. Amend Contract with Southwest Research Institute to Cost-Share Year 4 of the GasRail USA Program

GasRail USA is a government-industry program at Southwest Research Institute to develop and demonstrate low-emitting, natural gas locomotives in the basin. Program funders include ARB, DOE, SoCal Gas, General Motors Electromotive Division, the Gas Research Institute, and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA). The Board previously authorized AQMD funding for Years 1 through 3 of the program. To date, AQMD and SCRRA have each contributed $1,250,000 out of the $4,700,000 total. The total cost of Year 4 is about $2.63 million, half of which is being provided through SCRRA. An AQMD cost share of $500,000 is proposed. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

2. Execute Contract to Cost-Share Development and Demonstration of Advanced Premixer/Catalytic Combustor Subsystem for Gas Turbines

The South Carolina Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Center, in conjunction with the UC Irvine, Solar Turbines, Inc. and Catalytica Inc. has proposed the development and demonstration of an advanced premixer/catalytic combustor for natural gas-fired gas turbine applications. The objective of this proposed project is a combustion system that achieves ultra-low NO_x emissions in gas turbines without flue gas treatment. Total cost of this two-year project is $1,069,000, with AQMD co-funding of $265,000 annually for two years, for a total AQMD contribution of $530,000. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

3. Execute Contract with the City of Compton to Cost-Share Demonstration of Photovoltaic-Integrated Roofs in a Residential Development

At its April 12, 1996 meeting, the Board approved execution of a contract with Enertron Consultants, working on behalf of Nehemiah West Housing Corporation, to install photovoltaic-integrated roofs on 12 new single-family homes in Compton. Total project cost was $300,000, and AQMD’s proposed contribution was $100,000. During contract negotiations, staff determined that due to liability concerns, it would be preferable instead to execute the contract with the City of Compton. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

4. Issue RFP to Develop and Demonstrate Technologies for Cleanup of Landfill Gas and its Conversion to Hydrogen

To facilitate the market entry of hydrogen-based, zero-emission fuel-cell stationary and mobile-vehicle technologies, the production sources and supply of hydrogen fuel need expansion. This action is to issue an RFP to develop and demonstrate technologies to (1) cleanup landfill gas, and to (2) convert the clean gas into hydrogen. AQMD funding of $300,000 is available in the FY 1996-97 Budget. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

5. Execute Contract to Cost-Share for Implementation of a Program to Improve Energy Efficiency and Emissions of Natural Gas Engines

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated a project with the American Trucking Association’s Trucking Research Institute (TRI) and the Gas Research Institute (GRI) to initiate a program to enhance natural gas engine energy efficiency and emissions performance. DOE proposes that TRI manage a solicitation to the heavy-duty engine industry and resulting research projects. Total project cost is $1.2 million, with AQMD cost-sharing of $400,000. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

6. Issue RFP to Develop and Demonstrate a Hybrid-Electric Transit Bus Using Clean Fuels

Transit buses emit high NO_x and particulate emissions because of their weight, loading and operating cycle. Hybrid-electric buses, using electric drivetrains and on-board engine-alternators called auxiliary power units (APUs), have demonstrated extremely low emissions. This occurs because the APU operates at high efficiency with low emissions and may use a clean fuel. This action is to issue an RFP to expedite the introduction of this technology into transit buses. Proposed AQMD funding for this $1,000,000 project is $500,000. Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

7. Issue RFP to Develop and Demonstrate Low-Emission Alternative Fuel Two- and Four-Cycle Commercial Lawn and Garden Equipment

Lawn and garden equipment contributes significantly to the basin’s VOC and CO emissions. This action is to issue an RFP to develop and demonstrate low-emission alternative fuel commercial lawn and garden equipment. AQMD funding for this $700,000 project is $350,000. Committee reviewed the information presented and requested staff to further communicate with ARB on this matter. This item will be resubmitted for review at the next meeting of the Technology Committee.

8. Issue RFP to Assist AQMD in Developing Low-VOC Solvents

Solvent cleaning and degreasing operations contribute significantly to the South Coast Air Basin’s VOC emissions. Technological advancements are needed to reduce these emissions and to meet the goals of the 1997 AQMP as well as the future limits of existing rules. The proposed RFP asks for development and a thorough evaluation of zero- and low-VOC solvents to fulfill these requirements. The AQMD is the sole participant in this project, and the total funding shall not exceed $200,000. Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

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 Mee Lee, Jon Mikels, Ron Loveridge and Roy Wilson. Other attendees were as follows:

Cody Cluff SCAQMD Board Member
Edric Guise SCAQMD Board Assistant
R. Taylor Berger SCAQMD Board Assistant
Chung S. Liu, ADEO Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Andy Abele, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Paul Wuebben, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Jon Leonard, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Chris Abe, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Fred Minassian, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Mike Bogdanoff, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Cindy Sullivan, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Ranji George, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
Dory Kilgour, Technology Advancement SCAQMD
La Ronda Bowen, Public Advisor SCAQMD
Catherine Witherspoon, Legislative Office SCAQMD
Denice Brue-Clopton, District Counsel’s Office SCAQMD
Anupom Ganguli, Stationary Source Compliance SCAQMD
Nancy Covey, Finance SCAQMD
Hank Wedaa Valley Environmental Associates
Jim Ortner OCTA
George Lauer ARCO
Kyle Davis SCE
Rita Loof Rad Tech International
John Billheimer Small Business Coalition

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