Report:

Technology Committee

Synopsis:

The Technology Committee met on February 28, 1997. Major items discussed included a review of Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the March Board Meeting and a nomination to Advisory Council. 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 March 28, 1997 at 11:30 a.m.

Recommended Action:

Receive and file this report.

Leonard Paulitz, Chairman
Technology Committee

Attendance: Present were Committee Chairman Leonard Paulitz, and Committee Members Ron Loveridge and Roy Wilson. Also present was Board Member Norma Glover. Other attendees are listed in Attachment A.

Committee Topics

1. Issue RFP to Develop and Demonstrate Low-Emission Alternative Fuel Two- and Four-Cycle Commercial Lawn and Garden Equipment - Lawn and garden equipment contribute 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. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

2. Execute Contract with Acurex Environmental Corporation to Cost-Share Demonstration of Cryogenic Refrigeration Technology in Truck Trailers - Acurex Environmental Corporation has proposed a demonstration of prototype cryogenic refrigeration technology on trailers at a truck host site in the Basin. The technology, originally developed by General Cryogenics, Inc. and licensed to Thermo King Corporation, operates using liquid carbon dioxide as the refrigerant and to power the air recirculation pump in the cooling mode, eliminating the need for both chlorofluorocarbon coolant and the conventional diesel-powered compressor-type refrigerator. Total project cost is $699,892, with AQMD cost-sharing of $250,000. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

3. Issue RFP to Develop and Demonstrate the Most Efficient and Cost-Effective Control Technology for Underfired Charbroilers - There are approximately 6,000 restaurants in the Basin using underfired charbroilers. The AQMD’s proposed Rule 1138 would control PM10 and VOC emissions from these charbroilers by establishing emissions limits. The proposed RFP asks for the development and demonstration of a cost-effective control technology to achieve the desired limits. 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 Southwest Research Institute to Measure Evaporative Emissions From Off-Road Equipment Powered by Gasoline and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Engines of 25 to 175 Horsepower - Evaporative emissions from off-road equipment powered by gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas engines of 25 to 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. Based on results of a competitive solicitation, Southwest Research Institute has been selected to conduct evaporative emissions measurements from off-road vehicles. Total project cost is $131,563. Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

5. Execute Contract with ISE Research to Develop and Demonstrate a Heavy-Duty Hybrid-Electric Truck Fueled with Compressed Natural Gas - The AQMD has received a proposal from ISE Research to develop and demonstrate a heavy-duty hybrid-electric truck fueled with compressed natural gas. Hybrid-electric drivetrains, using electric motors and engine-alternators called auxiliary power units (APUs), have demonstrated low NOx and particulate emissions. This occurs because the APU operates at high efficiency and may use a clean fuel for very low emissions. Total project cost is $971,700. AQMD cost-sharing is $200,000. Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

6. Issue RFP to Develop and Demonstrate Optimized Design for Liquefied Natural Gas Storage and Dispensing for Fleet Vehicle Applications - LNG is of interest to a growing number of truck fleets; however, storage and dispensing of cryogenic LNG for truck fleet applications has not been optimized. Standardized design of LNG dispensing stations is needed to minimize vapor loss; retain fuel composition over extended period; and minimize construction, operation and maintenance costs. This action is to issue an RFP for development and demonstration of a cost-effective design for storage and dispensing of LNG for truck fleet applications. Proposed AQMD funding for this project is $300,000. Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

7. AQMD Position Regarding U.S. Department of Energy’s Proposed Greater Utilization of Diesel Engines for Sport Utility Vehicles - The U.S. Department of Energy has proposed greater utilization of diesel engines in the growing sport utility sector of the vehicle market to enhance energy efficiency and help reduce global warming. However, air pollution concerns associated with diesel emissions need to be addressed. This action is for the Board to adopt a position to encourage federal agencies to assess the air quality impacts of the program, and to promote the advancement of engine design, exhaust treatment and greater use of clean fuels to meet emission requirements. Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

Other Business

8. Nomination to Advisory Council: Leonard Paulitz nominated Tim Carmichael, Policy Director of the Coalition for Clean Air, to serve on the newly formed Advisory Council. Ron Loveridge moved for approval with a second by Roy Wilson. Committee voted for approval of this nomination.

9. World Electric Vehicle Project: Chairman Paulitz requested a status report on the World Electric Vehicle Project be presented to the March 28, 1997 meeting of the Technology Committee.

10. Technology Advancement Plan for the Clean Fuels Program and Technology Advancement Annual Report: Chairman Paulitz requested copies of these documents be distributed to Committee members at the March 28, 1997 meeting of the Technology Committee.

Public Comment Period: John Billheimer, of the Small Business Coalition, requested that the effect of high altitude be considered in upcoming development and demonstration projects.

/ / /

Attachment A - Attendance

Laura Ortega AQMD Board Assistant
Daniela Fernandez AQMD Board Assistant
Edric Guise AQMD Board Assistant
James Lents, EO AQMD
Barry Wallerstein, DEO PTIM AQMD
Chung S. Liu, ADEO Technology Advancement AQMD
Andy Abele, Technology Advancement AQMD
Mike Nazemi, Technology Advancement AQMD
Paul Wuebben, Technology Advancement AQMD
Jon Leonard, Technology Advancement AQMD
Chris Abe, Technology Advancement AQMD
Fred Minassian, Technology Advancement AQMD
Mike Bogdanoff, Technology Advancement AQMD
Cindy Sullivan, Technology Advancement AQMD
Ranji George, Technology Advancement AQMD
Dory Kilgour, Technology Advancement AQMD
William Wong, District Counsel’s Office AQMD
Nancy Covey, Finance AQMD
Jackie Lourenco ARB
John Billheimer Small Business Coalition