BOARD MEETING DATE: May 9, 1997 AGENDA NO. 7
Proposal:
Execute Contract to Costshare Development of Engine and Fuel Systems for Use of Dimethyl Ether in Medium- to Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Synopsis:
Dimethyl Ether (DME) is a promising alternative fuel that can provide low emissions with minimal engine modifications. Economic studies indicate that DME produced directly from natural gas in production quantities can be cost-competitive with diesel fuel. AVL Powertrain Engineering, Inc. has proposed a project to develop fuel storage and handling systems for DME-fueled engines, and to perform failure mode and effects analysis and dynamometer testing in preparation for vehicle field demonstration. Total project cost is $584,401 with AQMD cost-sharing of $205,673.
Committee:
Technology, April 25, 1997. Chair Leonard Paulitz and member Cody Cluff communicate their concurrence with the Executive Officer’s recommendation.
Recommended Action:
Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with AVL Powertrain Engineering, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $205,673 to develop and demonstrate DME fuel storage and handling systems, and perform failure mode and effects analysis and dynamometer testing.
James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer
Background
Medium and heavy-duty vehicles contribute significantly to the Basin’s emissions inventory. In recognition of the contribution of heavy-duty truck emissions to the state inventory, and the fact that trucks from out-of-state are significant contributors to the emissions inventory, the ARB and the U.S. EPA entered into an agreement with the major heavy-duty engine manufacturers to set a national NOx standard of 2.0 g/bhp-hr in 2002. The SIP seeks to reduce these levels further to 1.0 g/bhp-hr. These proposed standards address emissions from new engines. Engines may accumulate 250,000 to 700,000 miles, with one or more engine rebuilds during their life. Conversion of an existing engine to alternative fuel use can be expensive and technically complicated. Fuel technologies, such as DME, offer the potential to achieve low emissions without major engine modifications.
DME, used as a propellant for spray cans, is currently produced from natural gas but can be made from coal and biomass as well. DME is promising as a transportation fuel because:
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Navistar International Transportation Company have supported development of DME engine technology. Fuel injection system design, analysis and bench testing have been accomplished. Electronic control hardware and software have been designed and are currently undergoing bench testing.
Proposal
AVL Powertrain Engineering, Inc. (AVL) proposes to continue the DME engine development effort by designing, developing and demonstrating a DME fuel handling and storage system for trucks. In addition, AVL will conduct a dynamometer-based engine durability test to assess fuel system and engine durability and wear rates. Finally, in preparation for future on-road demonstration, AVL will perform failure mode and effects analysis, an analytical methodology used to minimize the risk of field failures.
This technology is expected to provide a cost-effective retrofit strategy for existing engines and vehicles. The proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan, approved on October 11, 1996, as Project M1-5, " Development and Demonstration of Low Emission, Alternative Fuel Technologies for On-Road Applications." Although there will be no actual emission reductions as a direct result of this project, this technology has future potential as a low-emission retrofit or re-engine technology. Previous bench scale testing has documented NOx emissions below 2.0 g/bhp-hr.
Sole Source Justification
Section II, Step 3,(C) of the Consultant Selection Policy and Procedure identifies four provisions under which a sole-source award 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 sole-source award is made under provision (4).
It is in the best interests of the AQMD to support the current and ongoing development of DME engine technology with AVL Powertrain Engineering, Inc. This is the only known comprehensive effort that brings together an engine manufacturer (Navistar) and a fuel manufacturer (Amoco) in the development of DME engine technology. AVL holds patents for their DME engine technology. AVL List GmbH, AVL’s partner, is pursuing DME technology in Europe. Jim McCandless, President of AVL, is a graduate mechanical engineer with over 30 years experience in the design and development of diesel engines, engine components and fuel injection equipment. He is the former Vice President of Engine Engineering for Navistar.
Navistar International Transportation Company is a major producer of medium-, and heavy-duty engines. At this time, Navistar the only major engine manufacturer actively pursuing DME technology. Amoco, a major petroleum company, is pursuing development of cost-effective DME production technology in cooperation with Haldor-Topsoe and will be providing the fuel to this project.
Resource Impacts
The total cost of this project is estimated at $584,401, with AQMD cost-share of $205,673. Sufficient funds are available in the FY 1996-97 Budget. A breakdown of cost-sharing by each project sponsor is as follows:
| Organization | Direct Funding | In-Kind Services |
Total |
| Navistar | $87,500 | $87,500 | |
| AVL | 51,150 | 51,150 | |
| NREL | $240,078 | 0 | 240,078 |
| AQMD | 205,673 | 0 | 205,673 |
| Total | $445,751 | $138,650 | $584,401 |
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