BOARD MEETING DATE: September 12, 1997 AGENDA NO. 31


REPORT:

Technology Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Technology Committee met August 15, 1997. Major items discussed included information on APUs, flywheels and ultracapacitors; the Technology Advancement Clean Fuels Program reauthorization efforts; the Technology Advancement plan update; and a review of Technology Advancement items on the Agenda for the September 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 September 26, 1997 at 11:30 a.m.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file this report.

Wayne H. Nastri, Chairman
Technology Committee

Swearing in of New Governing Board Member

Norma Glover, Vice Chairman of the AQMD Governing Board, swore in Wayne H. Nastri as the Governor’s Appointee to the AQMD Governing Board. Mr. Nastri has been appointed as Chairman of the Technology Committee. Other members of the Committee are: Leonard Paulitz, Vice Chair; Norma Glover; James Silva; and Roy Wilson.

Attendance:

Present were Committee Chairman Wayne H. Nastri, Committee Vice Chairman Leonard Paulitz, and Committee members Norma Glover, and Roy Wilson.

Update on HPUs, Flywheels and Ultracapacitors

Mike Bogdanoff of Technology Advancement reviewed three electric energy devices. The ZEV requirement in California, and the national Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicle (PNGV), have both fostered the development of many new electric energy devices. Three of these are ultracapacitors, hybrid power units (HPUs), and electromechanical batteries or "flywheel batteries." Future TAO projects may support the development and demonstration of these three technologies.

Update on Technology Advancement Clean Fuels Program Reauthorization Efforts

Catherine Witherspoon, Legislative Director, reviewed the history of the Clean Fuels Program and the legislation needed to continue funding for this program. She discussed why the most recent legislation failed and suggested actions to be taken to gain support for this measure. Ms. Witherspoon also noted that a proposed workshop with Board Members on the reauthorization effort will be scheduled.

Chairman Nastri requested that a presentation be given to the Technology Committee at its next meeting which compares the issues that were brought up and the actions taken to address these issues, as well as recommendations. The Committee will review these issues prior to submitting them to the Governing Board.

Committee Topics

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

Andy Abele, Manager in Technology Advancement reviewed the update on the Technology Advancement Plan for the Clean Fuels Program, covering the update process, funding sources, proposed FY 97-98 budget, technology distribution for FY 96-97, proposed project areas, project selection, and key selection criteria. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

2. Execute Contract to Cost-Share Development and Demonstration of Fuel-Flexible Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Power System for Vehicle Applications - Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are zero-emission electrochemical engines with potential to become commercialized powerplants for vehicles. In 1994, AQMD executed a $500,000 contract with Torrance-based AlliedSignal Aerospace to research and develop a direct-hydrogen PEMFC system for automobile applications, as part of a $10 million Department of Energy (DOE) project. This nearly completed project has resulted in important manufacturing and technological innovations for PEMFCs. DOE recently selected AlliedSignal to develop a larger and improved PEMFC system that can operate on reformed hydrocarbon fuels. The total cost of the project is approximately $9 million, of which DOE anticipates providing $6.75 million. AlliedSignal seeks matching funds of $2.25 million and has requested $500,000 from AQMD. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

3. Amend Contract for Demonstration of Natural Gas Engines in Heavy-Duty Trucks to Revise Project Scope and Extend Time of Performance - In 1996, the AQMD entered into a contract with the County Sanitation Districts of Orange County (CSDOC) to demonstrate natural gas engines in on-highway service, transporting biosolids from Orange County to Kern County, California. A reduction in the number of loads assigned by CSDOC to its hauler, Pima Gro Systems, Inc., makes it necessary to revise the project scope. The proposed amendment will revise the project work statement, reduce AQMD funding from $447,000 to $394,813, and extend the contract term. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

4. Execute Contract to Cost-Share Development of Low-Cost Natural Gas Compressor and Natural Gas Vehicle Refueling Station - Tecogen has proposed the development of an innovative low-cost natural gas compressor and NGV refueling station. The objective of the proposed project is to substantially reduce a major barrier to the market penetration of NGVs, namely the high cost of purchasing, installing and operating NGV refueling stations in small public and private fleets with 10 to 15 vehicles. The total cost of this project is $1,016,000. The proposed AQMD cost-share is $250,000 for the development phase and, if successful, an additional $150,000 for a future field demonstration phase. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

Other Business - Chairman Nastri inquired about the ability of the District to recover funds disbursed to research and development programs, i.e., similar to venture capital funds. This issue should be explored in greater detail at the next Technology Committee meeting. Vice Chair Leonard Paulitz requested a status report on the TDM car at the next Technology Committee meeting.

Public Comment Period - John Billheimer asked which AQMD Committee would be the appropriate one to review the issue of coating of pleasurecraft. Peter Greenwald indicated he would answer Mr. Billheimer’s question.

Attachment A - Attendance

/ / /


This page updated: September 17, 2004
URL: http://www.aqmd.gov/hb/1997/970931a.html