BOARD MEETING DATE: August 14, 1998 AGENDA NO. 6
PROPOSAL:
Execute Contract to Cost-Share Demonstration of Fast-Response On-Board NOx Sensors for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
SYNOPSIS:
Fast-response sensors, capable of detecting real-time NOx emissions, could be useful as tools to assist in optimizing control techniques, as well as continuously monitoring vehicle NOx emissions. ARB is in the process of selecting a contractor to demonstrate fast-response on-board NOx sensors for heavy-duty vehicles. ARB has invited the AQMD to co-sponsor this project. This action is to execute an agreement with ARB in the amount of $125,000 out of a total budget of $350,000.
COMMITTEE:
Technology, June 26, 1998 and July 17, 1998, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with ARB in an amount not to exceed $125,000 to cost-share demonstration of fast-response on-board NOx sensors for heavy-duty vehicles.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Acting Executive Officer
Background
Several control measures contained in California’s 1994 implementation plan for meeting state and federal ozone standards call for large reductions in NOx emissions from on-road heavy-duty vehicles. It is expected that many engine manufacturers will use new or improved control strategies to comply with future, more stringent, heavy-duty vehicle NOx emission standards. Fast-response sensors, capable of detecting real-time NOx emissions, could be useful as tools to assist in optimizing selected control techniques. In addition, the sensors would also allow for continuous on-board monitoring of vehicle NOx emissions, allowing for early detection and repair of emission control equipment failures.
The scientific and engineering literature indicate that several different prototype devices are currently under development. However, it appears that little on-road testing of such devices has been conducted. Demonstration testing is needed to determine whether the state of the art has developed to the point where engine manufacturers can rely on these devices to aid in meeting NOx emissions goals.
The ARB has invited AQMD participation in a project entitled, "Demonstration of a Fast-Response On-Board NOx Sensor for Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles." On November 17, 1997, the ARB released Request for Proposals (RFP) 97-03 to select a contractor for the project. In March 1998, before the contractor selection process could be completed, the ARB received new guidelines from the State of California which eliminated preferences for qualified minority- and women-owned business enterprises. As a result, the ARB is in the process of reissuing the RFP for this project.
Proposal
The objective of this proposed project is to select, calibrate, and demonstrate two types of fast-response NOx sensors for use in providing accurate real-time measurement of exhaust gas NOx from on-road, four-stroke cycle, heavy-duty vehicles. Demonstrations shall be conducted in working vehicles from existing fleets under typical operating conditions. The goal of the demonstrations shall be to ascertain the accuracy and durability of these sensors and to collect NOx measurement data for use in evaluating the usefulness of the sensors under real-world operating conditions. In addition, the applicability of the demonstrated NOx sensor technologies to heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicles shall be evaluated.
The proposed project addresses technologies that are included in the September 1997 update of the Technology Advancement Plan under category 97T3-1, Advanced Transportation Systems Research, Development and Demonstration.
Anticipated Benefits
The current NOx emissions of heavy-duty trucks in the South Coast Air Basin are estimated to be 250 tons per day (T/D), and forecasted to be 180 T/D in the year 2010. However, numerous recent studies have concluded that the actual emissions may be as much as 50% higher than calculated. Successful demonstration of the proposed NOx sensors, and their widespread application can easily resolve the emissions discrepancy issue; and can be used to guarantee compliance of manufacturers to the ARB regulations, thus producing up to 90 T/D NOx emission reductions in the year 2010. The emission reductions will help the AQMD in meeting its air quality goals as set forth in the 1997 AQMP. Implementation of control measures M4, M5 and M6 of the 1997 AQMP will benefit from the completion of this project.
Sole Source Justification
Section VIII, (B)(2) of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for a sole source award is made under provision B.2.d.: Other circumstances exist which in the determination of the Executive Officer require such waiver in the best interests of the AQMD. Specifically, the reason is B.2.d.(1) projects involve cost sharing by multiple sponsors.
The ARB will cost-share this project, as well as serve with AQMD as overall manager for the resulting contracts. AQMD technical staff have been involved in the review of proposals received in response to the ARB solicitation. In addition, because ARB is in the process of conducting a competitive bid, a sole source award to ARB is justified because a separate AQMD competitive bid would be duplicative.
Resource Impacts
AQMD funding of $125,000 out of a total of $350,000 is requested. Sufficient funds are available in the FY 1998-99 Budget from revenues received from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile and stationary sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels in both sectors, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.
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