South Coast Air Quality Management District
South Coast Air Quality Management District
BOARD MEETING DATE: October 19, 2001 AGENDA NO. 4
Approve Contract to Evaluate Any Variations Between the Utility Gas Feed Meter and Compressed Gas Dispenser Meter Readings
SYNOPSIS:
There are several variables in CNG fueling that cause variations between the utility and the compressed gas dispenser meter readings. Energy International, Inc. has proposed to evaluate the parameters causing these variances to find potential solutions. Total cost of this project is approximately $220,000. Staff recommends co-funding this project in an amount not to exceed $20,000, with balance of cost shared by the Gas Research Institute.
COMMITTEE:
Technology, September 28, 2001, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
The number of vehicles operating on CNG fuel in public and private fleets has been increasing in recent years. It is therefore important to further enhance fueling infrastructure, capable of providing cost-effective and reliable fueling to the CNG fleet. There are several variables related to operations, equipment, meter accuracy, energy conversion factors, venting, etc., that contribute to variation in readings between the utility gas feed meter and the compressed gas dispenser meter. A thorough evaluation of these variables, leading to potential resolutions, will substantially benefit the utilization of CNG refueling.
Proposal
Energy International, Inc. submitted a proposal to evaluate several factors that cause different readings between the utility gas feed meter and the compressed gas dispenser meter (meter that measures the amount of natural gas delivered to the vehicle fuel tank). The proposal focuses on conducting specific field tests of at least five and up to ten CNG fueling stations to evaluate several factors such as meter accuracy, energy conservation, fugitive emissions, venting, etc., that may contribute to product losses. The outcome of this project may help increase the fueling efficiency of the CNG fueling stations. Staff recommends a cost share for this project of approximately 220,000 with $20,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund. The Gas Research Institute will co-fund the remaining balance.
Benefits to AQMD
The proposed project with Energy International, Inc. is included in the March 2001 update of the Technology Advancement Plan under Project 2001CFM3-1, "Development and Demonstration of Advanced Natural Gas Systems for Refueling Stations." The AQMP relies on the expedited implementation of advanced technologies in Southern California to achieve air quality standards.
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 interest of the AQMD. Specifically, these circumstances are: B.2.d.(1) Project involving cost sharing by multiple sponsors.
Energy International, Inc. has expertise in CNG fueling practices, and is the entity that has identified the variance problem between gas feed meters and compressor dispenser meters. They have secured the participation of major entities such as the Southern California Gas Company and Atlanta Gas and Light as host sites for this project.
Co-funding by the Gas Research Institute will leverage AQMD’s contribution to this project at a ratio of 1:10.
Resource Impacts
Total project cost to evaluate variances between utility gas feed meters and gas dispensing meters is approximately $220,000. AQMD’s contribution shall not exceed $20,000. The Gas Research Institute will co-fund the remaining balance. Sufficient funds are available from the Clean Fuels Fund, established as a special revenue fund resulting from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, 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.
/ / /