South Coast Air Quality Management District

Technology Committee

SYNOPSIS: 

The Technology Committee met on November 22, 2002. Major items in-cluded Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the December and January Board meetings. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on January 24, 2003 at 12:00 p.m. in CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Hal Bernson, Chair
Technology Committee

Attendance: Committee Chair Hal Bernson and Committee Member Roy Wilson participated by video-teleconference.

Committee Chair Bernson suggested the Committee consider a consent calendar format for this meeting.

DECEMBER AGENDA ITEMS

1. Amend Recipient for Forklift Projects under the State Emissions Mitigation Pro-gram - On March 1, 2002, the Board approved the execution of contracts to generate emission credits under the State Emissions Mitigation Program. Southern California Edison was identified as the award recipient for two forklift projects. These projects involve the replacement of twelve propane-powered forklifts with twelve electric fork-lifts. In a letter dated November 1, 2002, Southern California Edison indicated they prefer the two contracts for the forklift projects be executed with the equipment owner and operator, Beauchamp Distributing Company. AQMD staff recommends amending the recipient for the forklift projects to Beauchamp Distributing Company, with no change in the amount of funding approved by the Board on March 1, 2002.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

2. Issue RFP for Demonstration of Technologies to Reduce PM Emissions From Airport Ground Support Equipment in South Coast Air Basin - As air travel de-mands increase, the use of ground support equipment (GSE) to support airport operations has steadily grown and contributed to relatively uncontrolled airport emissions. This action to re-lease an RFP is in response to the need to demonstrate control technologies on GSE to reduce particulate matter emissions. On June 4, 2002, CARB provided $500,000 to the AQMD from the NOx and PM Emission Reduction Credit Program for the purpose of funding ground sup-port equipment emission reduction projects at airports located in the South Coast Basin. The Air Transport Association (ATA) is expected to provide a $500,000 match funding. Of that amount, ATA may use up to 15 percent for its oversight. Total funding available for this RFP may amount up to $1,000,000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recom-mendation from the Committee.

3. Approve Grants to Purchase up to 65 New CNG School Buses and Infrastructure, and Retrofit up to 447 Diesel Buses with PM Traps - On July 12, 2002, AQMD is-sued Program Announcement & Application PA2003-05 "Lower-Emission School Bus Re-placement and PM Trap Retrofit Program" soliciting applications for new CNG buses and PM traps. Sixteen public school districts applied for 153 new CNG school buses, and seventeen public school districts and private operators applied for 614 PM traps. Staff recommends the approval of school bus replacement awards for 38 CNG buses, in an amount not to exceed $4,951,900. Staff also recommends funding 237 PM traps, to retrofit 1994 and newer diesel buses in an amount not to exceed $1,659,000. In addition, staff recommends funding up to 27 school bus replacements and up to 210 school bus retrofits in a total amount not to exceed $5 million upon receipt of expected funds from U.S. EPA.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

4. California Fuel Cell Partnership Steering Team Meeting - This report summarizes the California Fuel Cell Partnership Steering Team meeting held October 29-30, 2002.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

JANUARY AGENDA ITEMS

5. Execute Two Contracts to Cosponsor Development of the Phase II Next Genera-tion Natural Gas Vehicle - The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is-sued an RFP in April 2002 to initiate and cosponsor the Phase II development of the Next Generation of Natural Gas Vehicles (NGNGV) in conjunction with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The purpose of NGNGV program is to de-velop new low emission heavy-duty natural gas vehicles for commercialization in 2004. The Board previously approved co-funding for Phase I projects in September 2001. Staff proposes executing two new (Phase II) contracts totaling $1.6M. Board approval will fully fund an engine development project by Cummins, and the remain-ing funds will co-sponsor with NREL a Mack engine-vehicle integration project under separate contractual agreements.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

6. Recognize Revenue and Execute Contract to Co-Sponsor Development, Optimiza-tion, and Demonstration of Aftertreatment Technologies for PM and Hydrocar-bon Emissions Control of CNG-Fueled Heavy-Duty Engines - Two proposals were received from West Virginia University (WVU) and Cummins Westport Inc. (CWI) in response to RFP #P2002-21 issued on December 21, 2001. On May 3, 2002, Board approved staff recommendation and awarded a contract to WVU. However, CWI's proposal had significant technical merits. Based on AQMD staff's comments, CWI has prepared an enhanced project plan to include particulate filters for CNG en-gines. This proposal outlines the development, optimization, and demonstration for the emission-reduction potential of catalyzed particulate filters when applied to CNG-fueled heavy-duty engines. Additionally, this proposal investigates the impact of lu-bricants on emissions from CNG Engines. Cost to the AQMD for the proposed $740,000 project shall not exceed $480,000.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

7. Execute Contract With California Science Center Foundation for Construction and Implementation of Fuel Cell Exhibit as Part of Transportation Gallery of Creative World Exhibition - The Children's Air Quality Agenda Initiative #8 di-rects staff to work with local museums to develop programs to teach children about air pollution and air quality issues. On April 5, 2002, the Board approved the execution of a contract with the California Science Center to develop a working fuel cell demonstra-tion including a full-size model of a fuel cell car. Funding for this project is contingent upon co-funding of $100,000 from CARB. CARB provided only $50,000 to the project and is unable to commit to the other $50,000 at this time. Staff is proposing that the project scope be changed to allow the project to proceed with the reduced CARB con-tribution of $50,000. The AQMD's funding to the project would remain the same.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

8. Execute Contract for Development of Hydrogen Fueling Station Templates - At its May 3, 2002 Meeting, the Board authorized the Executive Officer to issue a RFP for the development of a hydrogen fueling station template. The RFP solicited propos-als to develop templates including equipment specifications, layout, construction guid-ance and an optimization study for a future hydrogen fueling network within the South Coast Air Basin. Four proposals were received and evaluated by an outside panel of experts with one proposal being selected for contract. Project funding not to exceed $68,554.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

9. Execute Agreement and Recognize Revenue from Ford Motor Company for the Acquisition of Two CNG-Powered Buses - Ford Motor Company has allocated $120,000 to AQMD's acquisition of two CNG-powered E-450 buses as part of a de-velopment and demonstration project of a CNG-powered midsize school bus cofunded by the AQMD. One bus will be configured as a certified school bus and the other will be configured as a shuttle bus, and will be used by the AQMD to highlight available technology at various outreach events, including conferences and meetings. This ac-tion is to recognize the funds from Ford Motor Company and authorize the purchase of the two buses.
   Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

10. Recognize Revenue and Execute Contract to Cosponsor Development and Demonstration of Two 45-Foot Natural Gas Composite Body, Hybrid-Electric Transit Buses - In July 2002, the AQMD issued an RFP to develop and demonstrate two natural gas hybrid-electric (HE) transit buses. This action is to recommend awarding the contract to North American Bus Industries for the development of two 45-Foot composite body HE transit buses. Staff anticipates receiving $1,000,000 from the Department of Water and Power to cofund this project, with an additional $400,000 from the AQMD's Clean Fuels Fund. Total amount of funding requested will not exceed $1,400,000.
    Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

11. Execute Contract to Cosponsor Optimization and Demonstration of Plug-In Hy-brid Electric Vehicle with Vehicle-to-Grid Power Flow and Analysis of Impact on Transportation Emissions and Energy - For this proposed project, the in-line paral-lel power train and control strategy developed by UC Davis under previous AQMD supported vehicle development will be optimized with standard automotive compo-nents in a 2002 plug-in Ford Explorer HEV. Design goals include at least twice the fuel economy of the equivalent retail vehicle, compliance with SULEV emission stan-dards, better than stock acceleration and performance, and charge depletion control strategy with 48 miles all electric range. This project is expected to enhance the com-mercialization potential of plug-in HEVs by analyzing the full fuel cycle emissions and energy impacts of plug-in HEVs based on this design. Total project cost is $458,000. Staff is proposing to that this project be cost-shared at a cost not to exceed $150,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
    Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

12. Execute Contract for Public EV Charging Equipment and Signage Replacement to Help Coordinate Public Charging With Vehicle Technology and Maintain a Network of Compatible Public Charging - Southern California has an established network of public charging stations for electric vehicles. Over time, the mix of electric vehicles in use and their charging needs have evolved. There is currently a need to up-grade a portion of the existing charging stations to the existing technologies. As such, staff recommends that some of the existing public chargers be replaced with new chargers compatible with current commercially-available electric vehicles. Staff is proposing to upgrade up to 25 units at a total cost not to exceed $100,000.
    Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chairman communicated his concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Com-mittee.

13. Other Business - There was no other business.

14. Public Comment Period - Rita Loof of RadTech International urged the Committee to consider stationary source projects for pollution prevention as well as mobile source projects.
    

The meeting was adjourned.
Attachment A - Attendance

Attachment A - Attendance

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