BOARD MEETING DATE: June 6, 2003
AGENDA NO. 30

Technology Committee

SYNOPSIS:

The Technology Committee met on May 23, 2003. Major items included Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the June Board. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided. The next Technology Committee meeting will be on June 27, 2003 at 12:00 p.m. in CC-8.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Receive and file.

Leonard Paulitz, Chair
Technology Committee

Attendance: Committee Chair Leonard Paulitz, and Committee Members William Craycraft and Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta were in attendance at District headquarters. No Committee members participated by video-teleconference.

JUNE BOARD AGENDA ITEMS

1. Execute Contracts to Develop and Demonstrate Phase II Hydrogen Fueling Infrastructure Technologies, Fuel Cell Vehicle Demonstrations and Support Maintenance Facilities in the South Coast Air Basin - At the September 13, 2002 Board meeting, an initial network (Phase I) of compressed-hydrogen fueling stations was approved to accelerate the introduction of fuel cell demonstration vehicles expected to be introduced by major auto manufacturers. To carry out Phase II of this effort, staff recommends executing contracts with Air Products and Chemicals, Stuart Energy, California State University at Los Angeles, Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. and Daimler Chrysler to develop and install hydrogen refueling infrastructure, to demonstrate hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and technologies and develop maintenance support facilities at various locations in the South Coast Air Basin in an amount not to exceed $1,885,280.
   Moved (Craycraft), seconded (Verdugo-Peralta) and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
2. Execute Contract to Cosponsor Development and Demonstration of Hydrogen-Internal Combustion Engine Hybrid-Electric Bus - Gasoline and CNG-powered hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) have been proven in their ability to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy. However, the final goal is to achieve zero emissions with increased efficiency. AQMD, in conjunction with California Energy Commission, SunLine Transit, Natural Resources Canada, Province of Manitoba, ISE Research, and CARB will develop and demonstrate a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid-electric transit bus. The use of HEVs powered with a hydrogen-ICE on a commercial scale may lead to substantial reduction in air pollutants and toxic emissions from on-road heavy-duty vehicles. Staff recommends AQMD’s participation in this contract with co-funding of $210,000. Total funding for this project is $1,075,000.
   Moved (Craycraft), seconded (Verdugo-Peralta) and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
3. California Fuel Cell Partnership Steering Team Meeting - This report summarizes the California Fuel Cell Partnership Steering Team meeting held April 22-23, 2003.
   This item was reviewed as an information item with no action necessary.
    
4. Execute Contract to Cosponsor Development, Demonstration and Evaluation of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vans in Fleet Use - AQMD continues to participate in evaluations led by EPRI with CARB on the potential for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and demonstrations of prototypes with ZEV range. In this project, Daimler Chrysler will produce two new gasoline-fueled plug-in hybrid electric Sprinter vans and place them in fleet use for demonstration and evaluation by Southern California Edison and AQMD. EPRI will coordinate project participants to evaluate design goals including performance, emissions, fuel economy, and ZEV range. Total project cost is $1,525,000 including AQMD cost not to exceed $475,000. Clean Fuel funds are available in the Technology Advancement Plan updated March 2002 in category CFM6-3.
   Cynthia Verdugo-Peralta abstained from voting on this item. Therefore, less than a quorum was present. The Chairman and Committee Member Craycraft communicated their concurrence with this item.
    
5. Authorize Executive Officer to Reimburse Microturbine Site
   Owners for Repair Costs - The Board previously approved the purchase and installation of microturbines with portions of the AES Settlement Fund, the LADWP Settlement Fund, and the Rule 1309.1 Mitigation Fee Fund at various locations sites within AQMD boundaries. Staff recommends that the Board authorize the Executive Officer to use previously authorized funds to reimburse owners for repair costs of microturbines at sites where warranties expired prematurely.
   Moved (Verdugo-Peralta), seconded (Craycraft) and unanimously recommended for approval.
    
6. Execute Contract to Co-Fund Demonstration of Fuel Cell Water Taxi in Newport Beach
   This item was rolled over to the next Technology Committee meeting on June 27, 2003.

Other Business - There was no other business.

Public Comment Period - there was no public comment.

The meeting was adjourned.

Attachment A - Attendance

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