BOARD MEETING DATE: June 1, 2007
AGENDA NO. 4
PROPOSAL:
Execute Contract to Cosponsor Demonstration of Hydraulic-Hybrid Shuttle Bus
SYNOPSIS:
Hybrid-electric passenger cars, trucks and buses have been commercialized by vehicle manufacturers. These systems capture braking energy, store it electrically, and re-use it in vehicle propulsion with the use of electric motors. Hydraulic-hybrid systems are now being developed which store braking energy as compressed gas and re-use this energy for propulsion through the use of special hydraulic pump/motors in the drivetrain. This action is to execute a contract with CALSTART, in association with Eaton Corporation, Complete Coach Works and Riverside Transit Agency, to demonstrate a hydraulic-hybrid shuttle bus. The total cost of this project is estimated to be $1,210,000 with AQMD funding not to exceed $250,000.
COMMITTEE:
Technology, May 25, 2007. 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.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with CALSTART to demonstrate a hydraulic-hybrid system on a shuttle bus in an amount not to exceed $250,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
Achieving federal and state clean air standards in Southern California will require emission reductions from both mobile and stationary sources beyond those expected using current technologies. The draft 2007 AQMP relies on these advanced technologies. In addition, there are increasing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum dependence arising from the heavy use of conventional technologies.
Hybrid technologies represent a method to further reduce emissions from existing low emission engines as well as to reduce fuel consumption and the generation of greenhouse gases. Hybrid technologies use a combination of energy sources to propel vehicles, generally an internal combustion engine and another source. Vehicle manufacturers have commercialized hybrid-electric passenger cars, trucks and buses. During braking, these hybrid-electric vehicles capture energy normally lost as heat in the braking system; an electric motor/alternator is used to slow the vehicle and generate electricity which is stored in a battery or capacitor pack. During propulsion, the stored electricity is used to power the electric motor and help propel the vehicle. Emissions, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by up to 25 percent. Wear and tear on the braking system is also reduced, further lowering operating costs.
In recent years, non-electric, mechanical hybrid systems also have been under development. One such technology is the hydraulic-hybrid system which uses a special hydraulic pump/motor installed in the vehicle drivetrain, usually between the transmission and drive shaft. During braking, the pump/motor slows the vehicle by pumping hydraulic fluid and compressing gas in a pressure tank. During propulsion, the process is reversed, pressure is released, and the hydraulic pump/motor helps propel the vehicle. As with hybrid-electric systems, microprocessors control the energy collection and release based on the vehicle speed, brake pedal position, throttle position, and other factors. Eaton Corporation’s hybrid system is called Hydraulic Launch Assist™ (HLA®).
Proposal
CALSTART, in association with Eaton Corporation, Complete Coach Works and Riverside Transit Agency (RTA), has proposed to develop and demonstrate a hydraulic-hybrid system on a shuttle bus. The advantages are lower emissions, lower fuel consumption, and reduced brake maintenance.
In Task 1, Complete Coach Works will fully integrate the HLA® into a Riverside transit shuttle bus. Under Task 2, initial road testing will be performed and the vehicle configuration and system calibration will be optimized. In Task 3 the hydraulic-hybrid shuttle bus will be demonstrated up to 12 months in actual revenue service. Finally, emission testing will then be performed under Task 4 using a heavy-duty chassis dynamometer system.
Benefits to AQMD
The proposed project is included in the March 2007 update of the Technology Advancement Plan under the project entitled, “Develop and Demonstrate Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Systems.” The AQMP relies upon the expedited implementation of advanced technologies in Southern California to achieve air quality standards and to continue reductions in air toxic exposure.
The use of hydraulic-hybrid technology in shuttle buses is expected to reduce NOx emissions by at least 25 percent. There are approximately 4,000 of this type of shuttle bus in the Basin; however, there are well over 100,000 light-heavy trucks between 10,000 to 19,000 pounds gross vehicle weigh (GVW) to which this technology is directly applicable. Success of this project could result in the retrofit of these buses and trucks with this emission-reducing technology. Beyond this, fuel consumption is expected to be reduced by at least 25 percent and brake maintenance reduced by more than 50 percent. Cost reductions with less fuel used and longer brake life could enable the hydraulic-hybrid technology to pay for itself in about 2-3 years. This technology is applicable to many types of clean- and conventional-fuel vehicles.
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.
This program is cosponsored by several entities, where AQMD’s contribution will be leveraged at a ratio of approximately 1 to 5. Project funding will be supplied by Eaton Corporation, Complete Coach Works, RTA and CALSTART. Eaton Corporation is a supplier of heavy-duty truck transmissions, driveshafts and differentials. Complete Coach Works in Riverside repairs, retrofits and modifies busses, passenger coaches and other heavy-duty vehicles. RTA provides public bus transportation for western Riverside County. CALSTART is a non-profit organization that works with the public and private sectors to develop advanced transportation technologies.
Resource Impacts
Total cost for the proposed project is approximately $1,210,000. AQMD’s contribution from the Clean Fuels Fund shall not exceed $250,000. The total estimated cost-share for this proposed project is:
Eaton Corporation $300,000 Complete Coach Works (Riverside) 327,500 Riverside Transit Agency 42,500 CALSTART/Federal Transit Administration 290,000 AQMD 250,000 Total $1,210,000
Sufficient AQMD funds are available in the Clean Fuels Fund, which is established as special revenue 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 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.