College Saves $150,000 a Year in Utility Costs

From Renewable Energy World on July 20, 2016

In an effort to kick-start demand for its Powerpack energy storage solution, Tesla Energy is initiating pilot projects that demonstrate the value of energy storage to potential customers in the commercial space. One of the first of these pilots is a 4-MW storage project at California’s College of Marin.
It’s been more than a year since Elon Musk first announced the launch of Tesla Powerwall and Powerpack energy storage solutions. The daily-use residential Powerwall system has garnered most of the attention, with 2,500 of the 6.4-kilowatt-hour units sold worldwide in the first quarter of this year. Meanwhile, the commercial Powerpack system has moved more slowly out of the gate with fewer than 100 units sold worldwide in the first three months of the year. The 10-kilowatt-hour, 500-cycle Powerwall designed for backup use was discontinued in the U.S. market in March due to lack of interest.
The College of Marin demonstration project consists of a 2.4-MW system (five lithium-ion battery units delivering 480 kW of power each) on the college’s Kentfield campus and a 1.44 MW system (three 480 kW units) on its Indian Valley campus. The Kentfield system stores power generated by a carport and rooftop mounted PV system that was originally installed in 2008 to provide power for the campus’s lap pool and diving building. Tesla did not respond to inquiries regarding MWh capacity or cost per MWh for the Powerpack systems.

Substantial Savings in Utility Costs

After just a few weeks, the system is already paying dividends.

“Looking at last year’s bill, I can already tell the battery system is doing exactly what it’s supposed to be doing,” Greg Nelson, College of Marin’s Vice-President of Finance and College Operations, said. “It plateaued off the [demand] peaks, so when PG&E resets the rates for the upcoming year, they won’t be able to hit us for those peak demand charges. It’s going to save us about $150,000 a year in utility costs, which is not insignificant.”

For the college, the decision to install the Tesla storage system really was a no-brainer — the college’s financial contribution was zero. The cost of the $5.3 million project is being covered by $1 million in government incentives plus financial support from PG&E, Tesla, and MCE, California’s first Community Choice Aggregation agency. MCE brought Tesla and the college together under its mandate to grow local renewable energy generation and shrink demand through energy efficiency measures.
The College of Marin project faced logistical challenges — like snaking around the 900 geothermal wells the college uses for hot water — that contributed to the steep price tag. While a 35-year simple payback period might not be particularly compelling, Tesla is hoping potential commercial customers will be able to extrapolate the benefits of energy storage from the particulars at the College of Marin.

“For Tesla, it’s a huge win,” Nelson said. “I’ve probably had 30 companies here in the last month looking at the project because I’m the only battery storage facility in Northern California using their system.”

Read original article here.

Rule Could Generate More Than $82 Billion for Economy; Create 100,000 New Jobs

From Federal Aviation Administration on June 21, 2016
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has finalized the first operational rules (PDF) for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or “drones”), opening pathways towards fully integrating UAS into the nation’s airspace. These new regulations work to harness new innovations safely, to spur job growth, advance critical scientific research and save lives.

Economy Gets Boost in Revenue and Jobs

The new rule offers safety regulations for unmanned aircraft drones weighing less than 55 pounds that are conducting non-hobbyist operations. According to industry estimates, the rule could generate more than $82 billion for the U.S. economy and create more than 100,000 new jobs over the next 10 years.
The rule’s provisions are designed to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground. The regulations require pilots to keep an unmanned aircraft within visual line of sight. Operations are allowed during daylight and during twilight if the drone has anti-collision lights. The new regulations also address height and speed restrictions and other operational limits, such as prohibiting flights over unprotected people on the ground who aren’t directly participating in the UAS operation.
The FAA is offering a process to waive some restrictions if an operator proves the proposed flight will be conducted safely under a waiver. The FAA will make an online portal available to apply for these waivers in the months ahead.

“With this new rule, we are taking a careful and deliberate approach that balances the need to deploy this new technology with the FAA’s mission to protect public safety,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “But this is just our first step. We’re already working on additional rules that will expand the range of operations.”

Training Requirements

Under the final rule, the person flying a drone must be at least 16 years old and have a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating, or be directly supervised by someone with such a certificate. To qualify for a remote pilot certificate, an individual must either pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center or have an existing non-student Part 61 pilot certificate. If qualifying under the latter provision, a pilot must have completed a flight review in the previous 24 months and must take a UAS online training course provided by the FAA. The TSA will conduct a security background check of all remote pilot applications prior to issuance of a certificate.
As part of a privacy education campaign, the agency will provide all drone users with recommended privacy guidelines as part of the UAS registration process and through the FAA’s B4UFly mobile app. The FAA also will educate all commercial drone pilots on privacy during their pilot certification process; and will issue new guidance to local and state governments on drone privacy issues.
Read complete press release here.

Link

Renewable fuel being used in daily operations at LAX

From Renewable Energy World Editors on March 14, 2016

United Airlines said that on March 11 it began using commercial-scale volumes of sustainable aviation biofuel for regularly scheduled flights.
According to United, it is the first U.S. airline to move beyond demonstration flights and test programs to the use of advanced biofuels for ongoing operations.

Biofuel Reduces Carbon Emissions

“Today’s historic launch of regularly scheduled service utilizing advanced biofuels represents a major next step in our ongoing commitment to operate sustainably and responsibly,” Angela Foster-Rice, United’s managing director of environmental affairs and sustainability, said in a statement. “United is a leader in the advancement of alternative fuels, and, along with our partners at AltAir Paramount, we are taking action every day to minimize our impact on the environment and explore new ways to improve efficiency.”

United has agreed to purchase up to 15 million gallons of sustainable biofuel from AltAir Paramount over a three-year period. The airline said it has begun using the biofuel in its daily operations at Los Angeles International Airport, storing and delivering it in the same way as traditional fuel. In addition, United will operate flights between Los Angeles and San Francisco with the dedicated use of AltAir Paramount renewable fuel for two weeks, while also integrating the fuel into its regular operations at the airport.
Read original article here.

Natural gas engine to improve fuel economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions

From NGT News on March 10, 2016

The California Energy Commission has awarded the Gas Technology Institute a $1 million grant to develop and demonstrate an advanced natural gas engine to be installed in 18 vehicles, such as delivery trucks and school buses.
The Cummins-Westport Inc. ISB6.7 G natural gas engine meets the 2018 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Heavy-Duty Onboard Diagnostics (HD-OBD) requirements, as well as the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) optional low NOx emissions.

OBD Requirements for Heavy-Duty Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Both CARB and the EPA are requiring all heavy-duty alternative fuel vehicles to run onboard diagnostics (OBD) beginning with the 2018 model year. Since 2013, all heavy-duty diesel vehicles have required OBD, but the OBD requirement for alternative fuel vehicles was pushed back until 2018.
The 6.7-liter, medium-duty engine is set to enter production this April for Class 5 through Class 7 commercial vehicles, including pickups, delivery trucks, utility trucks, buses and yard tractors.
The Gas Technology Institute also received two grants totaling nearly $2 million to demonstrate new waste heat recovery systems for industrial furnaces and steam boilers.
Joseph Gallo Farms received a $1 million grant to demonstrate a waste heat recovery system using advanced absorption chiller technology, and ergSol Inc. received a $1 million grant to demonstrate an integrated high-efficient solar thermal system in the Central Valley.
Additionally, the City of Petaluma received a $3 million grant to design and operate an anaerobic digestion system to produce 150,000 GGEs of renewable natural gas from food and beverage waste and use the gas to fuel refuse trucks. The goal is to recycle waste and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Read original article here.

Women honored by California High-Speed Rail Authority

From California High Speed Rail Authority on March 9, 2016

In recognition of National Women in Construction Week, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) honors the women who are working to build the nation’s first high-speed rail program in the Central Valley.
To date, approximately 300 men and women have been dispatched to multiple work sites within Construction Package 1, the first 29 miles of the high-speed rail from Avenue 17 in Madera to American Avenue in Fresno. These workers represent a fraction of the construction workforce that will be needed to build the entire system from San Francisco to the Los Angeles area.

“While there are more than one-million women employed in the construction industry, that only comprises about ten percent of the construction workforce,” said Sandy Field, the immediate past-president of The National Association of Women in Construction. “’During Women in Construction Week we say thank you to women for their important contribution to this field and we hope this brings attention to the industry and encourages others to consider it as a viable career.”

Women in Central Valley Invited to Work for High-Speed Rail Authority

“This project means a lot to the Central Valley, and we want to make sure that women in this region have an opportunity to contribute to this project and help ensure its success,” said Central Valley Regional Director Diana Gomez. “We have over 100 miles now under construction in the Valley, and it’s the perfect time for women who want to learn the trade to join us.”

 
By sharing these stories, the Authority hopes these women will serve as an inspiration to those considering a career in the industry.
 
To learn more about Women in Construction Week visit http://www.nawic.org/nawic/WIC_Week_2016.asp

Three California Teams Continue Quest to Win $2 Million Prize Purse

From Renewable Energy World Editors on March 1, 2016
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced that nine teams, including three from California, have been named finalists in the Wave Energy Prize – a 20-month design-build-test competition – and will proceed to the next phase of the competition.
The nine finalists and two alternates will continue their quest to double the energy captured from ocean waves and win a prize purse totaling more than $2 million.

Finalists Receive Seed Funding from DOE

Each of the finalists and alternates will now receive seed funding from DOE to develop 1/20th scale models of their wave energy converter (WEC) technologies. These models will be tested at the nation’s most advanced wave-making facility, the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Maneuvering and Seakeeping (MASK) Basin at Carderock, Md., beginning in the summer of 2016.
California finalists:

• CalWave (Berkeley, CA)
• SEWEC (Redwood City, CA)
• Waveswing America (Sacramento, CA).

“The qualified teams’ efforts resulted in some very promising technologies for the judges to evaluate,” said Wes Scharmen, principal investigator at Ricardo Inc. and chief judge of the Wave Energy Prize.
“Based on our preliminary evaluation, the data indicates that many of the teams identified as finalists have the potential to achieve the ACE threshold, and thus the potential to exceed DOE’s program goal.”

ACE, a benefit-to-cost ratio, is determined by dividing, in essence, the wave energy extraction efficiency of a WEC by its structural cost.

Competition Promotes Development of Efficient WEC Devices

The Wave Energy Prize is encouraging the development of game-changing WECs that will reduce the cost of wave energy, making it more competitive with traditional energy solutions.
To follow the progress of the Wave Energy Prize or for more information, go to waveenergyprize.org

Student Competition Sponsored by Local Auto Dealer Associations

Each year the Southland and Greater Los Angeles auto dealer associations join forces to produce a High School Tech Competition, with the winning teams earning an all-expense paid trip to the National Competition in New York. Testing is completed in two phases, beginning with a written test. The two top students from each school advance to the hands on competition at Cerritos College where they face a three-hour battery of 13 separate testing stations, including an interview station.
The 2016 competition drew students from 14 high schools across LA County. Artesia High School students Jacob Hayhurst and Kenneth Keo took first place for the Southland group.

Local Dealerships Mentor Students, Offer Employment

Teams that advance to the National Competition are assigned a 2016 car they will be working on in New York and are paired up with a master technician at a local dealership.

“Many times the students will get offered jobs at the dealership who brings them in for the training before they go to New York” said Todd Leutheuser, Executive Director for the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA).

This year’s team will be working on a Mazda 3 and have been honing their testing skills and becoming familiar with the car at Browning Mazda for the last three weeks.

Instructor Marty Supple will accompany the SMCDA-sponsored team to the national competition and couldn’t be happier. “Jacob and Kenneth are top notch guys and I am proud of their efforts. This is a great way for them to get a head start with their chosen career. The exposure they are getting is priceless.”

The SMCDA represents franchised new car dealerships in the southern portion of Los Angeles County and actively participates in educational endeavors, including providing scholarships for automotive students. For more information, contact Todd Leutheuser at (562) 986-2161.

Audi Donates Vehicle to Automotive Import Technician Training Program

By Phillip Zonkel, Long Beach Press Telegram (February 14, 2016)

Cerritos College automotive students will get more hands-on training with Audi vehicles and credits toward graduation requirements as a result of a recent partnership between the college and the auto company.
Automotive students are required to work in a shop or dealership more than 1,000 hours, which are applied to the units needed for their certificate.

Win-Win Program

“Our relationship with Audi will greatly increase the chances of a student working in an Audi dealership while attending classes at Cerritos College,” Leonard Glick, an instructor in the college’s Automotive Import Technician Training program, said in a statement. “As a benefit to the dealer, the student will be exposed to Audi products and procedures while in the automotive training program.”

In early February, 15 representatives from Audi’s corporate office and dealerships visited students and discussed the company, employment opportunities and career possibilities in automotive.

Partnership Provides Training, Tools

Under the partnership, which started late last year and aims to attract skilled workers to Audi dealerships, Audi will provide the college with web-based training, tools, technical information and equipment.
In late January, the car company donated a 2016 Q3 to the college.
Cerritos College’s automotive training program has operated for more than 30 years.

Program Offerings

The program offers degrees, certificates and special programs in automotive repair, collision repair, alternative fuels, smog training, advanced transportation technology and automotive management.
The school also has technician programs for General Motors, the Ford Motor Co., and Chrysler.

Industry Sectors Host Regional Event in Los Angeles

On March 11, 2016 educators in Southern California gathered at the LA Convention Center to explore the effects of technology and global connectivity across seven industry sectors. The multi-sector event, “What’s Trending: How Workforce Expectations Are Changing” was organized and hosted by the Los Angeles and Orange County Region Deputy Sector Navigators, working under the California Community Colleges Doing What MATTERS framework.
More than 350 attendees participated in the event to discuss how to best prepare students for new workforce expectations and needs. Adrian Banuelos, Auto Tech Department Chair at East Los Angeles College was impressed with the program. “What’s Trending was an excellent event. It’s time to rethink CTE,” said Banuelos.
The Advanced Transportation and Renewable Energy (ATRE) industry panel was organized by Jannet Malig, ATRE Deputy Sector Navigator in the Los Angeles and Orange County Regions. She recruited industry experts from BMW, NVIDIA, Advanced Sustainability Institute, and the City of Culver City to speak about the future of advanced transportation and manufacturing.

“This is a great way to showcase how the transportation sector is changing and what to expect in the future. My panelists come from organizations that are forward thinkers and are helping to identify those skills gaps that we need to think about training,” explained Malig.
Their insights left a lasting impression on the faculty present, including Banuelos. “The panel of presenters gave excellent perspectives on workforce needs and what the immediate future is looking like. We need iteration and innovation – let’s get to work.”