Expansion of Existing CNG Station

Contract Number
MS12071
MSRC Award
$21.00
Project Background

Transit Systems Unlimited operates a fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) shuttle vehicles and recently upgraded their existing CNG refueling station with the addition of Kraus Global dispenser unit. This allows other users access to Transit Systems Unlimited's CNG facility.

Other Information
The air quality benefits associated with an alternative fuel strategy are by convention assigned to the vehicles that utilize the low emission fuel as opposed to infrastructure such as refueling station apparatus. This is to avoid the potential for "double counting" emission reduction benefits. However, enabling infrastructure such as refueling stations, etc., is essential tot he success of an alternative fuel strategy.
Project Cost Description

42,500

Project Implementation

This project was spearheaded by Maurice Vanegas. Mr. Vanegas saw the need for a type approved dispenser so that the CNG plant would be able to service other organizations also making an effort to lower GHG. Mr. Richard Irvin of Kelley Controls was instrumental in the connection of the dispenser unit. Mr. Oscar Bonilla was instrumental in preparing the foundation and the securing of the unit. Mr. Ivo Vergara took a CNG plant that looked plain and made it look like a futuristic "Transit Systems Shuttle".

Project Objectives

The goal of the project was to install a type-approved CNG dispenser unit to service other organizations that operate CNG vehicles. To service others, a type approved dispenser is required per the requirement of the Los Angeles Weight and Measures Department.

Project Results Description

The only serious program encountered was that the dispenser would intermittently switch the price per gallon from the programmed price to zero. This malfunction rendered the unit impermissible. After many attempts at repairing it by local personnel and by the manufacturer, it was found that there was an error on the programming which was resolved by replacing the CPU.

Overall, the project has been a great success. On May 1, 2013, the gas meter read 424,304 CCF and the reading for May 1, 2014 was 1,067,990 CCF. have been dispensed. This equates to approixmately 508,160 gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE).

Project Year
Summary Approved
No
Total Project Cost
$42.00
Co Funding Amount
$21.00
Contractor Address
8976 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Contractor Agency
Transit Systems Unlimited, Inc.
Contractor City
Sun Valley
Contractor Contact
Maurice Vanegas
Contractor Country
USA
Contractor State
CA
Contractor Phone
Contractor ID
0
Contractor Zip
91352
Co Participants
The project entailed pouring a foundation, installing the high pressure tubing to the dispenser unit, securing the Kraus Global dispenser, and programming the unit. Transit Systems also used this opportunity to install signage and give the CNG plant "curb appeal".
Final Report Approved
Yes
Final Report