Vehicle Maintenance Facility Modification Projects
Cummins, Inc. – Columbus, IN – Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Facility
As manufacturers like Cummins begin to sell and service natural gas vehicles through their dealers and distributors, all the related maintenance and repair facilities must be evaluated for the ability to accommodate lighter-than-air fuel. AFVi developed a standardized guidance document for Cummins, Inc. to assist their dealers and distributors to understand the requirements for maintaining or repairing NGVs within their existing and future facilities.
Glover International – Calgary, Alberta, Canada – Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Facility Evaluation
AFVi conducted a vehicle maintenance and repair facility evaluation for Glover International. Following a site visit and inspection, AFVi evaluated the lighting, heating, mechanical, building envelope, ventilation, and electrical systems for compatibility with lighter-than-air fuels. We prepared a detailed report, outlining the most economical methods to ensure that the facility would be in compliance with applicable codes, standards and industry best practices.
Penske Truck Leasing – Los Angeles, CA – Vehicle Maintenance Facility Evaluation
Two existing Penske vehicle maintenance facilities located in Los Angeles, CA were originally designed for gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. Penske determined it would begin leasing both CNG and LNG powered heavy-duty trucks. AFVi conducted a site visit, evaluating the facilities for necessary modifications that would allow CNG and LNG powered vehicles to be maintained and repaired inside. All of AFVi’s recommendations provided the most economical methods to ensure that the facility was in compliance with all applicable codes, standards and industry best practices.
Navistar, Inc. – Garland, TX – Vehicle Maintenance Facility Consulting for Navistar Dealers
Navistar, Inc. began manufacturing and distributing CNG and LNG powered heavy-duty trucks through its 300+ dealer network beginning in 2012. AFVi consulted with senior management and key dealers to educate them on the modifications to individual dealer vehicle maintenance facilities that would allow the CNG and LNG powered vehicles to be maintained and repaired inside. As follow up, AFVi is working with individual dealers to perform vehicle maintenance facility evaluations to prepare for engineering and construction for modifications to accommodate the lighter-than-air fuel.
SuperValu – Eden Prairie, MN – Heavy-Duty Vehicle Maintenance Facility Evaluations
Two existing SuperValu vehicle maintenance facilities located in New Stanton, PA and Mechanicsville, VA were originally designed for gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. SuperValu planned to introduce CNG powered heavy-duty trucks into its mix and needed to modify the facilities to accommodate lighter-than-air fuel. AFVi conducted a site visit, evaluating the facilities for necessary modifications that would allow CNG powered vehicles to be maintained and repaired inside. All of AFVi’s recommendations provided the most economical methods to ensure that the facility was in compliance with all applicable codes, standards and industry best practices.
Cummins Rocky Mountain – Henderson, CO – Heavy-Duty Engine Repair Facility Evaluations
Cummins Rocky Mountain planned to begin repairing CNG powered vehicles in most of their facilities. Beginning with the heavy-duty engine repair facility in Henderson, CO, AFVi conducted a site visit, evaluating the facilities for necessary modifications that would allow CNG powered vehicles to be maintained and repaired inside. All of AFVi’s recommendations provided the most economical methods to ensure that the facility was in compliance with all applicable codes, standards and industry best practices.
University of California Santa Cruz – Vehicle Maintenance Facility Evaluation
The existing vehicle maintenance facility owned and operated by the University of California at Santa Cruz was designed for gasoline and diesel fuel powered vehicles, but also was needed to maintain and repair CNG powered light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles and transit buses. AFVi conducted a site visit, evaluating the facility for necessary modifications that would allow all CNG powered vehicles to be maintained and repaired inside. All of AFVi’s recommendations provided the most economical methods to ensure that the facility was in compliance with all applicable codes, standards and industry best practices.
University of Vermont – Vehicle Maintenance Facility Evaluation
The existing vehicle maintenance facility owned and operated by the University of Vermont was designed for gasoline and diesel fuel powered vehicles. After acquiring CNG powered transit buses, the University also needed to use the existing facility to maintain and repair those vehicles as well. AFVi conducted a site visit, evaluating the facility for necessary modifications that would allow all CNG powered vehicles to be maintained and repaired inside. All of AFVi’s recommendations provided the most economical methods to ensure that the facility was in compliance with all applicable codes, standards and industry best practices.
Weld County Colorado – Vehicle Maintenance Facility Evaluation
AFVi conducted a vehicle maintenance facility evaluation for Weld County Colorado to assist the county in determining the modifications necessary to maintain and repair NGVs in the facilities.
City of Fort Collins, Colorado/CGRS – Vehicle Maintenance Facility Evaluations
As a subcontractor to CGRS, AFVi evaluated three maintenance facilities in Fort Collins, Colorado including the transit facility located at 6570 Portner Road and two additional City maintenance and repair facilities located at 835 Wood Street and 635 Lemay. In each facility, we evaluated the building envelope, lighting, heating, electrical and ventilation systems to determine necessary modifications to make the facilities CNG code compliant.
Shell Canada – Alberta, Canada – Vehicle Maintenance Facility Evaluation
Shell Canada was making plans to use LNG-powered mining trucks in its Alberta Province Albian Sands location. AFVi assisted Shell Canada to evaluate four maintenance buildings ranging in size from 52,000 square feet to 107,000 square feet to determine modifications required to accommodate LNG vehicles, and provided preliminary drawings and engineer’s cost estimates for the modifications for each building.
DTE Energy – Detroit, MI – Vehicle Maintenance Facility Evaluations
AFVi conducted vehicle maintenance facility evaluations for three garages where DTE Energy maintains its CNG fleet. The buildings were originally constructed in 1939, 1955 and 1967. AFVi evaluated the building envelope, lighting, heating, electrical and ventilation systems in each building, determining the modifications required to make them CNG compliant. In addition, we provided preliminary drawings and engineer’s cost estimates for the modifications for each building.
Linde Canada – Alberta, Canada – Vehicle Maintenance Facility Evaluation
Deciding to use LNG tractors to pull its high-pressure gas trailers, Linde Canada needed an evaluation of its vehicle maintenance facility to ensure code compliance. Due to COVID-related travel restrictions for Canada in 2021, AFVi conducted a virtual vehicle maintenance facility evaluation for the facility, determining the modifications required for the building and the rough cost estimates for the modifications.
Frito Lay/Pepsico – West Valley, UT – Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Facility Evaluation
AFVi conducted a vehicle maintenance and repair facility evaluation for Frito-Lay’s West Valley Utah facility. Following a site visit and inspection, AFVi evaluated the lighting, heating, mechanical, building envelope, ventilation, and electrical systems for compatibility with lighter-than-air fuels. We prepared a detailed report, outlining the most economical methods to ensure that the facility would comply with applicable codes, standards and industry best practices.
Frito Lay/Pepsico – Vancouver, WA – Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Facility Evaluation
AFVi conducted a vehicle maintenance and repair facility evaluation for Frito-Lay’s Vancouver, Washington facility. Following a site visit and inspection, AFVi evaluated the lighting, heating, mechanical, building envelope, ventilation, and electrical systems for compatibility with lighter-than-air fuels. We prepared a detailed report, outlining the most economical methods to ensure that the facility would comply with applicable codes, standards and industry best practices.
Harter’s Quick Clean Up – Lacrosse, WI – Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Facility Evaluation
AFVi conducted a vehicle maintenance and repair facility evaluation for Harter’s facility in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. Following a site visit and inspection, AFVi evaluated the lighting, heating, mechanical, building envelope, ventilation, and electrical systems for compatibility with lighter-than-air fuels. We prepared a detailed report, outlining the most economical methods to ensure that the facility would comply with applicable codes, standards and industry best practices.
Shealy Truck Centers – Duncan, SC – Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Facility Evaluation
AFVi conducted a vehicle maintenance and repair facility evaluation for Shealy’s dealership in Duncan, South Carolina. Following a site visit and inspection, AFVi evaluated the lighting, heating, mechanical, building envelope, ventilation, and electrical systems for compatibility with lighter-than-air fuels. We prepared a detailed report, outlining the most economical methods to ensure that the facility would comply with applicable codes, standards and industry best practices.
Fueling Projects
City of College Park, Georgia – Fleet and Fuel Use Evaluation for CNG Station
The City of College Park, Georgia wanted to acquire CNG fueling for both its vehicles as well as fleets within close proximity, and then to determine the approximate size and cost of the necessary CNG station. The City contracted with AFVi to make this assessment, including identification and market research among fleets operating on behalf of local government and businesses within a five mile radius of the proposed public access fueling station to determine market interest in the use of CNG as a transportation fuel. Upon completion, AFVi delivered a presentation to the City Council of the City of College Park on the financial impacts of the proposed CNG fueling station on the operating budgets of both the City of College Park and College Park Power.
City of Fremont – CNG Fueling Station Sizing and Construction Project
AFVi conducted a fleet/fuel use evaluation to determine fueling needs for the City of Fremont, California. We developed bid specifications, bid evaluation criteria, and identified prospective bidders for a 150 scfm compressed natural gas fueling station. Additional tasks included consulting during the pre-bid conference/site visit, bid evaluation, construction process consultation, assisting with station equipment start-up and debugging, reviewing as-built drawings and close out of the completed project. AFVi also provided CNG Fueling Station Operation and Maintenance Training for the city’s maintenance technicians.
City of Santa Monica – CNG Fueling Station Sizing and Construction Project Consulting
AFVi conducted a fleet/fuel use evaluation to determine fueling needs for the City of Santa Monica, California. We developed bid specifications, bid evaluation criteria, and identified prospective bidders for a compressed natural gas fueling station. Additional tasks included consulting during the pre-bid conference/site visit, bid evaluation, construction process consultation, assisting with station equipment start-up and debugging, reviewing as-built drawings and close out of the completed project. AFVi also provided CNG Fueling Station Operation and Maintenance Training for the City’s maintenance technicians.
Contra Costa County – CNG Fueling Station Sizing and Construction Project Consulting
AFVi Conducted a fleet/fuel use evaluation to determine fueling needs, developed bid specification, bid evaluation criteria, and identify prospective bidders for a 115 scfm compressed natural gas fueling station for Contra Costa County, California. Additional tasks included participation in a pre-bid conference/site visit, bid evaluation, construction process consultation, assist with station equipment start-up and debugging, review as-built drawings and close out completed project. AFVi also provided CNG Fueling Station Operation and Maintenance Training for the county’s maintenance technicians.
Ford Motor Company – Technical and Marketing Evaluation of National CNG Fueling Infrastructure
On behalf of Ford Motor Company, AFVi conducted a complete technical and marketing-related evaluation of the public access, fast-fill natural gas fueling infrastructure in six metropolitan areas, including: Atlanta, GA; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; and the San Francisco/Oakland/Sacramento, CA transportation corridor.
Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York – CNG Feasibility Study
AFVi conducted a feasibility analysis of compressed natural gas as a transit bus fuel for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York City. This analysis included site visits and an in-depth technical evaluation of the potential for providing fueling at these sites. Recommended fueling station sizes and an estimated construction costs for each transit bus site based upon the fueling characteristics of the buses located there were also provided.
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport – CNG Fueling Station Performance Specifications
AFVi served as a technical consultant to Merit Engineering on the preliminary performance specifications for the natural gas fueling station constructed at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. This specification included preliminary sizing for all major station components, gas quality requirements, fuel delivery requirements and other technical items.
Pierce Transit – CNG Fueling Station Optimization Study
AFVi partnered with T. Mitchell Engineers & Associates of San Leandro, CA to conduct an optimization study of the large-volume compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station owned and operated by Pierce Transit located in Lakewood, WA. The fueling station is made up of 2,900 scfm of compression capacity, nine ASME high-pressure storage vessels, a buffer control system, a master PLC control system, two transit style dispensers and one light-duty dispenser, and fuels 200 CNG powered transit buses. AFVi also was asked to evaluate a proposal received from a vendor to add, among other things, increased compression capacity and increased fuel delivery pressure to the existing station and made recommendations on the appropriateness of the proposal. Additionally, AFVi developed an operations and maintenance plan to include performance optimization, preventive maintenance intervals and safety plans.
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada – CNG Infrastructure Valuation
AFVi conducted evaluation of the fueling equipment installed at five public access CNG fueling stations located in Las Vegas and owned by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. The five CNG fueling stations served numerous public and private automobile, light-, medium-, and heavy duty natural gas vehicles.
Sonoma County Transit – CNG Fueling Station Expansion Project
AFVi conducted a review of the CNG fueling equipment owned and operated by Sonoma County Transit and recommended options for expanding the fueling capacity to meet a proposed 30 percent expansion of the transit fleet. We also analyzed the technical feasibility of recovering landfill gas from the Sonoma County Central Disposal Site for use in fueling the Sonoma County Transit fleet.
U.S. Marine Corps Camp Pendleton – Maintenance and Upgrade Evaluation for Existing CNG Stations
AFVi conducted an inspection and analysis of five CNG fueling stations located on the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base to identify and recommend possible maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or replacements that would be necessary to continue fueling the over 340 natural gas powered vehicles operating on the Base. Additionally, AFVi reviewed and analyzed two proposals received by the Base to replace two of the five CNG fueling stations.
Veolia Transportation – Garden City, NJ – CNG Fueling Station Evaluation and Upgrade Planning
Veolia Transportation operates a transit facility in Garden City, NJ where the number of CNG buses would be doubled from approximately 150 to 300 in the year 2012. AFVi conducted an analysis of the existing fueling station’s operation and equipment and recommended actions/upgrades to improve performance and/or to meet code requirements. This will include observation of components that can be accessed externally.
Business Development Projects
North American NGV Industry Strategy – America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA)
AFVi served as a key contractor on the project to assess the NGV market in North America and develop an industry strategy. The prime contractor on this project was TIAX LLC. For this project, AFVi assessed the CNG fueling infrastructure in North America, gas cost trends, NGV economics for a variety of vehicle types, CNG infrastructure decision drivers, business models, opportunities and actions.
Shell Oil Products Company – Natural Gas Transportation Fuel Study
AFVi conducted secondary market research and market analysis for Shell Oil to assist the company in updating its alternative fuels strategy. This project included the research of the status, forecasts and market impacts of the federal, state and local legislation and incentives which impacts the market for alternative fuels, proposed changes to Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, public and private alternative fuel incentives, and the development of national alternative fuel consumption forecasts. We also conducted an analysis of major Shell competitors and examined the alternative fuel choices that Shell Oil might consider offering customers.
San Diego Gas & Electric Company – NGV Business Plan
SDG&E was the first California gas utility to file an NGV program application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). AFVi developed the 10-year business plan which became the core of that CPUC application. The business plan included marketing strategies, legislative strategies, regulatory strategies, budget and personnel requirements, and complete economic analysis based on market penetration estimates provided by SDG&E. Competitive analysis, opportunities and barriers, and risks of NGV marketing were also included.
Consolidated Edison Company of New York – NGV Business Plan
AFVi developed a 10-year NGV Business Plan for Consolidated Edison Company of New York. This plan included market research and analysis, and the development of legislative, regulatory, marketing and technology development strategies along with projected income statements.
Clark County, Nevada – NGV Market Assessment and NGV Marketing Plan
AFVi designed and implemented an NGV market research project for Clark County, Nevada to assess the potential for NGVs in the area. This project included developing and implementing telephone and mail
fleet operator surveys, executive interviews with the top 10 fleets in the County and complete report preparation. The information was then utilized to develop an NGV Marketing Plan for the County.
Wysong Engineering – NGV Industry Briefing
AFVi provided one-on-one coaching for Wysong Engineering, a Dallas, TX based company interested in becoming involved in the NGV industry. AFVi briefed executives and the management team on the industry status, challenges, legislation, products, pricing and services.
New England Gas Association – NGV Business Plan and Organizational Structure
AFVi developed a 10-year NGV Business Plan for the New England Gas Association, which was composed of 24 natural gas distribution companies, four transmission companies and more than 240 associate members. This plan included legislative, regulatory, marketing and technology development strategy to be implemented by a regional NGV Coalition in addition to individual member companies. The report also included staffing and qualification recommendations, job descriptions, and a two-year operating budget for the Coalition. The Board of Directors of the New England Gas Association voted unanimously to fund and implement the plan developed by AFVi.
Bay State Gas/Northern Utilities – NGV Business Plan
AFVi developed five-year NGV business plans for Northern Utilities, a subsidiary of Bay State Gas for the states of Maine and New Hampshire. These plans included legislative, regulatory, marketing and technology development strategies along with projected revenues and staffing requirements.
New England Gas Association – NGV Market Research Project
AFVi was one of two contractors that teamed to conduct an NGV market study performed for the New England Gas Association. AFVi’s tasks included questionnaire design, alternative fuels legislation, regulations, NGV technology, competitive fuels, and project conclusions and recommendations.
Consolidated Edison Company of New York – NGV Market Assessment
Utilizing fleet data for Consolidated Edison’s service territory, AFVi analyzed the statistics and developed NGV market projections for the company’s 10-year NGV business plan. These projections were in turn utilized to develop natural gas sales projections, along with fueling infrastructure requirements and internal staffing needs.
Providence Gas – NGV Market Assessment and Economic Analysis for Legislative Effort
AFVi completed an NGV market assessment study for Providence Gas Company in Providence, RI. This information was then used to develop an economic analysis to be utilized in support of NGV-favorable legislation in the state. The research was compiled, tabulated and provided in a complete written report useful to both Providence Gas and the State of Rhode Island’s budget group for determining the economic impact of legislation. The legislation was successfully passed in 1997.
