U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Clean Cities

Tiger Team Project Summaries and Results

The following Tiger Team projects were completed to help Clean Cities coalitions overcome difficulties incorporating alternative fuels and vehicles into their communities. Although the team of technical experts is charged with developing solutions for specific problems, these solutions can help coalitions across the nation address similar challenges in their regions. For a summary of some of the Tiger Teams projects listed here, download the following document.

Tiger Teams Assist Coalitions with AFV Challenges (PDF 194 KB)

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Implementing Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Infrastructure

Evaluating potential LPG tank overfilling

In response to a concern about the potential for overfilling of vehicular propane tanks, a study was conducted to measure the frequency of such incidents. A study of seven fleets (105 vehicles) indicated that roughly 16% of LPG vehicle fueling resulted in overfilling the tank. Based upon the study outcomes, DOE has been working with the Propane Education Research Council, Underwriters Laboratory, and other organizations to assist them in passing standards and/or developing educational programs to address the issue. Learn more by reading the related Technology Bulletin - Propane Tank Overfill Safety Advisory.

Assessing CNG Stations in Washington, D.C.

The Washington, D.C. area has numerous federal, state, and private natural gas fleets. The local gas utility has installed several natural gas fueling stations to service those fleets, but some fell into disrepair or required upgrading to higher operational pressures. A Tiger Team and the Washington Metropolitan Clean Cities coalition worked with fleets to analyze the stations and determine potential new sites.

Developing Specs for Alternative Fuel Dispenser Charge Card Readers

A Tiger Team developed design and performance specifications for alternative fuel dispenser charge card readers, with the aim of establishing guidelines for developing reliable card systems with accessibility similar to that of conventional fuel systems. The project resulted in recommended requirements to be included in solicitations for design and development of alternative fuel charge card systems. For details, download the following document.

Reliable, Universal, Open Architecture for Card Access to Dispense Alternative Fuels (PDF 873 KB)

Developing Facility Specs to Help Transit Agency Add CNG Buses to Its Fleet

This Tiger Team project was designed to help the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in Washington, D.C. incorporate compressed natural gas (CNG) transit buses into its fleet. A key component of the project involved developing specifications for modifying the transit agency's bus maintenance and CNG fueling facilities.

Assisting Washington Metro Transit with Implementation of a New CNG Station

Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority received Tiger Teams assistance to implement a new CNG fueling station at its Four Mile Run facility in Washington, D.C. This included providing a technical review of construction proposals and specifications as well as technical assistance during the construction process.

Providing CNG Bus Purchasing Technical Assistance

This project allowed Clean Cities coalitions to tap into Tiger Team expertise when incorporating natural gas buses into their fleets. The team provided assistance to the Beaumont, Texas metropolitan planning organization and the Atlanta metro area. It also assisted with the Natural Gas Transit Users Group and has assessed the technical viability of a variety of alternative fuel school bus initiatives.

Bringing the CNG Bus Concept to Beaumont

A Tiger Team helped the East Texas Regional Planning Commission develop preliminary CNG transit bus fueling and maintenance facility plans for the city of Beaumont, Texas. The plans identify fueling station design criteria and placement, contain preliminary suggestions for facility upgrades or modifications, and include an outline of CNG implementation in transit bus service.

Planning for AFV Success

Building Infrastructure Partnerships in California

In December 2002, a Tiger Team hosted a pilot workshop in California to support further AFV use in the state. The California AFV and Fueling Infrastructure Partnership Workshop provided fleet managers and fuel providers with a forum for identifying their needs and creating the necessary fueling infrastructure. The workshop also discussed opportunities and issues—vehicle availability, training, funding, and legislation—involved in operating AFVs.

Defining School Bus Infrastructure in Long Beach

The Long Beach School District in New York wants to make a positive contribution to local air quality. With that in mind, it worked with a Tiger Team to develop a preliminary CNG school bus fueling and maintenance facility plan.

Planning for AFVs at Milwaukee's Airport

General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has approximately 137 fleet vehicles and a large contingency of airline tugs and belt loaders with viable off-road AFV uses. The Wisconsin Clean Cities - Southeast Area coalition asked a Tiger Team to create a strategic plan for full AFV integration. The following document can be used as a model for the fleet operations of the entire county—potentially thousands of fleet vehicles.

The General Mitchell International Airport Strategic Plan (PDF 2.0 MB)

Creating an Implementation Plan for AFVs at Philadelphia's Airport

Philadelphia International Airport's 2004 Clean Fuel Project aimed to maximize economic advantages, reduce emissions, and enhance public relations through use of AFVs. A Tiger Team helped produce an implementation plan to achieve these goals, which could result in the establishment of a new publicly accessible AFV fueling station at the airport and the addition of 124 AFVs to the airport's fleet.

The Philadelphia International Airport Strategic Plan (PDF 3.0 MB)

Assessing Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Markets for Alternative Fuels

Medium- and heavy-duty trucks have long been a target market for those seeking to meet Environmental Protection Agency and energy security goals of reducing petroleum consumption. A Tiger Team analyzed the market for alternative and heavy-duty vehicles and made research, development, and demonstration recommendations for DOE.

Assessing the Availability of Alternative Fuel School Buses

Alternative fuel school buses are gaining acceptance, but there are some obstacles to complete market acceptance. A Tiger Team gathered information from bus manufacturers, engine manufacturers, and bus purchasers on design and market potential for such buses. Clean Cities used the information to determine possible alternative fuel school bus projects.

Determining How Airports Can obtain AFVs Through GSA-Like Procurement

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) provides lists of vehicles and prices that have been competitively developed, which a variety of organizations can use to acquire vehicles. Airports do not have such a system and often must go through a cumbersome process to procure AFVs. A Tiger Team investigated the potential for establishing a GSA-like system for procurement of AFVs by airports.

Comparing Emissions of AFVs and Conventionally Fueled Vehicles

A Tiger Team compared the emissions of AFVs and conventional vehicles for the Central Ohio Clean Fuels Coalition, which used the information to support inclusion of AFVs in the State Implementation Plan.

Developing Educational and Training Tools

Clean Cities Development Demonstration Project

A Tiger Team worked with the Phoenix, AZ coalition to design and document a market development and coalition building model which provides both measurability and reproducibility. Through a set of defined criteria the Tiger Team identified the Phoenix coalition as ideal to work with considering the goals of the project. The project resulted in several successful initiatives for the coalition.

The project summary outlines specific actions coalitions can take to:

function as an effective organization
maximize fuel displacement, fleet participation and vehicle miles traveled
operate financially independent of Clean Cities support; and
develop the local market for alternative fuels through public outreach by initiating appropriate public policy

A Sustainability Plan (PDF 362 KB) and a Governance Plan (PDF 440 KB) were generated as part of this project.

Producing a Natural Gas Transit Bus Training Resource Guide

Adding alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) to transit fleets can be a complicated matter. To make the transition easier, the Tiger Teams developed a resource guide that points transit managers and maintenance personnel to sources of AFV-related training. The guide lists courses offered by transit bus and engine manufacturers, alternative fuel retailers and fuel station packers, educational institutions, and government agencies. For more information, download the following document.

Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Training Resource Guide for Transit Districts (PDF 1.4 MB)

Helping School Districts Take Advantage of DOE Funding for Alternative Fuel School Buses

DOE awards grants on a competitive basis for purchasing and implementing alternative fuel vehicles. Writing a grant proposal can be a complicated process; that's why a Tiger Team developed a tutorial to help states and school districts prepare effective proposals that will increase their chances of securing funding.

Disseminating Information About the Natural Gas Transit Users Group

The Natural Gas Transit Users Group (TUG) was composed of representatives from transit agencies, industry associations, and government entities. It promotes natural gas vehicle technology in transit fleets by assisting transit agencies that have (or are considering) natural gas transit vehicles. For more information on TUG, download the following document.

Transit Users Group Supports Transit Agencies with Natural Gas Buses (PDF 233 KB)

Evaluating AFV Legislation

Helping North Carolina Coalition Assess Proposed AFV Legislation

North Carolina's Triangle Clean Cities Coalition has made great strides in supporting the development of legislation designed to stimulate the use of AFVs and alternative fuels in North Carolina. With help from the Tiger Teams, the Triangle coalition spearheaded a bill that could provide rebates to purchasers of AFVs and grants for related fueling infrastructure. For more information on the legislation, read Tiger Teams Help Submit Bill to Raise Money for AFVs, Infrastructure.

Defining Benefits of AFV Legislation for Missouri Businesses and Stakeholders

The Missouri state government proposed legislation to provide rebates—funded by increased vehicle registration fees—aimed at stimulating the purchase of alternative fuels, AFVs, and related fueling infrastructure. A Tiger Team was enlisted to assist with analysis of the legislation's potential benefits. The analysis showed that the bill could result in displacement of 300 million gallons of petroleum while producing economic and environmental benefits, with only modest increases in vehicle registration fees.

Creating AFV Opportunities with Texas Truckers, Fleet Operators

Heavy-duty AFVs offer important emission benefits, such as substantially reducing nitrogen oxides and other criteria air pollutants. This project educated Texas truckers and fleet operators about new Texas legislation that provides incentives for reducing emissions in truck fleets. The Tiger Team developed and hosted two workshops in the Dallas and Houston areas that focused on the state legislation and the availability of alternative fuel engines and vehicles.