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31 3.1 Introduction to the Evaluation Framework The evaluation framework in this section guides the reader through a series of steps to identify and evaluate different options for alternative fuel distribution programs. The distribution options are defined in terms of the types of alternative fuels and associated quantities that are intended to be used at the airport. This framework is shown in Figure 3. The first step is to define the distribution options to be evaluated. This step is divided into three substeps: (A1) identify the current energy mix at the airport including a forecast of energy demand, (A2) forecast projected energy use based on measures of airport activity as well as policy choices with respect to what alternative fuels should be introduced and promoted, and (A3) define the required infrastructure to store and handle the fuels at the airport. Step A is explained in Section 4. Step B is to evaluate the options identified in Step A using different parameters, including envi- ronmental, economic, social, financial, and regulatory. This is explained in Section 5. Finally, in Step C, siting requirements for the alternative fuel distribution programs are considered. Step C is discussed in Section 6. Notice that a number of iterations may be required in this process, as indicated by the arrows looping back from Steps B and C into Step A. There are two fundamental questions that the S e c t i o n 3 How Can Alternative Fuel Distribution Programs at Airports Be Evaluated? B. Key considerations for ev aluating distribution options Envâl., economic, social, financial, regulatory, etc. factors C. Main siting considerations for distribution programs FAA and other regulatory factors Step A: Defining distribution options (see Section 4) Step B: Ev aluating options (see Section 5) Step C: Examining siting considerations (see Section 6) Energy sources Us er s A1. Identification of energy mi x A2. Energy demand forecast Ty pe Quantity A3. Infrastructure Storage Distribution Figure 3. Schematic of evaluation framework.
32 Assessing opportunities for Alternative Fuel Distribution Programs airport needs to consider, namely, what types of alternative fuel to use and how much. In many cases, it will not be obvious which alternative fuels to select without knowing how much will be needed, and vice versa. To facilitate this process, the recommendation is to start with existing information on current energy use at the airport and to project possible future use based on that knowledge. The projection of future use includes considering fuels other than the ones currently used. This allows an initial screening of potential options that can then be evaluated using the considerations indicated in Steps B and C. 3.2 Introduction to the Toolkit and User Guide A toolkit and associated User Guide have been developed to help readers apply the frame- work. The toolkit consists of two separate spreadsheets that accompany this guidebook. These files can be found on the accompanying CD-ROM and on the TRB website where the guidebook can be downloaded (http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/168378.aspx): ⢠The energy mix spreadsheet includes worksheets to identify current and future energy use. This spreadsheet helps the reader apply Step A in the evaluation framework by enabling the identification of the current energy use and energy mix at the airport by user type and energy type (Step A1). In addition, the spreadsheet can be used to project future energy use and energy mix at the airport (Step A2). It also facilitates the examination of âopportunitiesâ for exchanging conventional fuel use for alternative fuels. Finally, the spreadsheet also helps the reader identify storage and distribution infrastructure for the different fuels (Step A3). The spreadsheet allows the information to be displayed graphically. ⢠The workbook spreadsheet helps the reader apply Steps B and C in the evaluation framework. The worksheets correspond to each of the considerations for evaluating alternative fuel dis- tribution programs: benefits, costs, financial, legal, community, and siting. This guidebook contains information to assist the user in filling out the worksheets. The User Guide for the spreadsheets, included on the CD-ROM, explains the functionality of the spreadsheets and gives a step-by-step explanation of how to use them.
