2019 Technology Development Annual Report - Oklahoma Natural Gas

2019

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT

The world’s view on energy is changing. Oil and gas exploration were once universally held at a place of value, but that’s changing with increasing concerns around climate change.

2

2019 Technology Development Annual Report

Around the United States, demand is growing for reductions in emissions from fossil fuels and it’s important for Oklahoma Natural Gas, a division of ONE Gas, to be part of these efforts. As a result, it’s essential to support the expansion of natural gas technologies and why it has been a focus for Oklahoma Natural Gas for the past 14 years.

Technology is a major driver of true innovation. Therefore, it is vital for Oklahoma Natural Gas to stay competitive in the energy industry and transition to a low-carbon future.

3

OUR PARTICIPATION IN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Oklahoma Natural Gas has partnered with the Gas Technology Institute (GTI), a leading organization addressing global energy and environmental challenges. GTI has provided innovative technology solutions for safe, efficient and responsible energy for more than 75 years.

OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS IS INVOLVED IN THREE DIFFERENT COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AT GTI:

4

UTILIZATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (UTD)

OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT (OTD)

Focuses on end-use equipment and appliances for the residential, commercial, industrial and transportation market segments.

Focuses on new technology solutions for a wide range of issues related to gas operations and distribution and transmission infrastructure.

2019 Technology Development Annual Report

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (ETP) Identifies and evaluates the most promising products and integrated solutions.

CONTRIBUTIONS

ETP

$130K

$780K

OTD

$400K

UTD

$250K

OVER THE PAST 14 YEARS, OKLAHOMA NATURAL GAS HAS INVESTED MORE THAN $9.2 MILLION IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH GTI. One of the biggest benefits of the GTI research and development programs is to

In 2019, Oklahoma Natural Gas contributed

$780,000 to research and development through its partnership with GTI.

Oklahoma Natural Gas participates in these programs where pooled resources from member companies are used to drive and stay on top of the latest technology developments.

help reduce CO2 and NOx emissions. Based on the analysis of the program in 2016, the programs have helped to displace 36.8 million tons of greenhouse gas, which is equivalent to planting 48 million acres of forests in the United States.

5

2019 PROJECTS: TOP CURRENT PROJECTS:

Utilization Technology Development Projects are divided into residential and light commercial, large commercial and industrial, food service and transportation.

Integrating Micro-CHP and Solar in Advanced Gas and Renewable Homes To expand the Micro-CHP and photovoltaic capabilities in system-based solutions that increase energy efficiency and reliability, reduce energy costs and better integrate natural gas with renewable energy homes across all climates.

ThermoLift Combined Heating/Cooling System Technical Support Technical testing to advance the development of a Gas Heat Pump (GHP).

Multi-Family Infrastructure Challenges To develop concrete market transformation implementation tools and action plans to connect new multi-family development decision-makers with viable natural gas inclusion resources.

These tools will help guide developers to better incorporate natural gas as an energy choice in new construction low- and mid-rise multi-family buildings.

Distributed Generation for Electric Vehicle Charging To determine if the unique technical requirements, environmental sensitivity and significant financial support to expand widespread electric vehicle charging infrastructure provides an opportunity for natural gas and propane-powered distributed power generation solutions.

State of the art solutions will be assessed during this process.

6

2019 Technology Development Annual Report

UTILIZATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTS CREATED FROM THIS PROGRAM: Here are a few commercialized products that have been created as a result of this program:

2019 Contribution:

$250,000

Cummins Westport NGV Engines

Active Projects:

The first engine to become certified in North America to meet the Near Zero (NZ) NOx

85

emissions standard.

SierraTM Engine-driven Gas Heat Pump This gas heat pump can efficiently heat and cool commercial building space, while

Pilots:

reducing peak and total electric demand.

The following pilots have taken place throughout Oklahoma:

Ultimate CNG Fuel MuleTM

•

quality sensor

A mobile CNG fueling solution that dispenses eight diesel gallon equivalent per minute and fuels 35-50 medium duty vehicles per delivery.

Demonstration of the new gas

•

Commercial food service equipment demonstrations at Rib Crib in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the Hammett House in

Energy Star® Fryer

Claremore, Oklahoma

A high efficiency fryer by Royal Range that was awarded the National Restaurant Associations Kitchen Innovation Award and GFEN’s Blue Flame Product of the Year.

•

Multi-family infrastructure challenges report

7

2019 PROJECTS: TOP PROJECTS:

Operations Technology Development

Virtual Reality Training To introduce virtual reality as a training tool. People who learn by doing retain the information a lot more compared to other training styles.

Vintage Polyethylene Pipe Squeeze-Off Best Practices

Projects are separated into infrastructure and gas operations, risk integrity and environmental matters and smart utilities.

To provide natural gas utilities with specific guidelines and best practices for performing squeeze-offs on vintage polyethylene pipes and how to maintain the life of the squeezed pipes.

Over-Pressure Protection Options for Low-Pressure Gas Distribution Customers To identify and evaluate over-pressure protection options available within the industry for low-pressure gas distribution customers. A reference guide of the different options will be created. The project will engage gas pressure regulator manufacturers to see if the current design can be enhanced to meet industry needs.

Compact Gas Meters To review the current state of the smaller, more compact gas meters rated for 250 scfh or less. The smaller designs would allow for more flexibility when installing meters in small spaces and areas where multiple meter sets are required.

8

2019 Technology Development Annual Report

OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT PRODUCTS CREATED FROM THIS PROGRAM: Here are a few commercialized products that have been created as a result of this program:

2019 Contribution:

$400,000

Synergi Pipeline Simulator

Active Projects:

This simulator enables safe and efficient pipeline operations and provides users a clear

177

overview of the integrity of distribution networks.

Lift Assists for Pavement Breakers and Rock Drills It assists workers in lifting pavement breakers and rock drills, which makes breaking concrete and rocks easier and less physically demanding.

Pilots: The following pilots have taken place throughout Oklahoma that have been

LocusIQ for Intelligent Inspections It allows users to collect new installation data directly within a GIS environment.

Portable Methane Detector

a result of the OTD program: •

Metallic joint locator initiative

•

Acoustic pipe locator initiative

•

Remote quality assurance project

A handheld methane detector that uses optical detection technology to provide sensitivity and cost advantages over conventional techniques.

9

2019 PROJECTS: EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM 2019 Contribution:

Emerging Technology Program Projects are targeted for residential, commercial and industrial markets.

$130,000 Active Projects Oklahoma Natural Gas Is Participating In:

2

TOP PROJECTS:

North American Gas Heat Pump Roadmap Project To identify opportunities, information gaps, impediments and strategies to accelerate the commercialization and market acceptance of gas heat pumps in North America.

Demand Recirculation Control Technology Assessment To demonstrate and validate D’MAND KONTROLS, a pump control technology, in both multi-family and commercial motel site installations within Oklahoma.

10

2019 Technology Development Annual Report

To learn more about the Gas Technology Institute, visit: www.gti.energy

11

oklahomanaturalgas.com

Revised 04/20