WO2018107217A1 - A system and method of remotely monitoring status of a gas container - Google Patents

A system and method of remotely monitoring status of a gas container Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018107217A1
WO2018107217A1 PCT/AU2017/051372 AU2017051372W WO2018107217A1 WO 2018107217 A1 WO2018107217 A1 WO 2018107217A1 AU 2017051372 W AU2017051372 W AU 2017051372W WO 2018107217 A1 WO2018107217 A1 WO 2018107217A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor
gas
controller
gas container
indicator
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2017/051372
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Anthony Joseph Tambasco
Original Assignee
Anthony Joseph Tambasco
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2016905171A external-priority patent/AU2016905171A0/en
Application filed by Anthony Joseph Tambasco filed Critical Anthony Joseph Tambasco
Publication of WO2018107217A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018107217A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • F17C13/045—Automatic change-over switching assembly for bottled gas systems with two (or more) gas containers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/02—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/035—Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/032—Control means using computers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/034—Control means using wireless transmissions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/036—Control means using alarms
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the vessel
    • F17C2250/0417—Level of content in the vessel with electrical means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0421—Mass or weight of the content of the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0443—Flow or movement of content
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0478—Position or presence
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0486—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location
    • F17C2250/0491—Parameters measured at or inside the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0486—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location
    • F17C2250/0495—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location the indicated parameter is a converted measured parameter
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/07—Applications for household use

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system, apparatus and method of monitoring the status of a gas container.
  • LPG liquefied petroleum gas
  • Some gas distributors may periodically travel to resident's properties to refill the tank based on predicted gas usage for a residential property. However, the predictions may not always be completely accurate and not representative of the actual gas usage. In some cases, gas in a cylinder may run out faster than predicted, in which case the resident may be without a supply of gas for a period of time. In other cases, there may only be a little or no gas usage since the gas distributor's previous scheduled visit, in which case the gas distributor's scheduled visit to a residence may not be cost effective, taking into account time costs and travel costs by the gas distributor.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a system, apparatus ana metnoa tor monitoring status of a supply of gas.
  • the present invention provides a system for monitoring a status of a gas supply, the system including:
  • a gas supply including at least two gas containers
  • valve in fluid communication with the at least two gas containers, the valve operable to change over the supply of gas
  • a sensor arrangement located externally of each of the at least two gas containers for sensing a property related to the gas supply and for generating a sensor signal representative of the sensed property
  • controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement, the controller being configured to the generate a status alert signal based on the sensor signal;
  • a remote server configured to receive the status alert signal from the controller, the server being configured to transmit a notification to an electronic user device relating to the status of the gas supply after receiving the status alert signal from the controller.
  • the gas container is in fluid communication with a valve that is configured to control a supply of gas from the gas container, the valve being operable between a first configuration to enable a supply of gas from the gas container and a second configuration to enable a supply of gas from a secondary gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the valve being in the first configuration or in the second configuration.
  • the system further includes the valve.
  • the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal when the valve changes from the first configuration to the second configuration, or vice versa.
  • the valve includes a indicator moveable between a first position to indicate that the valve is in the first configuration and a second position to indicate that the valve is in the second configuration, the sensor arrangement being configured to sense whether the indicator is in the first position
  • RO/AU and/or second position and the sensor signal generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position.
  • the indicator includes a magnetic material and the sensor arrangement is configured to sense a position of magnetic material being representative of the indicator being in the first position or in the second position.
  • the system includes a magnet with the magnetic material, the magnet being attachable to the indicator.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor.
  • the sensor arrangement includes an electric switch that is actuated by the indicator when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, and the sensor arrangement generates the sensor signal based on actuation of the electric switch by the indicator being in the position or in the second position.
  • the sensor arrangement includes an optical sensor for detecting when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, and the sensor arrangement generates the sensor signal based on detection by the optical sensor of the indicator being in the first position or second position.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a sensor for detecting a change in position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the sensor detects the change in position of the indicator from the first position to the second position and/or from the second position to the first position.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a first proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the
  • the sensor arrangement includes a second proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near the other one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the second proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the other one of the first position or second position.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a weighing scale for measuring a weight of the gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of the weight of the gas container.
  • the controller generates the status alert signal when the measured weight of the gas container is less than about 10% of the weight of the gas container when full, preferably less than 5% of the weight of the gas container when full, preferably less than about 1 % of the weight of the gas container when full.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the temperature of the gas container.
  • the temperature sensor is a strip sensor positioned substantially along a length of the gas container.
  • the temperature sensor may alternatively comprise two or more temperature sensing devices located at different points along a length of the gas container, wherein a temperature difference between the measurements of the temperature sensing devices is transmitted to the controller.
  • the controller generates the status alert signal when the measured temperature of the gas container is less than about 10% of the temperature of the gas container when full, preferably less than 5% of the temperature of the gas container when full, preferably less than 1 % of the temperature of the gas container when full.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a flow rate sensor Tor measuring a flow rate in a supply line through which gas is supplied by the gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the flow rate through the supply line.
  • the controller generates the status alert signal when the measured flow rate through the supply line is more than about 90% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full, preferably more than about 95% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full, preferably more than about 99% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full.
  • the controller is operable between an active state and an inactive state, wherein, in the active state, the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal.
  • the controller is configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement in both the active state and inactive state.
  • the controller is in the active state at least once every 24 hours.
  • the system further includes a power sensor for measuring the amount of power available to the controller.
  • the controller is configured to generate a power alert signal based on the measured amount of available power, which is transmitted to the server, wherein the server is configured to transmit a notification to the user device after receiving the power alert signal from the controller.
  • the gas container is in fluid communication with a valve that is configured to control a supply of gas from the gas container, the valve being operable between a first configuration to enable a supply of gas from the gas container and a second configuration to enable a supply of gas from a secondary gas container, and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal being representative of the valve being in the first configuration or in the second configuration.
  • the method further includes providing the valve.
  • the step of generating, by the controller, the status alert signal includes generating the status alert signal when the valve changes from the first configuration to the second configuration, or vice versa.
  • the valve includes a indicator moveable between a first position to indicate that the valve is in the first configuration and a second position to indicate that the vaive is in the second configuration, wherein the step of sensing, by the sensor arrangement, the property related to the gas container includes sensing whether the indicator is in the first position and/or second position,
  • the indicator includes a magnetic material and the step of sensing, by the sensor arrangement, the property related to the gas container includes sensing a position of magnetic material being representative of the indicator being in the first position or in the second position.
  • the method further includes providing a magnet with the magnetic material, the magnet being attachable to the indicator.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a electric switch that is actuated by the indicator when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position
  • the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal based on actuation of the electric switch by the indicator being in the position or in the second position.
  • the sensor arrangement includes an optical sensor for detecting when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, includes generating the sensor signal based on detection by the optical sensor of the indicator being in the first position or second position.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a sensor for detecting a change in position of the indicator, wherein the step of generating, by sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal when the sensor detects the change in position of the indicator from the first position to the second position and/or from the second position to the first position.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a first proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the step of generating, by sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal when the first proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the one of the first position or second position.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a second proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near the other one of the first position or second position of the indicator, the step of generating, by sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal when the second proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the other one of the first position or second position.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a weighing scale for measuring a weight of the gas container, and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal being representative of the weight of the gas container.
  • the step of generating, by the controller, the status alert signal includes generating the status alert signal when the measured weight of the gas container is less than about 10% of the weight of the gas container when full, preferably less than about 5% of the weight of the gas container when full, preferably less than about 1 % of the weight of the gas container when full.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the gas container, and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal being representative of the temperature of the gas container.
  • the temperature sensor is a strip sensor and the method includes positioning the temperature sensor substantially along a length of the gas container.
  • the temperature sensor includes two or more temperature sensing devices and the method comprises providing the temperature sensing devices at different points along a length of the gas container,
  • the step of generating, by the controller, the status alert signal includes generating the status alert signal when the measured temperature of the gas container is less than about 10% of the temperature of the gas container when full, preferably iess than 5% of the temperature of the gas container when full, preferably less than 1 % of the temperature of the gas container when full.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a flow rate sensor for measuring a flow rate in a supply line through which gas is supplied by the gas container, and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal being representative of the flow rate through the supply line.
  • the step of generating, by the controller, the status alert signal includes generating the status alert signal when the measured flow rate through the supply line is more than about 90% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full, preferably more than about 95% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full, preferably more than about 99% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full.
  • the method further includes configuring the controller between an active state and an inactive state, wherein, in the active state, the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal.
  • the step of receiving, by the controller, the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement includes receiving the sensor signal in both the active state and inactive state.
  • the method further includes configuring the controller to be in the active state at least once every 24 hours.
  • the method further includes providing a power sensor tor measuring the amount of power available to the controller.
  • the method further includes generating, by the controller, a power alert signal based on the measured amount of available power, which is transmitted to the server, and, transmitting, by the server, a notification to the user device after receiving the power alert signal from the controller.
  • controllers for monitoring the status of a gas container including one or more processors that are configured to:
  • the controller further includes the sensor arrangement.
  • Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for monitoring the status of a gas supply, the apparatus comprising:
  • valve in fluid communication with a gas container and another gas container, the valve operable to change over the supply of gas
  • a sensor arrangement for sensing a property related to the gas supply and for generating a sensor signal representative of the sensed property
  • a controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement, the controller configured to generate and transmit a status alert signal based on the sensor signal.
  • one or more processors are further configured to communicate the sensor signal to the user electronic device or to a remote server.
  • the present invention further provides a method of obtaining a status of a gas supply, the gas supply including at least two gas containers, the method including: sending, from a user electronic device, a request for the status of the gas supply to a controller, the controller being in communication with a sensor arrangement that is configured to sense a property related to the at least two gas containers and that is configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the sensed property, wherein, after receiving the request for the status of the gas supply, the controller is configured to generate a status signal based on the sensor signal and to transmit the status signal to the user electronic device.
  • gas container the term 'gas container' is used throughout the present specification.
  • the term 'gas container' refers to both a container of gas and a container of liquefied gas, such as for example liquid petroleum gas. In each instance the container will physically dispense a gas, whether the contents of the container is itself a gas or a liquefied gas.
  • FIGURE 1 shows a system for monitoring a status of a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 2 shows a system block diagram of a controller with a sensor for monitoring a gas container according to an embodiment of the present invention controlier and sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 3 shows a system for monitoring the changeover valve according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 4 shows a flow chart of the steps carried out by the controller according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 5 shows a flow chart of the steps carried out by the server according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 6A shows the changeover valve in a first configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 6B shows the changeover valve in a second configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 7 shows a response graph indicating when the changeover valve actuates from the first configuration to the second configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 8 shows an apparatus for monitoring the status of a gas container according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 9 shows an apparatus for monitoring the status of a gas container according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 10 shows an arrangement for monitoring the weight according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 11 shows a response graph indicating the change of weight as a function of the gas level in the gas container
  • FIGURE 12 shows an arrangement for monitoring the temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGURE 13 shows a response graph indicating the change of temperature as a function of the gas level in the gas container
  • FIGURE 14 shows an arrangement for monitoring the flow rate according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 15 shows a response graph indicating the change of flow rate as a function of gas level in the gas container.
  • a system 100 is provided for monitoring a status of a gas container 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d connected to a property 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d via a respective supply line 160a, 160b, 160c.
  • the system of the present invention is configured for a property 140a with a single gas container 120a; for a property 140b with two gas containers 120b, 120c; for a properties 140c, 140d with a shared gas container 120d, or for a property (not shown) with more than two gas containers.
  • a valve is provided to control a supply of gas from the gas containers, which will be described in further detail below. For two gas containers, the valve is operable between a first
  • RO/AU configuration to enable a supply of gas from the first gas container and a second configuration to enable a supply of gas from a second gas container.
  • the change from the first configuration to the second configuration may occur when the first gas container is out of (or is nearly out of) gas, and vice versa.
  • the gas container may be a gas cylinder.
  • the system 100 includes a sensor arrangement (not shown) for sensing a property related to the gas container 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d and for generating a sensor signal respective of a sensed property.
  • the sensor arrangement may include a sensor for sensing the configuration of the valve (for example - a magnetic filed sensor such as a Hall effect sensor), a weighing scale for measuring a weight of the gas container, a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the temperature of the gas container, and/or a flow rate sensor for measuring a flow rate in a supply line through which gas is supplied by the gas container.
  • the system 100 includes a controller 200 that is configured to receive a sensor signal related to the gas container 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d.
  • the sensor signal is provided by the sensor arrangement (not shown).
  • the controller 200 is further configured to generate a status alert signal based on the sensor signal.
  • the status alert signal is a signal that indicates that the gas container is (or is nearing) empty and requires refilling.
  • the controller 200 is configured to transmit the status alert signal to a remote server 300.
  • the controller 200 which will be discussed in further detail below, includes a one or more processors for receiving signals from the sensor arrangement and determining the status of the gas container(s), and a communications module for communication with the remote server 300.
  • the controller 200 further includes a power management system for providing power to the one or more processors and to the communications module.
  • the remote server 300 is configured to receive the status alert signal from the controller 200. After receiving the status alert signal, the server 200 is configured to transmit a notification to an electronic user device 180a, 180b relating
  • the user electronic device 80a may be a device of an owner or resident of the property.
  • the server 300 transmits the notification that the tank is (or is nearing) empty to the owner or resident of the property, following which, the recipient of the notification will contact a gas distributor to schedule for the empty (or near empty) gas container to be refilled.
  • the user electronic device 180b may be a device of the gas distributor.
  • the server 300 transmits the notification that the gas container is (or is nearing) empty directly to the gas distributor, following which, the gas distributor will arrange to visit the property 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d to have the gas container refilled.
  • a valve 150 with a regulator 170, is provided to control which of the two gas containers gas 120b, 120c will be supplied from.
  • the valve 150 is particularly configured such that when one of the gas containers is out of gas, the valve is in a configuration to supply gas from the other gas container.
  • the valve 150 is operable between a first configuration to enable a supply of gas from a primary gas container 120b and a second configuration to enable a supply of gas from a secondary gas container 20c.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a sensor 420 for detecting whether the valve is in the first configuration or is in the second configuration, and generates a sensor signal that is representative of the valve being in the first configuration or in the second configuration.
  • the regulator 170 is for regulating the flow of gas supplied from either of the gas containers 120b, 120c via the valve 150 through the supply line 160.
  • the sensor signal is transmitted from the sensor 420 to the microcontroller 220 of the controller 200, which is configured to determine whether the valve has changed configuration from the first configuration to the second configuration, which would indicate that one of the two gas containers is empty and requires refilling.
  • the microcontroller Upon determining that one of the gas containers is empty (or is nearing empty), the microcontroller generates the status alert signal for transmission to the remote server via a communications module of the controller 200.
  • the communications module includes a GSM module 222 coupled to an antenna 224 for transmitting the status alert signal to the remote server via a mobile network.
  • the controller 200 is provided with a power supply 226 and corresponding power regulators 228a, 228b for providing and regulating power to the microcontroller 220 and to the communications module.
  • the controller 200 is operable between an active state and an inactive state.
  • the controller 200 can be configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement in both the active state and inactive state.
  • the controller can be configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement in only the active state.
  • the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal.
  • the server can selectively set the controller to be in the active state and/or in the inactive state.
  • the user can initiate a query with the remote server through the electronic device of the user following which the server is configured to put the controller in the active state (if it is in the active state) and to determine the status of the gas container based on measurements obtained from the sensor arrangement.
  • the controller is in the active state at ieast once every 24 hours.
  • the controller could be in an active state at a different period (such as hourly, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, etc.), which may be user-defined.
  • the controller changes its state from an inactive state to an active state (at 603).
  • the controller determines (at 604) whether 7 days has passed since the controller last communicated with the remote server. If not, the controller proceed to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement (at 605) and determine based on the sensor signal whether the monitored gas container(s) are empty (or is
  • the controller determines that 7 days has passed since the controller last communicated with the remote server or if the gas containers) are determined to be empty (or near empty). If the controller determines that 7 days has passed since the controller last communicated with the remote server or if the gas containers) are determined to be empty (or near empty), the controller is configured to activate the communications module (at 607), which will collect the signal from the controller (at 608) based on the sensor signal, which is representative of the gas remaining in the gas containers). This signal is transmitted to the server (at 609) and stored at the remote server (at 610). Foliowing transmission of the signal to the remote server, the communications module is deactivated and the controller is put in the inactive state (at 612) and remains in the inactive state until 24 hours has passed (at 602). Again, it will be readily appreciated that the minimum period between communication by the controller with the server may be set at a different period (fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.), which can be user-defined.
  • the system further includes a power sensor for measuring the amount of power available to the controller.
  • the controller is configured to generate a power aiert signal based on the measured amount of available power, which is transmitted to the server, wherein the server is configured to transmit a notification to the user device after receiving the power alert signal from the controller.
  • the controller determines that the gas containers) are not empty (at 606), the controller is put in the inactive state (at 612).
  • the period in which the system is in the active state may be adjusted by the user accordingly by the user,
  • the period between active states for the controller may be more than 24 hours or may be less than 24 hours.
  • the period in which the controller is configured to report to the server (at 604) may also be adjusted by the user.
  • the period between reporting may be less than 7 days or may be more than 7 days.
  • the server 702 is configured to receive the signals from the controller via the mobile network 70 .
  • the signals representative of the status of gas container 703 are stored in a database 704. If the signal from the
  • RO/AU controller is representative of the gas container being empty, a notification trigger 706 is generated and sent to the user 707. If required, the status of the gas containers stored in the database 704 can be viewed by the user 705.
  • the database 704 includes further functionality that allows new customers 708 and controllers 709 to be added for remote monitoring by the server.
  • the valve 150 for an arrangement with two gas containers, inciudes an indicator 152 that is moveable between a first position (shown in Figure 6A) to indicate that the valve 150 is in the first configuration (indicating that gas is being supplied from a first one of the two gas containers) and a second position (shown in Figure 6B) to indicate that the valve 150 is in the second configuration (indicating that gas is being supplied from a second one of the two gas containers).
  • the indicator is preferably a dial that moves depending on the pressure difference between the gas containers.
  • the indicator 152 includes a magnetic material 156, such as a magnet for example, that is attached to the indicator and moves with the indicator 152 as the indicator 152 moves from the first position to the second position.
  • the sensor arrangement which inciudes a magnetic sensor 154 (such as a Hall effect sensor), is configured to sense a position of magnetic material 156 being representative of the indicator 152 being in the first position or in the second position.
  • the magnetic material 156 passes beneath the magnetic sensor 154 as the indicator changes position.
  • the sensor signal generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of when the indicator 152 is in the first position or in the second position.
  • the response measured by the sensor of the position of the indicator 154 is shown in Figure 7.
  • the measured output of the sensor is shown as 0 when the indicator is in the first position, and changes to 1 when the indicator is in the second position.
  • the controller determines that the monitored gas container(s) is empty and requires refilling.
  • Figures 8 and 9 shows different arrangements of the sensor arrangement.
  • an embodiment of the vaive 150' includes a body 151 ' having a first inlet 153' for fluid communication with a first one of the gas containers and a second inlet 155' for fluid communication with a second one of the gas containers.
  • a main outlet 157' is provided that is in selective fluid communication with the first or second inlets 153', 155',
  • the vaive 150' includes an indicator 152' that is rotatable between a first position and a second position depending on the inlet 153', 155' through which gas is being supplied.
  • a magnet 156' is provided on the indicator 152' and moves with the indicator 152' as the indicator moves from the first position to the second position.
  • a sensor 154' is provided on the indicator 152' to generate a sensor signal based on the location of the magnet 156' on the indicator 152'.
  • the sensor 154' is positioned on the indicator 152' using an adhesive.
  • the sensor signal generated by the sensor 154' is provided to the controller 200' via a wired connection 201', which is configured to determine the status of the gas containers.
  • valve 150 includes a body 151" having a first inlet 153" for fluid communication with a first one of the gas containers and a second inlet 155" for fluid communication with a second one of the gas containers.
  • a main outlet 157" is provided that is in selective fluid communication with the first or second inlets 153", 155".
  • the valve 50" includes an indicator 152" that is rotatable between a first position and a second position depending on the inlet 153", 155" through which gas is being supplied.
  • a magnet 156" is provided on the indicator 152" and moves with the indicator 152" as the indicator moves from the first position to the second position.
  • a sensor 54a" is provided on the indicator 152" to generate a sensor signal based on the location of the magnet 156" on the indicator 152".
  • a clip 154b" is provided to removably attach the sensor 154a” to the indicator 152". In this way, the position of the sensor 154a” on the indicator 152" can be manually adjusted.
  • the sensor signal generated by the sensor 154" is provided to the controller 200" via a wired connection 201", which is configured to determine the status of the gas containers.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a weighing scale 440 for measuring a weight of the gas container 120.
  • the sensor signal is a weighing scale 440 for measuring a weight of the gas container 120.
  • RO/AU generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of the weight of the gas container 120.
  • measured weight of the gas container 120 decreases as the gas is depleted from the gas container 120.
  • the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal when the measured weight of the gas container is less than about 10% of the weight of the gas container when full.
  • the threshold at which the status alert signal is generated could be set to about 5% of the weight of the gas container when full, or to about 1 % of the weight of the gas container when full. The threshold could also be set to correspond to a weight when the gas container is completely empty.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a temperature sensor 460 for measuring a temperature of the gas container 120.
  • the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the temperature of the gas container 20.
  • the temperature sensor 460 is a strip sensor positioned substantially along a height of the gas container.
  • the temperature sensor is arranged to detect the temperature difference between the liquid LPG and the gaseous LPG.
  • the remaining liquid LPG within the gas container can be determined based on a location along the height of the tank at which a temperature difference can be measured.
  • the measured temperature of the gas container 120 decreases as the gas is depleted from the gas container 120.
  • the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal when the measured temperature of the gas container is less than about 10% of the temperature of the gas container when full.
  • the threshold at which the status alert signal is generated could be set to 5% of the temperature of the gas container when full, or 1 % of the temperature of the gas container when full. The threshold could also be set to correspond to a temperature when the gas container is completely empty.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a flow rate sensor 480 for measuring a flow rate in a supply line through which gas is supplied by the gas container 120.
  • the sensor signal generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of the flow rate through the supply line. According to the flow rate
  • the cumulative measured flow rate through the supply line increases as the gas is depleted from the gas container 120.
  • the cumulative measured flow rate is representative of the amount of gas that has been used from a gas container.
  • the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal when the cumulative measured flow rate through the supply line is more than about 80% of the gas within the gas container when the gas container is full.
  • the threshold at which the status alert signal is generated could be set to 90% of the gas within the gas container when the gas container is full.
  • the status alert signal could be set to 95% of the amount of gas within the gas container when the gas container is full.
  • the status alert signal is set to a cumulative measured flow rate that is 99% of the amount of gas in the full gas container.
  • the sensor arrangement could comprises a combination of two or more of the sensor for the valve 420, the weight sensor 440 , the temperature sensor 460, and the flow rate sensor 480.
  • the sensor arrangement may include a electric switch that is actuated by the indicator when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, and the sensor arrangement generates the sensor signal based on actuation of the electric switch by the indicator being in the position or in the second position.
  • the sensor arrangement may include an optical sensor for detecting when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, and the sensor arrangement generates the sensor signal based on detection by the optical sensor of the indicator being in the first position or second position.
  • the sensor arrangement may inciude a sensor for detecting a change in position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the sensor detects the change in position of the indicator from the first position to the second position, and/or from the second position to the first position.
  • the sensor arrangement may include a first proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signai when the first proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the one of the first position or second position.
  • the sensor arrangement includes a second proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near the other one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the second proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the other one of the first position or second position.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

There is provided a system, apparatus and method for monitoring a status of a gas supply, the gas supply including at least two gas containers (120). A valve (150) is in fluid communication with the gas containers (120), the valve (150) is adapted to change over the supply of gas from one gas container (120) to another gas container (120). A sensor arrangement (420) located externally of the gas containers (120), and the sensor arrangement (420) senses a property relating to the gas supply and generates a sensor signal representative of the property. A controller (200) receives the sensor signal and is configured to generate a status alert signal. The controller (200) is further configured to transmit the status alert signal to a user device (180) via a server (300).

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD OF REMOTELY MONITORING STATua ui- A ϋΑΰ
CONTAINER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system, apparatus and method of monitoring the status of a gas container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Residential properties that are unable to be connected to mainline gas use gas cylinders, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) bottle. These gas cylinders need to be refilled by a gas distributor when these cylinders are out (or running out) of gas.
[003] Usually, when a gas cylinder at a residential property is (or is nearing) empty, a resident (or an owner) of the property will contact a gas distributor for their gas cylinder to be refilled. The resident must therefore be diligent in monitoring the gas level and to notify the gas distributor as soon as the tank is determined to require refilling. Because the onus for checking the gas levels is on the resident, there is a risk that the resident may be without a supply of gas for a period of time if the resident is not diligent enough in checking the gas level.
[004] Some gas distributors may periodically travel to resident's properties to refill the tank based on predicted gas usage for a residential property. However, the predictions may not always be completely accurate and not representative of the actual gas usage. In some cases, gas in a cylinder may run out faster than predicted, in which case the resident may be without a supply of gas for a period of time. In other cases, there may only be a little or no gas usage since the gas distributor's previous scheduled visit, in which case the gas distributor's scheduled visit to a residence may not be cost effective, taking into account time costs and travel costs by the gas distributor.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU [005] The present invention seeks to provide a system, apparatus ana metnoa tor monitoring status of a supply of gas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] The present invention provides a system for monitoring a status of a gas supply, the system including:
a gas supply including at least two gas containers;
a valve in fluid communication with the at least two gas containers, the valve operable to change over the supply of gas;
a sensor arrangement located externally of each of the at least two gas containers for sensing a property related to the gas supply and for generating a sensor signal representative of the sensed property;
a controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement, the controller being configured to the generate a status alert signal based on the sensor signal; and
a remote server configured to receive the status alert signal from the controller, the server being configured to transmit a notification to an electronic user device relating to the status of the gas supply after receiving the status alert signal from the controller.
[007] In an embodiment, the gas container is in fluid communication with a valve that is configured to control a supply of gas from the gas container, the valve being operable between a first configuration to enable a supply of gas from the gas container and a second configuration to enable a supply of gas from a secondary gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the valve being in the first configuration or in the second configuration.
[008] In an embodiment, the system further includes the valve.
[009] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal when the valve changes from the first configuration to the second configuration, or vice versa.
[0010] In an embodiment, the valve includes a indicator moveable between a first position to indicate that the valve is in the first configuration and a second position to indicate that the valve is in the second configuration, the sensor arrangement being configured to sense whether the indicator is in the first position
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU and/or second position and the sensor signal generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position.
[0011] In an embodiment, the indicator includes a magnetic material and the sensor arrangement is configured to sense a position of magnetic material being representative of the indicator being in the first position or in the second position.
[0012] In an embodiment, the system includes a magnet with the magnetic material, the magnet being attachable to the indicator.
[0013] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor.
[0014] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes an electric switch that is actuated by the indicator when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, and the sensor arrangement generates the sensor signal based on actuation of the electric switch by the indicator being in the position or in the second position.
[0015] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes an optical sensor for detecting when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, and the sensor arrangement generates the sensor signal based on detection by the optical sensor of the indicator being in the first position or second position.
[0016] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a sensor for detecting a change in position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the sensor detects the change in position of the indicator from the first position to the second position and/or from the second position to the first position.
[0017] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a first proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU sensor signal when the first proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the one of the first position or second position. Preferably, the sensor arrangement includes a second proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near the other one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the second proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the other one of the first position or second position.
[0018] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a weighing scale for measuring a weight of the gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of the weight of the gas container.
[0019] In an embodiment, the controller generates the status alert signal when the measured weight of the gas container is less than about 10% of the weight of the gas container when full, preferably less than 5% of the weight of the gas container when full, preferably less than about 1 % of the weight of the gas container when full.
[0020] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the temperature of the gas container.
[0021] In an embodiment, the temperature sensor is a strip sensor positioned substantially along a length of the gas container. The temperature sensor may alternatively comprise two or more temperature sensing devices located at different points along a length of the gas container, wherein a temperature difference between the measurements of the temperature sensing devices is transmitted to the controller.
[0022] In an embodiment, the controller generates the status alert signal when the measured temperature of the gas container is less than about 10% of the temperature of the gas container when full, preferably less than 5% of the temperature of the gas container when full, preferably less than 1 % of the temperature of the gas container when full.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU [0023] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a flow rate sensor Tor measuring a flow rate in a supply line through which gas is supplied by the gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the flow rate through the supply line.
[0024] In an embodiment, the controller generates the status alert signal when the measured flow rate through the supply line is more than about 90% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full, preferably more than about 95% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full, preferably more than about 99% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full.
[0025] In an embodiment, the controller is operable between an active state and an inactive state, wherein, in the active state, the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal.
[0026] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement in both the active state and inactive state.
[0027] in an embodiment, the controller is in the active state at least once every 24 hours.
[0028] In an embodiment, the system further includes a power sensor for measuring the amount of power available to the controller.
[0029] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to generate a power alert signal based on the measured amount of available power, which is transmitted to the server, wherein the server is configured to transmit a notification to the user device after receiving the power alert signal from the controller.
[0030] There is also disclosed herein a method for monitoring a status of a gas container, the method including:
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU sensing, by a sensor arrangement, a property related to the gas container;
generating, by the sensor arrangement, a sensor signal representative of a sensed property;
receiving, by a controller, the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement;
generating, by the controller, a status alert signal based on the sensor signal;
receiving, by a remote server, the status alert signal from the controller; and
transmitting, by the server, a notification to an electronic user device relating to the status of the gas container after receiving the status alert signal from the controller.
[0031] In an embodiment, the gas container is in fluid communication with a valve that is configured to control a supply of gas from the gas container, the valve being operable between a first configuration to enable a supply of gas from the gas container and a second configuration to enable a supply of gas from a secondary gas container, and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal being representative of the valve being in the first configuration or in the second configuration.
[0032] In an embodiment, the method further includes providing the valve.
[0033] In an embodiment, the step of generating, by the controller, the status alert signal includes generating the status alert signal when the valve changes from the first configuration to the second configuration, or vice versa.
[0034] In an embodiment, the valve includes a indicator moveable between a first position to indicate that the valve is in the first configuration and a second position to indicate that the vaive is in the second configuration, wherein the step of sensing, by the sensor arrangement, the property related to the gas container includes sensing whether the indicator is in the first position and/or second position,
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal being representative of when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position.
[0035] In an embodiment, the indicator includes a magnetic material and the step of sensing, by the sensor arrangement, the property related to the gas container includes sensing a position of magnetic material being representative of the indicator being in the first position or in the second position.
[0036] In an embodiment, the method further includes providing a magnet with the magnetic material, the magnet being attachable to the indicator.
[0037] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor.
[0038] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a electric switch that is actuated by the indicator when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal based on actuation of the electric switch by the indicator being in the position or in the second position.
[0039] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes an optical sensor for detecting when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, includes generating the sensor signal based on detection by the optical sensor of the indicator being in the first position or second position.
[0040] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a sensor for detecting a change in position of the indicator, wherein the step of generating, by sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal when the sensor detects the change in position of the indicator from the first position to the second position and/or from the second position to the first position.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU [0041] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a first proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the step of generating, by sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal when the first proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the one of the first position or second position. Preferably, the sensor arrangement includes a second proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near the other one of the first position or second position of the indicator, the step of generating, by sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal when the second proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the other one of the first position or second position.
[0042] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a weighing scale for measuring a weight of the gas container, and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal being representative of the weight of the gas container.
[0043] In an embodiment, the step of generating, by the controller, the status alert signal includes generating the status alert signal when the measured weight of the gas container is less than about 10% of the weight of the gas container when full, preferably less than about 5% of the weight of the gas container when full, preferably less than about 1 % of the weight of the gas container when full.
[0044] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the gas container, and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal being representative of the temperature of the gas container.
[0045] In an embodiment, the temperature sensor is a strip sensor and the method includes positioning the temperature sensor substantially along a length of the gas container. In an alternative embodiment, the temperature sensor includes two or more temperature sensing devices and the method comprises providing the temperature sensing devices at different points along a length of the gas container,
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU wherein a temperature difference between the measurements of the temperature sensing devices corresponds to the sensor signal that is transmitted to the controller.
[0046] In an embodiment, the step of generating, by the controller, the status alert signal includes generating the status alert signal when the measured temperature of the gas container is less than about 10% of the temperature of the gas container when full, preferably iess than 5% of the temperature of the gas container when full, preferably less than 1 % of the temperature of the gas container when full.
[0047] In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes a flow rate sensor for measuring a flow rate in a supply line through which gas is supplied by the gas container, and wherein the step of generating, by the sensor arrangement, the sensor signal includes generating the sensor signal being representative of the flow rate through the supply line.
[0048] In an embodiment, the step of generating, by the controller, the status alert signal includes generating the status alert signal when the measured flow rate through the supply line is more than about 90% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full, preferably more than about 95% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full, preferably more than about 99% of the flow rate through the supply line when the gas container is full.
[0049] In an embodiment, the method further includes configuring the controller between an active state and an inactive state, wherein, in the active state, the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal.
[0050] In an embodiment, the step of receiving, by the controller, the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement includes receiving the sensor signal in both the active state and inactive state.
[0051] In an embodiment, the method further includes configuring the controller to be in the active state at least once every 24 hours.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU [0052] In an embodiment, the method further includes providing a power sensor tor measuring the amount of power available to the controller.
[0053] In an embodiment, the method further includes generating, by the controller, a power alert signal based on the measured amount of available power, which is transmitted to the server, and, transmitting, by the server, a notification to the user device after receiving the power alert signal from the controller.
[0054] There is described herein a controller for monitoring the status of a gas container, the controller including one or more processors that are configured to:
receive, from a sensor arrangement, a sensor signal that is representative of a property of the gas container sensed by the sensor arrangement,
determine a status alert signal based on the sensor signal for communication to a user electronic device.
[0055] In an embodiment, the controller further includes the sensor arrangement.
[0055a] Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for monitoring the status of a gas supply, the apparatus comprising:
a valve in fluid communication with a gas container and another gas container, the valve operable to change over the supply of gas;
a sensor arrangement for sensing a property related to the gas supply and for generating a sensor signal representative of the sensed property; and
a controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement, the controller configured to generate and transmit a status alert signal based on the sensor signal.
[0056] In an embodiment, one or more processors are further configured to communicate the sensor signal to the user electronic device or to a remote server.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU [0057] The present invention further provides a method of obtaining a status of a gas supply, the gas supply including at least two gas containers, the method including: sending, from a user electronic device, a request for the status of the gas supply to a controller, the controller being in communication with a sensor arrangement that is configured to sense a property related to the at least two gas containers and that is configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the sensed property, wherein, after receiving the request for the status of the gas supply, the controller is configured to generate a status signal based on the sensor signal and to transmit the status signal to the user electronic device.
[0057a] Definition of gas container: the term 'gas container' is used throughout the present specification. In the present context the term 'gas container' refers to both a container of gas and a container of liquefied gas, such as for example liquid petroleum gas. In each instance the container will physically dispense a gas, whether the contents of the container is itself a gas or a liquefied gas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU [0058] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0059] FIGURE 1 shows a system for monitoring a status of a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIGURE 2 shows a system block diagram of a controller with a sensor for monitoring a gas container according to an embodiment of the present invention controlier and sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIGURE 3 shows a system for monitoring the changeover valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIGURE 4 shows a flow chart of the steps carried out by the controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0063] FIGURE 5 shows a flow chart of the steps carried out by the server according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIGURE 6A shows the changeover valve in a first configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0065] FIGURE 6B shows the changeover valve in a second configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0066] FIGURE 7 shows a response graph indicating when the changeover valve actuates from the first configuration to the second configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0067] FIGURE 8 shows an apparatus for monitoring the status of a gas container according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU [0068] FIGURE 9 shows an apparatus for monitoring the status of a gas container according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0069] FIGURE 10 shows an arrangement for monitoring the weight according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIGURE 11 shows a response graph indicating the change of weight as a function of the gas level in the gas container;
[0071] FIGURE 12 shows an arrangement for monitoring the temperature according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0072] FIGURE 13 shows a response graph indicating the change of temperature as a function of the gas level in the gas container;
[0073] FIGURE 14 shows an arrangement for monitoring the flow rate according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0074] FIGURE 15 shows a response graph indicating the change of flow rate as a function of gas level in the gas container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0075] Referring to Figure 1 , a system 100 is provided for monitoring a status of a gas container 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d connected to a property 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d via a respective supply line 160a, 160b, 160c. The system of the present invention is configured for a property 140a with a single gas container 120a; for a property 140b with two gas containers 120b, 120c; for a properties 140c, 140d with a shared gas container 120d, or for a property (not shown) with more than two gas containers. Where there two or more gas containers for a property, a valve is provided to control a supply of gas from the gas containers, which will be described in further detail below. For two gas containers, the valve is operable between a first
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU configuration to enable a supply of gas from the first gas container and a second configuration to enable a supply of gas from a second gas container. The change from the first configuration to the second configuration may occur when the first gas container is out of (or is nearly out of) gas, and vice versa. The gas container may be a gas cylinder.
[0076] The system 100 includes a sensor arrangement (not shown) for sensing a property related to the gas container 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d and for generating a sensor signal respective of a sensed property. As will be described in further detail below, the sensor arrangement may include a sensor for sensing the configuration of the valve (for example - a magnetic filed sensor such as a Hall effect sensor), a weighing scale for measuring a weight of the gas container, a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the temperature of the gas container, and/or a flow rate sensor for measuring a flow rate in a supply line through which gas is supplied by the gas container.
[0077] The system 100 includes a controller 200 that is configured to receive a sensor signal related to the gas container 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d. The sensor signal is provided by the sensor arrangement (not shown). The controller 200 is further configured to generate a status alert signal based on the sensor signal. The status alert signal is a signal that indicates that the gas container is (or is nearing) empty and requires refilling. The controller 200 is configured to transmit the status alert signal to a remote server 300. The controller 200, which will be discussed in further detail below, includes a one or more processors for receiving signals from the sensor arrangement and determining the status of the gas container(s), and a communications module for communication with the remote server 300. The controller 200 further includes a power management system for providing power to the one or more processors and to the communications module.
[0078] The remote server 300 is configured to receive the status alert signal from the controller 200. After receiving the status alert signal, the server 200 is configured to transmit a notification to an electronic user device 180a, 180b relating
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU to the status of the gas container 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d. The user electronic device 80a may be a device of an owner or resident of the property. In this arrangement, the server 300 transmits the notification that the tank is (or is nearing) empty to the owner or resident of the property, following which, the recipient of the notification will contact a gas distributor to schedule for the empty (or near empty) gas container to be refilled. The user electronic device 180b may be a device of the gas distributor. In this arrangement, the server 300 transmits the notification that the gas container is (or is nearing) empty directly to the gas distributor, following which, the gas distributor will arrange to visit the property 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d to have the gas container refilled.
[0079] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, and as mentioned above, where a property is provided with two gas containers 120b, 120c, a valve 150, with a regulator 170, is provided to control which of the two gas containers gas 120b, 120c will be supplied from. The valve 150 is particularly configured such that when one of the gas containers is out of gas, the valve is in a configuration to supply gas from the other gas container. The valve 150 is operable between a first configuration to enable a supply of gas from a primary gas container 120b and a second configuration to enable a supply of gas from a secondary gas container 20c. The sensor arrangement includes a sensor 420 for detecting whether the valve is in the first configuration or is in the second configuration, and generates a sensor signal that is representative of the valve being in the first configuration or in the second configuration. The regulator 170 is for regulating the flow of gas supplied from either of the gas containers 120b, 120c via the valve 150 through the supply line 160.
[0080] The sensor signal is transmitted from the sensor 420 to the microcontroller 220 of the controller 200, which is configured to determine whether the valve has changed configuration from the first configuration to the second configuration, which would indicate that one of the two gas containers is empty and requires refilling. Upon determining that one of the gas containers is empty (or is nearing empty), the microcontroller generates the status alert signal for transmission to the remote server via a communications module of the controller 200.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU [0081] The communications module includes a GSM module 222 coupled to an antenna 224 for transmitting the status alert signal to the remote server via a mobile network.
[0082] The controller 200 is provided with a power supply 226 and corresponding power regulators 228a, 228b for providing and regulating power to the microcontroller 220 and to the communications module.
[0083] According to the power management system of the present invention, the controller 200 is operable between an active state and an inactive state. The controller 200 can be configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement in both the active state and inactive state. Alternatively, the controller can be configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement in only the active state. In the active state, the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal. In some embodiments, the server can selectively set the controller to be in the active state and/or in the inactive state. For example, if a user of an electronic device wishes to determine the status of the gas container, the user can initiate a query with the remote server through the electronic device of the user following which the server is configured to put the controller in the active state (if it is in the active state) and to determine the status of the gas container based on measurements obtained from the sensor arrangement. By switching the controller between the active and inactive state, the system is able to conserve power. In a preferred embodiment, the controller is in the active state at ieast once every 24 hours. However, it will be readily appreciated that the controller could be in an active state at a different period (such as hourly, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, etc.), which may be user-defined.
[0084] Referring to Figure 4, once every 24 hours (at 602), the controller changes its state from an inactive state to an active state (at 603). In the active state, the controller determines (at 604) whether 7 days has passed since the controller last communicated with the remote server. If not, the controller proceed to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement (at 605) and determine based on the sensor signal whether the monitored gas container(s) are empty (or is
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU nearing empty). If the controller determines that 7 days has passed since the controller last communicated with the remote server or if the gas containers) are determined to be empty (or near empty), the controller is configured to activate the communications module (at 607), which will collect the signal from the controller (at 608) based on the sensor signal, which is representative of the gas remaining in the gas containers). This signal is transmitted to the server (at 609) and stored at the remote server (at 610). Foliowing transmission of the signal to the remote server, the communications module is deactivated and the controller is put in the inactive state (at 612) and remains in the inactive state until 24 hours has passed (at 602). Again, it will be readily appreciated that the minimum period between communication by the controller with the server may be set at a different period (fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.), which can be user-defined.
[0085] The system further includes a power sensor for measuring the amount of power available to the controller. The controller is configured to generate a power aiert signal based on the measured amount of available power, which is transmitted to the server, wherein the server is configured to transmit a notification to the user device after receiving the power alert signal from the controller.
[0086] If the controller determines that the gas containers) are not empty (at 606), the controller is put in the inactive state (at 612).
[0087] It will be readily appreciated that the period in which the system is in the active state may be adjusted by the user accordingly by the user, For example, the period between active states for the controller may be more than 24 hours or may be less than 24 hours. In addition, the period in which the controller is configured to report to the server (at 604) may also be adjusted by the user. For example, the period between reporting may be less than 7 days or may be more than 7 days.
[0088] Referring to Figure 5, the server 702 is configured to receive the signals from the controller via the mobile network 70 . The signals representative of the status of gas container 703 are stored in a database 704. If the signal from the
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU controller is representative of the gas container being empty, a notification trigger 706 is generated and sent to the user 707. If required, the status of the gas containers stored in the database 704 can be viewed by the user 705. The database 704 includes further functionality that allows new customers 708 and controllers 709 to be added for remote monitoring by the server.
[0089] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, the valve 150, for an arrangement with two gas containers, inciudes an indicator 152 that is moveable between a first position (shown in Figure 6A) to indicate that the valve 150 is in the first configuration (indicating that gas is being supplied from a first one of the two gas containers) and a second position (shown in Figure 6B) to indicate that the valve 150 is in the second configuration (indicating that gas is being supplied from a second one of the two gas containers). The indicator is preferably a dial that moves depending on the pressure difference between the gas containers. The indicator 152 includes a magnetic material 156, such as a magnet for example, that is attached to the indicator and moves with the indicator 152 as the indicator 152 moves from the first position to the second position. The sensor arrangement, which inciudes a magnetic sensor 154 (such as a Hall effect sensor), is configured to sense a position of magnetic material 156 being representative of the indicator 152 being in the first position or in the second position. The magnetic material 156 passes beneath the magnetic sensor 154 as the indicator changes position. The sensor signal generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of when the indicator 152 is in the first position or in the second position.
[0090] The response measured by the sensor of the position of the indicator 154 is shown in Figure 7. The measured output of the sensor is shown as 0 when the indicator is in the first position, and changes to 1 when the indicator is in the second position. When the sensor value changes, the controller determines that the monitored gas container(s) is empty and requires refilling.
[0091] Figures 8 and 9 shows different arrangements of the sensor arrangement.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU [0092] Referring to Figure 8, an embodiment of the vaive 150' includes a body 151 ' having a first inlet 153' for fluid communication with a first one of the gas containers and a second inlet 155' for fluid communication with a second one of the gas containers. A main outlet 157' is provided that is in selective fluid communication with the first or second inlets 153', 155', The vaive 150' includes an indicator 152' that is rotatable between a first position and a second position depending on the inlet 153', 155' through which gas is being supplied. A magnet 156' is provided on the indicator 152' and moves with the indicator 152' as the indicator moves from the first position to the second position. A sensor 154' is provided on the indicator 152' to generate a sensor signal based on the location of the magnet 156' on the indicator 152'. According to this embodiment, the sensor 154' is positioned on the indicator 152' using an adhesive. The sensor signal generated by the sensor 154' is provided to the controller 200' via a wired connection 201', which is configured to determine the status of the gas containers.
[0093] Referring to Figure 9, another embodiment of the valve 150" includes a body 151" having a first inlet 153" for fluid communication with a first one of the gas containers and a second inlet 155" for fluid communication with a second one of the gas containers. A main outlet 157" is provided that is in selective fluid communication with the first or second inlets 153", 155". The valve 50" includes an indicator 152" that is rotatable between a first position and a second position depending on the inlet 153", 155" through which gas is being supplied. A magnet 156" is provided on the indicator 152" and moves with the indicator 152" as the indicator moves from the first position to the second position. A sensor 54a" is provided on the indicator 152" to generate a sensor signal based on the location of the magnet 156" on the indicator 152". A clip 154b" is provided to removably attach the sensor 154a" to the indicator 152". In this way, the position of the sensor 154a" on the indicator 152" can be manually adjusted. The sensor signal generated by the sensor 154" is provided to the controller 200" via a wired connection 201", which is configured to determine the status of the gas containers.
[0094] Referring to Figure 10, the sensor arrangement includes a weighing scale 440 for measuring a weight of the gas container 120. The sensor signal
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of the weight of the gas container 120. According to the weight response graph shown in Figure 11 , measured weight of the gas container 120 decreases as the gas is depleted from the gas container 120. Based on the weight response, the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal when the measured weight of the gas container is less than about 10% of the weight of the gas container when full. The threshold at which the status alert signal is generated could be set to about 5% of the weight of the gas container when full, or to about 1 % of the weight of the gas container when full. The threshold could also be set to correspond to a weight when the gas container is completely empty.
[0095] Referring to Figure 12, the sensor arrangement includes a temperature sensor 460 for measuring a temperature of the gas container 120. The sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the temperature of the gas container 20. The temperature sensor 460 is a strip sensor positioned substantially along a height of the gas container. For gas container storing LPG, the temperature sensor is arranged to detect the temperature difference between the liquid LPG and the gaseous LPG. The remaining liquid LPG within the gas container can be determined based on a location along the height of the tank at which a temperature difference can be measured. According to the temperature response graph shown in Figure 13, the measured temperature of the gas container 120 decreases as the gas is depleted from the gas container 120. Based on the temperature response, the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal when the measured temperature of the gas container is less than about 10% of the temperature of the gas container when full. The threshold at which the status alert signal is generated could be set to 5% of the temperature of the gas container when full, or 1 % of the temperature of the gas container when full. The threshold could also be set to correspond to a temperature when the gas container is completely empty.
[0096] Referring to Figure 14, the sensor arrangement includes a flow rate sensor 480 for measuring a flow rate in a supply line through which gas is supplied by the gas container 120. The sensor signal generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of the flow rate through the supply line. According to the flow rate
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU response graph shown in Figure 15, the cumulative measured flow rate through the supply line increases as the gas is depleted from the gas container 120. The cumulative measured flow rate is representative of the amount of gas that has been used from a gas container. Based on the flow rate response, the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal when the cumulative measured flow rate through the supply line is more than about 80% of the gas within the gas container when the gas container is full. The threshold at which the status alert signal is generated could be set to 90% of the gas within the gas container when the gas container is full. Alternatively, the status alert signal could be set to 95% of the amount of gas within the gas container when the gas container is full. In other embodiments the status alert signal is set to a cumulative measured flow rate that is 99% of the amount of gas in the full gas container.
[0096] Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0097] By way of example, it will be readily appreciated that the sensor arrangement could comprises a combination of two or more of the sensor for the valve 420, the weight sensor 440 , the temperature sensor 460, and the flow rate sensor 480.
[0098] By way of example, the sensor arrangement may include a electric switch that is actuated by the indicator when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, and the sensor arrangement generates the sensor signal based on actuation of the electric switch by the indicator being in the position or in the second position.
[0099] By way of further example, the sensor arrangement may include an optical sensor for detecting when the indicator is in the first position or in the second position, and the sensor arrangement generates the sensor signal based on detection by the optical sensor of the indicator being in the first position or second position.
[00100] By way of further example, the sensor arrangement may inciude a sensor for detecting a change in position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the sensor detects the change in position of the indicator from the first position to the second position, and/or from the second position to the first position.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU [00101 ] By way of further example, the sensor arrangement may include a first proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signai when the first proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the one of the first position or second position. Preferably, the sensor arrangement includes a second proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near the other one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the second proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at the other one of the first position or second position.
[00102] Other modifications include those described in the Summary of the Invention section.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A system for monitoring a status of a gas supply, the system including: a gas supply including at least two gas containers;
a valve in fluid communication with the at least two gas containers, the valve operable to change over the supply of gas;
a sensor arrangement located externally of each of the at least two gas containers for sensing a property related to the gas supply and for generating a sensor signal representative of the sensed property;
a controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement, the controller being configured to the generate a status alert signal based on the sensor signal; and
a remote server configured to receive the status alert signal from the controller, the server being configured to transmit a notification to an electronic user device relating to the status of the gas supply after receiving the status alert signal from the controller.
2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensed property is a property of the valve.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the valve includes an indicator moveable between positions to indicate a configuration of the valve, the sensor arrangement being configured to sense the position of the indicator.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the indicator includes a magnetic material and the sensor arrangement is configured to sense a position of magnetic material being representative of the position indicator.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the system includes a magnet with the magnetic material, the magnet being attachable to the indicator.
6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the sensor arrangement includes a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU
7. The system according to claim 3, wherein the sensor arrangement includes an electric switch that is actuated by the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal based on actuation of the electric switch.
8. The system according to claim 3, wherein the sensor arrangement includes an optical sensor for detecting when the position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal based on the detection by the optical sensor of the position of the indicator.
9. The system according to claim 3, wherein the sensor arrangement includes a sensor for detecting a change in position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the sensor detects the change in position of the indicator.
10. The system according to claim 3, wherein the sensor arrangement includes at least one of: a first proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near one of a first position or a second position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the first proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at or near the one of the first position or second position; and a second proximity sensor positioned at or substantially near the other one of the first position or second position of the indicator, wherein the sensor arrangement is configured to generate the sensor signal when the second proximity sensor detects that the indicator is at or near the other one of the first position or second position.
1 1 . The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve is operable between a first configuration to enable a supply of gas a first gas container and a second configuration to enable a supply of gas from a second gas container.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU
12. The system according to claim 1 1 , wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the valve being in the first configuration or in the second configuration such that the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal when the valve changes from the first configuration to the second configuration, or vice versa.
13. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor arrangement includes a weighing scale for measuring a weight of each of the gas containers, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor arrangement is representative of the weight of one of the gas containers.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the controller generates the status alert signal when the measured weight of the gas container is less than about 10% of the weight of the gas container when full, preferably less than 5% of the weight of the gas container when full, preferably less than 1 % of the weight of the gas container when full.
15. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor arrangement includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of each of the gas container, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the temperature of one of the gas containers.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the temperature sensor is a strip sensor positioned substantially along a length of each gas container.
17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the controller generates the status alert signal when the measured temperature of the gas container is less than about 10% of the temperature of the gas container when full, preferably less than 5% of the temperature of the gas container when full, preferably less than 1 % of the temperature of the gas container when full.
18. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor arrangement includes a flow rate sensor for measuring a flow rate in a supply line through
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU which gas is supplied from one of the gas containers, wherein the sensor signal generated by the sensor is representative of the flow rate through the supply line.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the flow rate is used to calculate a cumulative measured flow rate representative of the cumulative amount of gas supplied from said one of the gas containers through the supply line.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the controller generates the status alert signal when the cumulative measured flow rate through the supply line is more than about 90% of the amount of gas in the gas container when full, preferably more than about 95% of the amount of gas in the gas container when full, preferably more than 99% of the amount of gas in the gas container when full.
21 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is operable between an active state and an inactive state, wherein, in the active state, the controller is configured to generate the status alert signal.
22. The system according to claim 21 , wherein the controller is configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement in both the active state and inactive state.
23. The system according to claim 21 , wherein the controller is in the active state at least once every 24 hours.
24. The system according to claim 1 , further including a power sensor for measuring the amount of power available to the controller.
25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the controller is configured to generate a power alert signal based on the measured amount of available power, which is transmitted to the server, wherein the server is configured to transmit a
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU notification to the user device after receiving the power alert signal from the controller.
26. An apparatus for monitoring the status of a gas supply, the apparatus comprising:
a valve in fluid communication with a gas container and another gas container, the valve operable to change over the supply of gas;
a sensor arrangement for sensing a property related to the gas supply and for generating a sensor signal representative of the sensed property; and
a controller configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensor arrangement, the controller configured to generate and transmit a status alert signal based on the sensor signal.
27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the controller includes one or more processors that are configured to:
receive, from a sensor arrangement, a sensor signal that is representative of a property of the gas container sensed by the sensor arrangement; and
determine a status alert signal based on the sensor signal for communication to a user electronic device.
28. The controller according to claim 27, wherein one or more processors are further configured to communicate the sensor signal to the user electronic device or to a remote server.
29. A method of obtaining a status of a gas supply, the gas supply including at least two gas containers, the method including:
sending, from a user electronic device, a request for the status of the gas supply to a controller, the controller being in communication with a sensor arrangement that is configured to sense a property related to the at least two gas containers and that is configured to generate a sensor signal representative of the sensed property, wherein, after receiving the request for the status of the gas
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU supply, the controller is configured to generate a status signal based on the sensor signal and to transmit the status signal to the user electronic device.
Substitute Sheet
(Rule 26) RO/AU
PCT/AU2017/051372 2016-12-14 2017-12-12 A system and method of remotely monitoring status of a gas container WO2018107217A1 (en)

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FR3082915A1 (en) * 2018-06-25 2019-12-27 Clesse Industries GAS SUPPLY REGULATOR
WO2020002688A1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2020-01-02 Smart Cylinders As System for determining the status of a gas cylinder
GB2579173A (en) * 2018-10-29 2020-06-17 Linde Ag A gas manifold block assembly
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JP2019158092A (en) * 2018-03-16 2019-09-19 東京瓦斯株式会社 Gas container exchange system, exchange device thereof, exchange method thereof, and exchange program thereof
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GB2579173A (en) * 2018-10-29 2020-06-17 Linde Ag A gas manifold block assembly
WO2021058953A1 (en) * 2019-09-23 2021-04-01 Bboxx Ltd Improvements in or relating to distribution of utilities
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