FR3051040A1 - CONNECTED APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A LEVEL OF GAS IN A CONTAINER SUCH AS A BOTTLE OF GAS, WITH ENERGY RECOVERY. - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for monitoring a level of gas within a vessel for receiving a liquid phase gas, such as a gas cylinder (200), the apparatus comprising a device (110) gas level capture connected with a gas level sensor (110A) and wireless communication means (110B). According to the invention, the apparatus further comprises: - an energy conversion device (120), for converting into kinetic energy the kinetic energy of a gas as it leaves the container; and a wired electrical connection (130) connecting the energy conversion device (120) and the connected gas level capture device (110). It is thus possible to power the connected gas level capture device electrically using the energy conversion device.

Description

APPARATUS CONNECTED WITH MONITORING A LEVEL OF GAS IN A CONTAINER SUCH AS A BOTTLE OF GAS, WITH RECOVERY OF ENERGY.

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to the field of devices for monitoring a level of gas inside a container for receiving a gas in the liquid phase, and more particularly so-called connected devices, adapted to transmit data for monitoring gas level using wireless communication means.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

In the prior art, an apparatus is known for being installed on a gas cylinder, for remotely monitoring the level of gas in the bottle, and more particularly for being remotely informed when this gas level reaches a predetermined threshold.

Such an apparatus is described in the patent application WO 2011/000067 and comprises in particular two temperature sensors, for measuring a difference in temperature just above and just below a predetermined threshold in the gas bottle, and a transmitter for transmitting to a server the measured temperature difference, when it is greater than 1 ° C.

The transmission of information preferably uses a telephone line.

The temperature sensors are each disposed against the outer surface of the gas cylinder. Together they form a gas level sensor, exploiting the fact that the measured temperature differs depending on whether the temperature sensor is located with respect to the liquid gas stored in the gas cylinder. When the difference between the temperatures measured by the two sensors is greater than 1 ° C, it is known that the level of liquid gas in the bottle is located between the two sensors.

This information is transmitted to the server to inform a distributor that the gas cylinder has reached its reserve level.

Knowing the different customers who have reached the reserve level, the distributor can plan an optimal route to replenish them.

The temperature sensors and the transmitter are electrically powered by a battery, and possibly by the telephone line. The autonomy of the device for monitoring a gas level is then a function of the storage capacity of the battery, and the energy consumption of the device.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for monitoring a level of gas inside a container for receiving a gas in the liquid phase, which may have a greater energy autonomy than the apparatuses of the prior art. .

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

This objective is achieved with a device for monitoring a level of gas inside a container for receiving a gas in the liquid phase, in particular a gas cylinder, the apparatus comprising a connected level capture device. gas which has: a gas level sensor for locating an interface between a liquid phase gas and a gas phase gas within the container; and wireless communication means configured to transmit a signal relating to data measured by the gas level sensor.

According to the invention, the apparatus further comprises: an energy converting device, for converting into kinetic energy the kinetic energy of a gas as it leaves the container; and a wired electrical connection, connecting the energy conversion device and the connected gas level capture device, for the power supply of the connected gas level capture device by the energy conversion device.

The energy conversion device makes it possible to use the kinetic energy of a gas stream at the outlet of the container to convert it into electrical energy.

This electrical energy is supplied to the connected gas level capture device, which makes it possible to increase the energy autonomy of the apparatus according to the invention.

In particular, this electrical energy can be supplied to the connected gas level capture device, to at least partially recharge a battery thereof.

Thus, instead of proposing a battery offering greater storage capacity, the invention proposes to exploit an auxiliary energy source.

Rather than turning to an auxiliary energy source requiring connection to an external network, for example via the use of the energy of a telephone line, the clever idea underlying the invention consists in exploiting the kinetic energy of a flow of gas flowing out of the container that can receive a gas in the liquid phase.

This energy can be available whatever the storage conditions of the container on which the apparatus according to the invention is mounted, even in the absence of light or wind.

Preferably, the energy conversion device comprises a duct, a turbine disposed inside said duct, and an alternator.

According to a first embodiment, the turbine comprises a bladed wheel. The alternator may comprise an annular stator element, and at least one annular rotor element, the annular rotor element being mounted integral with the bladed wheel and being provided with a series of magnets arranged in a ring with respect to the stator element. .

According to a second embodiment, the turbine is a spherical turbine.

The energy conversion device may be disposed within a housing provided with a first connector for fixing the housing at the outlet of the container.

The housing may be provided with a second connector for attaching the housing to a regulator.

Preferably, the connected gas level capture device is provided with container attachment means configured to attach the gas level sensor to an outer surface of said container.

The gas level sensor is advantageously configured to determine the position of the interface between a liquid phase gas and a gas phase gas, relative to at least one predetermined threshold position.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the gas level sensor is an ultrasound sensor, comprising: at least one ultrasonic transceiver, for the transmission of a signal called probe, and the reception of a corresponding return signal at the reflection of the signal probe on an obstacle; and a calculator configured to calculate a delay between the sending of the probe signal and the reception of the return signal.

Advantageously, the gas level sensor comprises: a first ultrasonic transceiver, for transmitting a first probe signal, and receiving a first return signal corresponding to the reflection of the first probe signal on an obstacle; a second ultrasonic transceiver for transmitting a second probe signal, and receiving a second return signal corresponding to reflection of the second probe signal on an obstacle; the computer being configured to calculate a first delay between the transmission of the first probe signal and the reception of the first feedback signal, to calculate a second delay between the emission of the second probe signal and the reception of the second feedback signal, and to compare the first delay and the second delay.

Preferably, the wireless communication means are bidirectional communication means. The invention also covers an assembly comprising a container for receiving a gas in the liquid phase, in particular a gas cylinder, and an apparatus according to the invention, installed on said container. The invention also covers a gas level monitoring system within a plurality of containers for receiving a liquid phase gas, in particular a plurality of gas cylinders, comprising a plurality of apparatuses according to the invention. , and a data recovery server, configured to receive and store the data of the signals sent by the respective wireless communication means of each apparatus.

The system may include at least one service server for processing data retrieved and stored by the data recovery server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood on reading the description of exemplary embodiments given purely by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus according to the invention of tracking a level of gas inside a gas cylinder; Figure 2 illustrates, in a perspective view, the apparatus of Figure 1 installed on a gas cylinder; FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate more particularly an example of an energy conversion device implemented in an apparatus according to the invention; FIG. 4 illustrates more particularly an example of a connected gas level capture device implemented in an apparatus according to the invention; and Figure 5 schematically illustrates a system according to the invention for monitoring gas levels within a plurality of gas cylinders.

DETAILED PRESENTATION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of an apparatus 100 according to the invention for monitoring a level of gas inside a container for receiving a gas in the liquid phase, in particular a bottle of gas 200.

According to the invention, the container may designate any container for storing gas in liquid form, in particular a gas cylinder.

It may be for example, and not limited to, a gas cylinder adapted to store less than 40 kg of gas, for example 35 kg of liquid propane, or 13 kg of liquid propane.

In the following, we take the example of a gas bottle. The gas is, for example, propane. The apparatus 100 includes a connected gas level capture device 110.

The device 110 more particularly comprises a gas level sensor 110A, and wireless communication means 110B, integrated here in the same housing.

The gas level sensor 110A is configured to locate an interface 201 between the liquid phase gas stored inside the gas cylinder 200, and the gaseous medium within said cylinder 200.

The location of the interface 201 advantageously consists in determining whether it lies within a predetermined region delimited by two predetermined thresholds.

Alternatively, the location of the interface 201 may be to determine whether it is above or below a predetermined threshold.

According to another variant, the location of the interface 201 may consist in determining a distance between the interface and a reference on the gas bottle, for example a distance relative to the bottom of the gas cylinder.

The gas level sensor 110A extends exclusively outside the gas cylinder 200.

It is configured to mount against an outer surface of the gas cylinder 200, and to measure a level of gas therein from the outside.

Thus, the gas bottle 200 is not pierced or modified to pass a sensitive element inside thereof. The gas level measurement does not imply any modification for a standard bottle or any object insertion inside the bottle.

To ensure this setting of the gas level sensor 110A, the connected gas level capture device is provided with HOC fixing means.

Here, the gas level sensor 110A and the wireless communication means are integrated in the same housing, which is provided with these HOC fixing means.

The HOC fixing means are for example a magnet (as illustrated in FIG. 1), or a strap surrounding the bottle 200, or a simple adhesive, any other fixing means.

Preferably, these fixing means do not allow any movement of the gas level sensor relative to the bottle 200.

The wireless communication means 110B are configured to send data relating to measurements made by the gas level sensor 110A.

This data may include raw measurements, provided by the gas level sensor, and / or warning signals formulated from these raw measurements (eg a warning signal formulated when the gas level falls below a threshold). predetermined).

The data can be sent in real time, or in deferred time after a period of storage in a memory of the device 110. The sending of data can be carried out continuously, or intermittently, according to a predetermined frequency, or in response to a external stress, or according to the data measured by the sensor 110A (for example only when the measured level is below a predetermined threshold, or when a change in the gas level is measured).

Advantageously, the sending of data can be carried out only when a consumption of gas is measured, so that the energy consumption associated with the sending of data is at least partially compensated for by the recovery of energy such as described below.

The wireless communication means 110B can be configured to establish two-way communication, also allowing reception of data from outside.

This externally derived data may include software update data implemented within the device 110. It may be to update a gas level calculation mode, or to update day data transmission rules using the 110B wireless communication means.

The 110B wireless communication means may comprise a transceiver, or a simple transmitter, responding for example to the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) standard, or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), or SMS (Short Message Service) , or 3G or LTE.

The connected gas level capture device 110 also includes a power management system 110D, comprising a rechargeable battery for the power supply of the gas level sensor 110A and wireless communication means 110B.

The connected device 110 for capturing gas level makes it possible to follow the evolution of the level of liquid gas inside the bottle 200, and to transmit tracking data via a non-wired channel.

In operation, it is not connected to the mains, or to another energy supply network, and thus forms an autonomous energy device thanks to the battery of the 110D energy management system.

According to the invention, the gas level monitoring apparatus further comprises a power conversion device 120 connected to the device 110 by an electric cable 130.

The energy converting device 120 is disposed at the outlet of the gas bottle 200. It is configured to exploit the kinetic energy of a gas phase gas stream that leaves the gas cylinder when the bottle is opened. . In particular, it is configured to convert this kinetic energy into electrical energy, using at least one turbine driven in rotation by this gas flow. The mechanical energy associated with this rotational movement can thus be converted into electrical energy within a turbine and alternator type system.

The electrical cable 130 extends directly between the energy conversion device 120 and the device 110, and more particularly between the energy conversion device 120 and the energy management system 110D.

Thus, the kinetic energy of the gas stream at the outlet of the gas bottle 200 is recycled to supply the device 110 directly. In particular, the kinetic energy of the gas flow at the outlet of the gas cylinder 200 at least partially recharges the battery of the 110D energy management system. It can thus increase a battery life.

This produces a device 100 for monitoring the gas level with increased energy autonomy, the power consumption of the device being at least partially offset by the electrical production of the same device, and the electrical energy produced being used only for needs of the device.

Preferably, the energy converting device 120 is disposed between the outlet of the gas bottle and a pressure reducer 300, that is to say upstream of the expander 300. The turbine of the energy conversion device 120 becomes is then positioned between the outlet opening of the gas cylinder, and the expander 300. The turbine then extends where the kinetic energy of the gas flow is maximum, the outlet pressure of a propane cylinder being about 1.75 bar, while it is only 37 mbar output of a current regulator. In Figure 1, there is shown in solid lines the gas level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the invention. The gas cylinder 200, and the optional regulator 300, do not belong to the apparatus 100 according to the invention.

However, the invention may also comprise the assembly comprising the gas bottle 200 and the apparatus 100 according to the invention installed on said bottle, as well as, where appropriate, a pressure reducer 300.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in a perspective view, the apparatus 100 according to the invention installed on the gas bottle 200, the energy conversion device 120 being disposed between the outlet of the gas bottle and an expander 300.

Each device according to the invention may further comprise geolocation means, not shown, and be configured to transmit geolocation data by means of wireless communication means.

FIGS. 3A to 3C illustrate more particularly an example of a device 120 for converting energy, implemented in an apparatus according to the invention.

In this example, the turbine consists of a bladed wheel 121, which extends inside a duct 122.

The conduit 122 is configured to connect to the outlet of the gas cylinder so that the bladed wheel 121 is rotated by the gas stream exiting the gas cylinder.

The bladed wheel 121 comprises a series of blades, whose shape is adapted here so that a flow of fluid along an axis substantially orthogonal to the plane of the bladed wheel, causes it to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the same plan.

In particular, the axis of rotation of the bladed wheel 121 extends parallel to the duct 122.

The bladed wheel 121 is mounted integral with a shaft 123 passing through the center of the bladed wheel, and extending parallel to the axis of rotation of the bladed wheel, so as to form a turbine.

The dimensions of the bladed wheel are adapted to the current dimensions of a duct at the outlet of a gas cylinder, for example of outside diameter of less than a few cm, and even less than cm.

The outer diameter of the bladed wheel is slightly less than the internal diameter of the duct, at said bladed wheel. The difference between said diameters is, for example, less than 2 mm. In Figure 3A, the device 120 is illustrated in a sectional view in a plane comprising the axis of rotation of the bladed wheel. The gas flow is shown schematically by the arrows 400.

Figure 3B is a sectional view along the axis AA 'shown in Figure 3A.

Figure 3C is a sectional view along the axis BB 'shown in Figure 3A.

According to the invention, the turbine is coupled to an alternator, to form a turboalternator, or axial electric motor. The alternator here comprises two rotors 124, and a stator 127, both having an annular shape and extending inside the conduit.

In particular, the shaft 123 is mounted integral with the two rotors 124, so that the shaft 123 rotates the rotors 124.

The two rotors 124 extend on either side of the bladed wheel 121, each in a respective recess 125 of the duct 122.

Figure 3C illustrates the rotor 124 disposed upstream of the bladed wheel, relative to the direction of flow of the gas stream in the conduit, from the outlet of the gas cylinder. The other rotor 124 is disposed downstream of the bladed wheel.

Each rotor 124 has a ring shape with an internal diameter greater than the diameter of the bladed wheel.

The inner diameter of each rotor 124 is equal to the diameter of the conduit portion adjacent to said rotor.

Thus, the rotor 124 does not disturb the flow of fluid inside the conduit and through the bladed wheel.

Each rotor 124 is provided with a series of permanent magnets 126, arranged in a ring on the face of the rotor located on the side of the bladed wheel.

Between the two rotors 124 extends a stator 127, on which are arranged windings 128, and forming with the two rotors 124 an alternator. The coils 128 are not drawn in FIG. 3B so as not to overload the figure.

The stator windings extend to the magnets 126.

The stator 127 also has an annular shape, of internal diameter greater than the diameter of the bladed wheel.

It is formed for example by the volume formed between the two recesses 125 in the conduit.

The stator windings are connected to the electrical cable 130.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the shaft 123 is disposed inside an ogive intended to optimize the flow of the gas inside the duct 122.

According to a variant not shown, the internal diameter of the duct increases progressively from its end located on the side of the gas cylinder to the location of the alternator and the turbine in the duct. It is in particular to gradually increase the internal diameter of the duct, until a diameter sufficient to accommodate a bladed wheel of desired size.

For example, this internal diameter gradually increases from 8 mm to 20 mm. Each rotor 124 then has for example an internal diameter of 20 mm, and an outer diameter of 32 mm.

In any case, the maximum internal diameter of the duct is advantageously less than 30 mm.

It can be shown that under these conditions, the gas flow is a laminar flow, favorable to the operation of a turbine.

Note that the two rotors 124 are connected together by a cylinder portion surrounding the bladed wheel, to isolate the coils and magnets of the gas passing through the conduit. The material of this portion of the cylinder is preferably chosen to be impermeable to the gas flowing in the duct, for example impervious to propane.

Many other variants of a turbo-alternator can be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, comprising one or more rotor (s), one or more stator (s), one or more bladed wheel (s) ( s).

Each rotor and each stator may be annular, or pierced with a series of through openings allowing the passage of a flow of gas, or have a disc shape of smaller diameter than the duct to allow the passage of a flow of gas around the disc.

The blades of the bladed wheel may extend inside a cylinder delimited by an internal diameter of the rotor (s) and stator (s) annular (s), as described herein. Alternatively, the blades of the bladed wheel can extend outside a cylinder, inside which extend the permanent magnets and windings of the stator (s) and rotor (s).

These different variants are adapted so that the flow of gas passing through the conduit from one end to the other is a laminar flow, without turbulence. The skilled person will be able to find in the state of the art all the indications necessary for the realization of a miniaturized turbine, the innovative idea residing not in the turbine itself, but in a monitoring device. gas level including such a turbine.

For example, the article by Andrew S. HOLMES & al., "SELF-POWERED WIRELESS SENSOR FOR DUCT MONITORING", PowerMEMS 2010, Leuven, Belgium, December 1-3, 2010, pp 115-118, which describes an example of such a miniaturized turbine.

According to another embodiment, not shown, the turbine is not formed by a bladed wheel, but by a spherical turbine, whose axis of rotation is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the duct. The turbine drives an alternator, which is housed outside the conduit, and which does not surround the turbine in the cylindrical shape of the conduit. The alternator can then be completely isolated from the gas flowing in the conduit.

Such a spherical turbine is used for example, but in a totally different context, by the company Lucid Energy ™, inside large water pipes, intended for example for agriculture.

In each of these embodiments, a regulator can be dispensed with by a progressive increase in the internal diameter of the duct. This increase in the internal diameter makes it possible both to reduce the flow velocity of the gas in the duct, by the Venturi effect, and to house a large turbine inside the duct.

The energy conversion device 120 is integrated inside a housing 129, through which the duct 122 passes right through.

The housing 129 includes a first connector 129A, for fixing the housing 129 at the outlet of the gas cylinder.

The first connector 129A is configured for fixing the housing 129 at the outlet of the gas cylinder, in particular directly to the valve of the gas cylinder, or via an intermediate duct attached to this valve.

The first connector 129A makes it possible to ensure the mechanical assembly without leakage of gas, between two pipe elements, here the valve or the intermediate duct, and the duct 122.

The first connector 129A comprises, for example, a thread intended to cooperate with a complementary thread at the outlet of the gas bottle.

According to the advantageous embodiment as shown in Figure 3A, the housing 129 further comprises a second connector 129B, for fixing the housing 129 to the inlet of a pressure reducer 300 (see Figure 1).

The second connector 129B comprises for example a thread, intended to cooperate with a complementary thread of the expander.

A particular example of a connected gas level capture device 110 will now be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, there is shown: the holding magnet HOC against the gas bottle; and the energy management system 110D, comprising the battery which is recharged at least partially by the energy conversion device and which supplies the various elements of the device 110.

The device 110 also includes a gas level sensor 110A.

The gas level sensor 110A comprises an ultrasonic transceiver 112A, whose input-output is directed towards the inside of the gas bottle 200. The ultrasonic transceiver 112A is applied against a wall 202 of the bottle of gas, outside the bottle.

It is configured to emit an ultrasonic signal, called probe signal 501, to the inside of the gas cylinder.

The probe signal 501 passes through the wall 202 of the gas cylinder against which the ultrasound transceiver 112A rests and then propagates inside the bottle, passing through a gaseous or liquid medium depending on the level of liquid gas. in the bottle.

Advantageously, the ultrasonic transceiver 112A is configured to transmit the probe signal 501 so that it propagates parallel to the bottom of the gas cylinder, and / or perpendicular to the wall 202 of the gas cylinder.

The probe signal is at least partially reflected against a wall of the gas cylinder located inside the bottle, on the opposite side to the ultrasonic transceiver 112A.

The reflected signal is referred to as a return signal 502.

The return signal propagates inside the bottle, passing through a gaseous or liquid medium depending on the level of liquid gas in the bottle, then crosses again the wall 202 of the gas cylinder.

It is received by the ultrasonic transceiver 112A pressed against said wall, outside the gas cylinder, and configured to receive a return signal corresponding to the reflection of the probe signal on a surface inside the bottle gas. The transceiver 112A is connected to a computer 113A, configured to calculate a time offset between the transmission of the probe signal 501 and the reception of the return signal 502.

The computer comprises for example a processor, in particular a microprocessor. Advantageously, it also comprises an analog-digital converter for digitally exploiting the ultrasonic signals provided by the transceiver 112A.

A time filter may be used at the computer 113A or ultrasonic transceiver 112A, to select from among several reflected ultrasonic signals that which corresponds to the reflection on the opposite wall inside the gas cylinder.

Such a gas level sensor 110A makes it possible to determine, as a function of the delay between the emission of the probe signal 501 and the reception of the return signal 502, whether the medium inside the gas cylinder is in the liquid state. or gaseous.

Such a gas level sensor is therefore configured to determine the position of the interface between the liquid phase gas and the gas phase gas relative to a predetermined threshold along the height axis of the gas cylinder. This threshold is defined by the position of the transceiver 112A on the gas cylinder, along the axis of the height thereof.

It is known that the interface is above the threshold if the measurements show that the probe signal 501 and the return signal 502 have passed through a liquid medium. This interface is known to be below the threshold if the measurements show that the probe signal 501 and the return signal 502 have passed through a gaseous medium.

The threshold is positioned for example at 10% of the total height of the gas cylinder, and corresponds to a reserve level of the gas cylinder.

Preferably, the gas level sensor comprises two transceivers, associated respectively with a first and a second predetermined threshold along the axis of the height of the gas cylinder.

These two transceivers are spaced apart from each other along the axis of the height of the gas cylinder, for example less than 5 cm, or even less than 2 cm.

The comparison of the results provided by these two transceivers provides even more reliable information on the position of the interface between the gas in the liquid phase and the gas in the gas phase inside the gas cylinder.

In particular, the first transceiver makes it possible to calculate a first delay between the transmission of a first probe signal and the reception of the corresponding return signal, and the second transceiver makes it possible to calculate a second delay between the emission of a second probe signal and the reception of the corresponding return signal.

When the difference between the first delay and the second delay is greater than a predetermined delay threshold, it is deduced that the interface between the gas in the liquid phase and the gas in the gas phase is between the first and the second thresholds along the of the axis of the height of the gas cylinder.

The first and the second thresholds are for example positioned around a position located at 10% of the total height of the gas cylinder, which corresponds to a reserve level of the gas cylinder.

According to a variant not shown, it is possible to determine the position of the interface with precision, using an ultrasonic transceiver located on the top of the gas cylinder, configured to emit a probe signal towards the bottom of the gas cylinder, and to detect a signal reflected on the interface between the gas in the liquid phase and the gas in the gas phase.

Preferably, the gas level sensor according to the invention uses ultrasonic signals, forming a reliable and economical measuring means.

Alternatively, the gas level sensor may use temperature measurements. For example, it has two temperature sensors, for measuring a difference in temperature between two points on the outer surface of the gas cylinder, and thus identifying the moment when a point is above the interface between liquid and gas. and the other point is below this interface.

According to another variant, the gas level sensor may use mass measurements, using a scale placed under the gas cylinder.

The gas level sensor may comprise several pairs of two ultrasonic transceivers as described above, each pair being associated with a gap between two predetermined positions along the height axis of the gas cylinder.

Here, the computer 113A is further configured to formulate a signal to be transmitted, from the calculated delay between the transmission of the probe signal and the reception of the return signal, or from the comparison between two delays.

The signal to be emitted is for example an alert signal, formulated when the calculation indicates that the interface between the liquid medium and the gaseous medium in the bottle is below a predetermined threshold.

The calculator can also be connected to the energy management system, and formulate an alert signal when it detects a low battery level.

The computer 113A is connected to the wireless communication means 110B, as described with reference to FIG.

As detailed above, it is preferably bidirectional communication means, in particular for receiving instructions for controlling and / or updating the connected device for capturing gas level, for example: steering instructions , for controlling the transmission of signals for example in response to an external load, or at a predetermined frequency (for example once a day), or in real time for certain types of signals (for example warning signals when interface between the liquid medium and the gaseous medium in the bottle is below a predetermined threshold); updating data, for modifying calculations implemented within the computer 113A.

It is thus possible to provide an apparatus according to the invention without any display screen, particularly energy-efficient, the control being carried out remotely via the two-way communication means.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a system 1000 according to the invention for monitoring gas levels inside a plurality of gas bottles.

The system 1000 comprises a plurality of devices 100 according to the invention.

Preferably, but without limitation, the system 1000 does not include the gas bottles on which each apparatus 100 is installed.

Each of the apparatuses 100 is in communication with a data recovery server 600, via the wireless communication means of each apparatus 100.

The data passes for example via a GSM 2G network of a telephony operator, then reaches the server 600, for example a server of the SME (Short Message Entity) type.

In a variant, the data can transit via a 2G GPRS network, or 3G, 4G, Zigbee, UNB, Wifi, BT4.0, ISM, W-MBus, etc., to the server 600, for example an FTP server ( File Transfer Protocol).

The server 600 is dedicated to retrieving the data sent by the devices 100, for storage in the databases of the server 600.

If necessary, it also allows the sending of data to the devices 100.

The server 600 is advantageously connected to a second server 700, dedicated to the processing of the collected data, and if necessary data to be sent to the apparatus 100. Alternatively, this processing is performed within a single server.

Data processing may include: calculating a current content of a gas cylinder; formulate a directive relating to the choice of a gas level measurement frequency (one per day, one per week, one per month, etc.); perform predictive consumption calculations based on a consumption history; perform predictive calculations of a bottle replacement date; optimize a stock of gas cylinders; monitor consumption (amount of gas dispensed, rate of consumption); detecting a sudden and significant change in the level of gas, and in response transmitting an anti-theft warning signal; determining a state of a battery of the connected gas level capture device; classify data to identify client types, or group data from the same client; make available at least one of the above data via the Internet.

Claims (15)

Apparatus (100) for monitoring a gas level inside a container for receiving a liquid phase gas, in particular a gas cylinder (200), comprising a connected device (110) for capturing a gas gas level having: a gas level sensor (110A) for locating an interface (201) between a liquid phase gas and a gas phase gas within the container; and wireless communication means (110B) configured to transmit a signal relating to data measured by the gas level sensor; characterized in that the apparatus further comprises: an energy converting device (120) for converting into kinetic energy the kinetic energy of a gas as it leaves the container; and a wired electrical connection (130), connecting the energy conversion device (120) and the connected gas level capture device (110), for the power supply of the connected gas level capture device by the energy conversion device. 2. Apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy conversion device (120) comprises a duct (122), a turbine (121) disposed inside said duct, and an alternator (124,127 ). 3. Apparatus (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the turbine comprises a bladed wheel (121). 4. Apparatus (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the alternator comprises an annular stator element (127), and at least one annular rotor element (124), the annular rotor element (124) being mounted integral with the bladed wheel (121) and being provided with a series of magnets (126) arranged in a ring with respect to the stator element. 5. Apparatus (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the turbine is a spherical turbine. 6. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the energy conversion device (120) is disposed inside a housing (129) provided with a first connection (129A) for fixing the housing at the outlet of the container (200). 7. Apparatus (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing (129) is provided with a second connector (129B) for fixing the housing to an expander (300). 8. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connected gas level capture device (110) is provided with fixing means (HOC) to the container, configured to fix the sensor a gas level (110A) against an outer surface (202) of said container. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the gas level sensor (110A) is configured to determine the position of the interface (201) between a liquid phase gas and a gas phase gas, relative to at least one predetermined threshold position. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the gas level sensor (110A) is an ultrasonic sensor, comprising: at least one ultrasonic transceiver (112A), for the transmission of a so-called sensor signal (501), and the reception of a so-called return signal (502) corresponding to the reflection of the probe signal on an obstacle; and a computer (113A) configured to calculate a delay between the sending of the probe signal (501) and the reception of the return signal (502). Apparatus (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the gas level sensor comprises: a first ultrasonic transceiver for transmitting a first probe signal and receiving a first feedback signal corresponding to the reflection of the first probe signal on an obstacle; a second ultrasonic transceiver for transmitting a second probe signal, and receiving a second return signal corresponding to reflection of the second probe signal on an obstacle; the computer (113A) being configured to calculate a first delay between the transmission of the first probe signal and the reception of the first return signal, to calculate a second delay between the emission of the second probe signal and the reception of the second feedback signal, and to compare the first delay and the second delay. 12. Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the wireless communication means (110B) are bidirectional communication means. 13. An assembly characterized in that it comprises a container for receiving a gas in the liquid phase, in particular a gas cylinder (200), and an apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, installed on said container. A system (1000) for monitoring gas levels within a plurality of containers (200) for receiving a liquid phase gas, in particular a plurality of gas cylinders, comprising a plurality of apparatuses (100) ) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and a data recovery server (600) configured to receive and store the data of the signals sent by the respective wireless communication means (110B) of each apparatus. 15. System (1000) according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one service server (700) for processing data retrieved and stored by the data recovery server.