US20120205004A1

US20120205004A1 - Battery powered fuel station

Info

Publication number: US20120205004A1
Application number: US13/026,478
Authority: US
Inventors: Ronlad Michael Webb
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: U-FUEL Inc NV; U-FUEL INTERNATIONAL
Priority date: 2011-02-14
Filing date: 2011-02-14
Publication date: 2012-08-16

Abstract

An aboveground fueling system for storing a fluid includes a storage tank constructed and arranged to store a combustible fluid and an outer container to provide secondary containment for the tank and other components utilized in the aboveground fueling system. An interstitial space may be provided between the storage tank and the container. That interstitial space may at least partially include the other components of the system, including batteries, at least one integrated panel dispenser (IPD), storage for energy capturing and canopy systems during transportation of the fueling system, and a pumping and metering system. A pump of the pumping system is positioned above a meter of the metering system. Accurate meters and energy efficient and energy capturing systems accommodate for retail “off-grid” use of the system and dispensing station.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an aboveground fueling or service station that can be conveniently and efficiently deployed in a desired location. More specifically, the invention relates to an above ground fueling or service station that is particularly suited for installation in remote locations.
2. Background Information
Historically, the majority of retail fuel stations stored fuel product in underground tanks with piping for transferring the stored fuel that extends to fueling locations under large canopies. In addition to fuel stations storing fuel product underground, certain fuel stations have been known to store fuel in aboveground tanks, but continue to run underground piping from the locations of the aboveground tanks to a fueling location. Generally, these aboveground fuel tanks were placed in dikes a distance from the fueling location (e.g., across a parking lot from the fuel location). Another configuration has a pump next to a tank, as permitted by local authorities.
Above ground fueling stations have become increasingly popular in recent years. For example, the inventor has been prolific in this area of innovation as evidenced by his disclosures in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,988,020; 5,033,637; 5,305,926; 5,562,162; 6,182,710; 6,216,790; 7,296,601, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
6 While the prior art has provided examples of aboveground fuel tanks, and specifically aboveground fuel tanks fluidly connected to fueling locations, there is always room for improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Although aboveground fuel tanks connected to fueling locations are known, the inventor has realized deficiencies with such devices and has developed improvements thereon. For example, as the world becomes more industrialized and moves toward increasing its use of alternative fuels (i.e., non-fossil fuels), the inventor has realized a growing need for a new type of environmentally safe station to dispense carbon based fuels into vehicles in remote areas where electricity from fossil fuels is not easily used (i.e., the “off-grid” areas). Applicant has realized these and other deficiencies of the prior art devices and has combined the below objectives in a novel manner to provide a device and system that provides solutions to such deficiencies.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a compact, aboveground fuel tank-enclosed device has been designed to operate as a traditional fuel station, while using minimal energy. The energy consumed by the inventive device may be stored in batteries that are reenergized or recharged by renewable energy sources (e.g., wind, solar, water flow and other passive energy sources). Further, in addition to including batteries and a system for capturing energy from renewable sources, the inventive device may include a system for powering down between customers, a low energy pumping and metering system, and an integrated user-interface panel. All features of the system may be comprised within the perimeter of a typical freight container box (e.g., a conex box).
An object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly fueling station that may be utilized in remote locations due, at least in part, to low energy-use requirements.
An object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly fueling station that may be easily set up in a remote location without need of a carbon fueled energy supply or access to electricity from the “grid”.
An object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly fueling station that may be fully contained within a single container box.
An object of the invention is to provide an aesthetically pleasing fueling station that provides overhead protection from the elements for users of the fueling station.
An object of the invention is to provide a fueling station that utilizes a low amount of energy when compared to typical fueling stations due to the configuration of the fuel flow and other novel power saving techniques.
A further object of the invention is to utilize gravitational forces during the fuel pumping process.
A further object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly fueling station that is configured for aviation or marine, or both, applications.
A further object of the invention is to provide a remotely located fueling station that allows users to pay for fuel with electronic means.
A further object of the invention is to provide a remotely located fueling station that is protected from vandalism, yet provides an attractive retail image.
A further object of the invention is to provide an efficient powering system having segregated power sources based on power requirements of components connected to the respective power sources.
The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment, aspect, or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and detailed description and claims that follow more particularly exemplify these and other embodiments and further aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of features of a battery powered fuel station in a retail configuration in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of features of the station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 12, with portions removed for clarity.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of features of a battery powered fuel station in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of features of a battery powered fuel station in a shipping configuration in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of features of a battery powered fuel station in a retail configuration in accordance with an aspect of the present invention

FIG. 12 is a side view of features of a battery powered fuel station in a retail configuration in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of features of a battery powered fuel station in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not necessarily to limit the invention to the particular embodiments, aspects and features described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-12, a retail fueling system 10 comprises a storage tank 12 within a container 20, a battery system 30 powered by, and recharged with, a renewable energy source system 40, a sleep system for powering down between customers, a pumping system 100, a metering system 60, a user-interface system 70, a dispensing system 80 and a canopy and solar panel support system 140. The various features of system 10 may work together to create a low-energy consuming retail fueling station that is environmentally friendly and that may operate with electricity from renewable energy sources. Such system 10 may be amenable to being utilized in locations remote from population centers and/or where there is no traditional readily available supply of electrical power (i.e. not connected to a traditional electrical power grid). Applicant has found that system 10 is capable of continually pumping and metering fuel from a fuel station, for instance, system 10 may operate to handle dispensing volumes as a traditional on-grid fueling station which may service hundreds of vehicles or other fillings each day. Battery powered system 10 is configured to recharge to meet retail requirements for dispensing fuel on demand.
The components of system 10 may utilize electricity. For example, all systems and components of system 10 may utilize direct current (DC) electricity and an integrated panel dispenser 82 (further described below) may utilize twenty-four (24) volts DC. System 10 has been developed to use a low amount of energy for dispensing fuel and thus, does not require large amounts of energy when compared to typical fueling systems. The inventor has realized DC electricity is efficiently generated and practical only with reduction of energy consumption. The amount of electricity consumed by the systems and components of system 10 is of particular concern as the system is powered through battery system 30, which recharges using renewable energy source system 40.
Retail fueling system 10 may take on numerous configurations. For example, retail fueling system 10 may be configured in a retail configuration, a shipping configuration or other configurations. In a retail configuration, as seen in FIGS. 1-5, 7, 8, 11 and 12, system 10 is set up so users may approach the system and purchase fuel in a convenient and efficient manner. In a shipping configuration as seen in FIG. 10, the features of system 10, may be stored within a footprint of container 20. For definitional purposes, a “footprint” may consist of the spaces within the planes defined by a perimeter of an object. Container 20 may take on any shape or size capable of encompassing storage tank(s) 12 and all other features of system 10 during a shipping configuration of system 10, while having at least one vertical side 26 accessible to a user of system 10 when in a retail configuration. Vertical side(s) 26 may include user access to user-interface system 70 and dispensing system 80, as seen in FIG. 11. Container 20 may be a typical shipping or freight container (e.g., a conex box) or a box structure manufactured from light weight materials or other box structure.
As depicted in the Figures, container 20 may enclose storage tank 12. Storage tank 12 may be any type of tank or tanks capable of being completely enclosed within container 20 and capable of being used in receiving, holding and dispensing fuel. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, storage tank 12 may have a top plane along the line T-T and a bottom plane along the line B-B. Storage tank 12 may have a single or double wall and may be made of fire resistant material. As storage tank 12 is encompassed within container 20, container 20 may act as secondary containment of a single walled storage tank 12, or other storage tank(s) 12. For example, container 20 may act as secondary containment of multiple storage tanks 12 by use of bulkheads 24 to contain any leaks, as at least partially depicted in FIGS. 1-6.
Secondary containment about storage tank 12 may assist in providing effective detection and prevention of leakage from storage tank 12. Such leakage detection may be first realized by a tank monitoring system 150 connected to container 20 and storage tank 12, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7. Tank monitoring system 150 may include or be used in conjunction with an internal (i.e., extending into tank 12) ignition suppression system 90 designed to protect against unwanted ignition of vapors or fumes that may exist within tank 12 or surrounding tank 12. Additionally, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 8, a fire suppression system 91 may be provided in order to spray powder or liquid about the area of system 10. Fire suppression system 91 may be positioned such that a spray nozzle or shower head 92 is located on or near dispensing system 80 or IPD 82.
Tank 12 may be supported within interior 22 of container 20 by saddle support 36, shown in FIGS. 1-4, 7 and 8. Saddle support 36 may comprise a concave portion 36 a that may receive at least a bottom area of tank 12. Concave support 36 a may be structurally connected to a substantially planar horizontal support 36 b, where horizontal support 36 b may be supported on a bottom of container 20. For example, a substantially planar first angled support 36 c and a substantially planar second angled support 36 d may structurally connect concave support 36 a and horizontal support 36 b, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.
Container 20 may have a collapsible fuel canopy system 14 capable of extending from a top side 21 of container 20 and fitting within container 20 during shipping. As seen in FIGS. 1-5 and 11, collapsible fuel canopy 14 may include frame(s) 16 that extend from a top side 21 of container 20 to an area adjacent an Integrated Panel Dispenser (IPD) 82 (described below), such that users may be at least partially covered by canopy 14 while using system 10. Canopy 14 may include a frame(s) 16 and panels 18 of plastic (or other material), where the panels may be for signage or aesthetic purposes, or both, and is resilient so as to withstand varying weather conditions and social unrest.
Frames 16 may lock to top side 21 of container 20 at standard female receiving positions 170, where such positions may be located where containers 20 are typically locked together when stacked for shipping or other purposes. This locking connection allows container 20 to support canopy system 14 without a need for providing direct support for canopy 14 in a ground surface, as is typically required of fuel station canopy support systems.
The locking connection may be achieved through the use of a connector 160, as seen in FIG. 13. Connector 160 may have a male end 160 a and an attachment end 160 b or may have two male ends 160 a, or other configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, connector 160 may have a male end 160 a and an attachment end 160 b, where attachment end 160 b may be attached to frame 16 at a position that allows male end 160 a to be inserted into a female connector receiving location 170 on or adjacent top side 21 of container 20. Connector 160 may be attached to frame 16 through any attaching technique, such as welding. Once canopy system 14 has been erected and connectors 160 have been inserted into female receiving locations 170 at locking support locations generally known in the art, connectors 160 may be locked into place by any known locking mechanism. For example, as seen in FIG. 13, the locking mechanism may include a lock bar 162, where when lock bar 162 is switched or actuated or appropriately adjusted, male end 160 a creates a locked connection with container 20. Male end 160 a may rotate as lock bar 162 is adjusted, and such rotated male end 160 a may create the lock with the female receiving connector 170. The strength of the locked connection may be similar to or stronger than the connection between stacked and connected container boxes during shipping of such boxes. Alternative embodiments may include, but are not limited to, connector 160 having two male ends 160 a that may lock into female receiving locations 170 on container 20 and frame 16, or attachment end 160 b of connector 160 attaching to container 20 and male end 160 b being inserted into a female receiving location 170 of frame 16. It is contemplated there may be multiple connector locations along container 20 so as to provide adequate support for canopy system 14.
44 Generally, system 10 may be set up to have minimal hydraulic resistance against fuel flowing through system 10, which reduces an amount of energy required to pump the fuel from storage tank(s) 12 through IPD(s) 82. It is known that hydraulic resistance is increased by length, size and direction of conduits, number and type of fittings, valves, and proximity or distance of components to the fuel source. As such, and as discussed further below, system 10 is configured to minimize the distance (and resistance) the fuel needs to flow from storage tank 12 to a user's vehicle, while also allowing the fuel flow to utilize gravitational forces to reach a user's vehicle after the flow has passed through a pump 102. The fuel flowing through system 10 may be contained within container 20 until it reaches hose 87; thus, reducing the distance fuel is required to travel for it to be dispensed.
IPD 82 and pumping system 100 are designed to maximize the impact of gravity on fuel flow, which may be accomplished by placing pump 102 at the highest point of the fuel flow path. As seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, meter 62 of, or connected to, IPD 82 receives fuel from pump 102 situated above tank 12 adjacent top plane running along line T-T and parallel to a general horizontal or ground surface on which system 10 may rest. Meter 62 receives the fuel via conduits 104 extending from pump 102 to meter 62, where meter 62 is located at a position below pump 102; for example, that location may be between top plane and bottom plane along line B-B and generally parallel to a horizontal or ground surface on which system 10 may rest. In an example depicted in FIG. 6, a first fuel distribution line comprises pump 102 and first meter 61, and that first distribution line distributes fuel through a first fuel line or conduit 104 a to first meter 61 and out first side 26 a. In the example, a second fuel distribution line comprises pump 102 and second meter 63 and that second distribution line distributes fuel through a second fuel line or conduit 104 b to second meter 63 and out first side 26 a or second side 26 b (as seen in FIG. 6).
Dispensing system 80, seen in FIGS. 1-4 and 8, receives fuel after it passes through metering system 60. The flow of the fuel, as best seen in FIGS. 1-5 and 7, is pumped via pumping system 100 out of storage tank 12 to conduits 104 that exit into pump 102 and allows fuel to flow to a meter 62 of metering system 60 located at a position at or below pump 102. After the flow passes through meter 62, it passes through solenoid valves 64 positioned in association with meter 62. Solenoid valves 64 may be positioned at a bottom location of a raised meter 62 or directly below meter 62, allowing fuel to flow down dispensing hose(s) 87, which fluidly communicate with meter 62. The fuel may then flow out of dispensing hose(s) 87 toward or into a vehicle or other apparatus to be fueled. It may be appreciated that the downward flow creates a suction or downward force on the pump caused by a weight of the fuel cascading through the components.
In standard gas dispensing systems, metering systems receive a fuel flow from a pump entering the system on a bottom side of a meter, where the meter has a bottom side opposite a top side and the direction from bottom side to top side is generally opposite the direction of gravity. These standard systems require fuel to be pumped through the meter from the bottom inlet to the top outlet while turning the internal components to measure volume, which requires a considerable amount of energy as appreciated by applicant. In system 10, as shown in the examples of FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, pump 102 is positioned at the uppermost location of the fuel flow to maximize the benefits of gravity, and meter 62 of metering system 60 may be inverted so as to receive the flow from pump 102 on a top side 62 a. The flow then exits meter 62 at a bottom side 62 b, where it then passes through solenoid valve 64. Any solenoid valve 64 commonly known in the art may be used. In an embodiment, to facilitate receiving a flow on a top side 62 a, a typical meter that historically received a fuel flow on its bottom side is flipped upside down so the old bottom side is the top side 62 a, as in system 10.
As the flow passes through meter 62, meter 62 measures the volume of flow passing therethrough. Typically and desirably, meter 62 will be able to measure the volume of fuel flowing therethrough within at least an accuracy differential of 0.5% of the actual flow through the meter as measured by the flow leaving nozzle 86. Because meter 62 is oriented upside down (i.e., inverted) with respect to the historical orientation of meters, computers reading meter 62 may need to be specifically programmed to understand the signals from meter 62 indicating an amount of measured flow. For example, computers (not shown) of, or communicating with, IPD 82 may be programmed to interpret data transmitted from meters 62 operating in an inverted orientation, control the flow of liquid through meter 62 and process customer transactions in compliance with consumer regulations.
The use of such a meter 62 is typically required to comply with weights and measures requirements and is known to use a substantial amount of energy due to the precise nature of the meter and other reasons. As it is an object of this invention to use as little energy as is required, an inventive arrangement of the pump and meter along the flow path allows for use of such a high end, high-energy consuming device while conserving energy throughout the flow.
The flow through system 10 may be controlled by IPD 82. Moreover, each IPD 82 may act as a local command center for system 10. As seen throughout FIGS. 1-6, 8, 9 and 11, IPD 82 may comprise framework 84, dispensing system 80, user-interface system 70, electrical panel 110, battery system 30, a metering system 60, hose reels 120 having an axle 121 at or below a level of pump 102 (see FIG. 6), and grounding reels 112 at, above or below fuel nozzle receptacles 88 (reels 112 may particularly be used in aviation and marine applications). In addition, IPD 82 may provide access through door 85 to an interior 22 of container 20 for maintenance, refilling storage tank(s) 12 through refill system 130 components including refill piping 132, refill nozzle 134 and refill spill pan 136, servicing batteries 31 and other upkeep of system 10. As seen in FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 11, IPD 82 may be incorporated into one or more vertical sides 26 of station 10 allowing for greater fuel storage in relation to the footprint of system 10, than if retail terminals (where the retail terminals include the features of IPD 82) were not directly part of container 20. That is, utilization of IPD 82 in vertical sides 22 allow for more fuel storage per unit volume of a footprint of system 10 than if stand alone dispensing systems 80 were used. An example of the space savings may be seen in FIG. 8 where IPD 82 is incorporated on a side 26 of container 20 and adjacent a side of tank 12, as opposed to IPD 82 being positioned between tanks 12 (as seen in FIGS. 1-6).
Structurally, framework 84 of IPD 82 may be made of a single piece of material or may be numerous pieces connected together. Framework 84 may be made from any type of material; for example, framework 84 may be made from reinforced sheet metal. In addition, as seen in FIG. 9, framework 84 may provide a space S for user-interface system 70 to be displayed. Space S may be cut out of the material of framework 84 or space S may be formed when forming the material of framework 84. Further, framework 84 may include a door 85 to allow access to the interior 22 of container 20. For example, door 85 may be located below user-interface system 70 in space S.
User-interface 70 of IPD 82, as may be displayed through space S, may allow users of system 10 to select and pay for pumped fuel. User-interface 70 may include means for user input and output that includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, an output screen, a card reader, a receipt printer, an emergency shut-off switch and a dead man switch. Through these mechanisms and dispensing system 80, user-interface 70 facilitates electronic fuel access control. Electronic control may be at least partially accomplished by an output screen displaying an amount of fuel dispensed as measured by metering system 60, where the flow of fuel may be initiated and terminated by a mechanical or electrical lever or button or other mechanism on nozzle 86 that opens or closes a valve on nozzle 86. Further, solenoid valve 64 located downstream from meter 62 may open and close in response to an electronic signal from nozzle 86, user-interface 70 or electronic control mechanism for the purpose of providing precise and secure fuel flow control. For example, user-interface 70 may facilitate electronic control by allowing a user to 1) select a particular grade or type of fuel by pressing a button on a keypad which opens solenoid valve 64; 2) view on the display the amount of fuel being dispensed; 3) view on the display the cost of the fuel being dispensed; 4) terminate a fueling flow by closing solenoid valve 64 in reaction to a lever on nozzle 86 being released; and 5) pay for the fuel dispensed using a debit card, credit card, private card, bar code, RFD or RFID tag, etc.
On an interior side of container 20, an electric panel 110 may be attached to, communicate with, or be a part of IPD 82, as seen in FIG. 6. Electrical panel 110 may include electrical lines connecting segregated batteries 31 to pumping system 100, metering system 60, card reader, receipt printer and all other devices in system 10 that may or may not have various power requirements. That is, electrical panel 110 may receive electricity input lines from battery system 30, where the input lines (and batteries 31) may be segregated by the power requirements, as indicated by energy profiles of the component to which an attached battery 31 is to power. For example, a high power component may be a pump 102 and a low power component may be a keypad of user-interface 70, where a battery or batteries 31 a supplying power to the high power component (e.g., pump 102) is/are separate and distinct from the battery or batteries 31 b supplying electricity to the low power component (e.g., the keypad). That is, batteries 31 may be segregated by the relative power requirements of the components they power. A purpose for the segregation of batteries 31 may be to avoid power surges on a low power component when a high power component draws full power.
Electrical panel 110 may receive power supply lines directly from renewable energy system 40 or power supply lines may be directly connected to batteries 31 of battery system 30, or both. When power supply lines from renewable energy system 40 are connected to batteries 31 and electrical panel 110, the components of system 10 may be directly powered from renewable energy system 40 if batteries 31 are fully charged. Such powering conditions may be determined by a central command or a programmed computer within IPD 82 or system 10.
Renewable energy system 40 may include one or more methods of collecting passive or renewable energy. For example, renewable energy system 40 may include solar cells or panels 42, wind or water turbines, piezoelectric pressure mechanisms or other components to capture energy from renewable sources. Components capturing solar and wind energy may be placed at any location that facilitates the collection of energy; for example, these solar panels 42 may be placed on collapsible fuel canopies 14 (as seen in FIGS. 1-5 and 11) or on a top side 21 of storage tank 12, where a top side 21 is substantially opposite a bottom side 23 abutting a ground surface. Solar cells or panels 42 may include the use of solar sheets 43, as seen in FIG. 12, that may be stretched over frame 16 of canopy system 14 and other locations of system 10. Solar sheets 43 may include organic solar photovoltaic (PV) material and may essentially be a fabric. The term “organic” may mean carbon-based PV materials, as opposed to the typical silicon based PV materials. Solar sheets may have the advantage of not requiring a particular angle with solar rays to assimilate the electrical, heating and other benefits of those rays.
Then, as discussed, the energy collected through renewable energy system 40 may be directly transferred to electrical panel 110 or batteries 31, or both, or to other systems and components requiring energy (e.g., excess energy may be sold to local utilities or other electricity consumers). The use of a programmed computer may assist in the distribution of energy captured by system 40.
As another energy conservation mechanism or for another purpose, system 10 may be placed in any of many operating modes. For example, system 10 may have an awake mode and an asleep mode. Sleep system of system 10 may facilitate the transition from the awake mode to the asleep mode in order save energy and operate continuously, particularly during non-day light hours. While in sleep mode, sleep system allows system 10 to recharge in a state of low energy consumption. Sleep mode may be activated during down times between fuel dispensing transactions, or other desirable times.
In the above example, system 10 may utilize a timer system or other indicating device/criteria to switch from an awake mode to an asleep mode. That is, after a particular time period that system 10, or a single IPD 82 of system 10, has not been used, system 10 or a particular IPD 82, may switch from an awake mode to a sleep mode. The settings of system 10 or a specific IPD 82 for an awake mode may be modified as desired, but an awake mode may include all systems and components of system 10 in full operating mode and system 10 may have an associated awake power usage level. The settings of system 10 or a specific IPD 82 for a sleep mode may include any setting or settings where system 10 or a specific IPD 82 utilizes less electricity than it would, or have an asleep power usage level less than, in an awake mode. An example of IPD 82 settings while in a sleep mode includes the IPD 82 showing the price per unit of fuel by type of fuel and bright lights to welcome a user, while all other electronic components of IPD 82 are in a powered down mode.
System 10 or IPD 82 may switch from an asleep mode to an awake mode by a user's initiative. That is, system 10 may sense a user by any motion or pressure sensing device or another sensing device. Alternatively or in combination with another sensing device, system 10 or IPD 82 may awake from a user pressing a button on user-interface 70 or a user may trigger the awake mode by fully inserting a card into a payment card reader (e.g., a credit card reader). In addition to system 10 entering and exiting an awake or an asleep mode at a user's discretion, a remote operator may be able to place system 10 in varying modes.
System 10 has been developed for use in any weather condition and in any socioeconomic environment, and thus, system 10 may include features that protect it from outside forces, including weather and humans. It is contemplated that a roll up door 118, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, or other door, may enclose IPD 82 to protect IPD 82 from weather and vandalism. Further, system 10 may also include an attendant stand; for example, an attendant stand may extend from a top side of container 20 between or about collapsible fuel canopies 14 and may be accessed through door 85 and an interior of container 20.
In operation, system 10 may be operated or controlled remotely. That is, system 10 may operate on a daily basis with or without an operator on site. For example, IPD 82 may include an Independent Control System (ICS) that includes cellular communication capabilities (not shown) that may communicate with a central command located remotely from system 10. Continuing in the example, the ICS may communicate with credit card servers through a cellular network or other network and data from system 10 may be transferred to a remote central command on a daily basis or any desired time basis over the same or a different cellular, or other, network. Data that may be transferred may include, but is not limited to, an electronic inventory, data since the last data transfer concerning the amount of fuel consumed by users of system 10, amount of energy consumed by system 10, charge level of batteries 31 of battery system 30, amount of electricity generated by renewable energy system 40, etc. In addition, data or information or operational directions may be transferred from the central command to system 10. For example, system 10 may receive information from a central command concerning updated gas prices, requirements to shut down or go into a safe mode because of weather issues or social unrest or other issues, etc. Thus, system 10 may comprise the ability to have two-way communications with a remotely located central command.
It may be appreciated that system 10 may dispense a variety of types of liquid and other fluids. While system 10 may most preferably a dispenser of fuel, it may be used to dispense water or other liquids as desired.
63 The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest possible sense unless otherwise specifically indicated. While the particular BATTERY POWERED FUEL STATION as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described aspects of the invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention and thus, is representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention, that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

Claims

1. A battery powered retail fueling system, comprising:

an above ground liquid fuel dispensing station, said station comprising:

a tank having an outlet;

a pump communicating with said tank through said outlet; and

an integrated panel dispenser having components, and

where said components are positioned below said pump for reducing the energy required to pump and meter a fuel flowing from said tank through said integrated panel dispenser.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

said components comprise an inverted meter and a dispensing system, and a fuel line connecting said pump to said components.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a container substantially encompassing said tank and said pump.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising:

said integrated panel dispenser forming a portion of a side of said container.

5. The system of claim 3, further comprising:

a canopy extending from a top of said container to over a fueling area adjacent said container; and

a renewable energy capturing system connected to said canopy.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising:

a battery system providing electrical power to said components; and

said renewable energy capturing system provides electrical power to said battery system.

7. The system of claim 5, further comprising:

said renewable energy capturing system comprises flexible solar sheets for collecting solar energy.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a battery system providing electrical power to said station.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising:

said battery system providing direct current electricity to said components.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a power usage level of said fuel station having an operating power usage level; and

a sleep system for reducing said power usage level from said operating power usage level.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

said integrated panel dispenser is a first integrated panel dispenser and said components are first components;

a second integrated panel dispenser having second components positioned below said pump;

a first meter of said first components;

a second meter of said second components;

a first fuel dispensing line comprising said first meter and said pump; and

a second fuel dispensing line comprising said second meter and said pump.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising:

a first side of said station; and

a second side of said station, and

where said first fuel dispensing line dispenses fuel through said first side of said station, and

where said second fuel dispensing line dispenses fuel through said first side of said station.

13. The system of claim 11, further comprising:

a first side of said station; and

a second side of said station, and

where said first fuel dispensing line dispenses fuel through a first side of said station, and

where said second fuel dispensing line dispenses fuel through said second side of said station.

14. The system of claim 13 where said first side of said station is opposite said second side of said station.

15. The system of claim 1 where said system is a non self-propelled portable fueling facility.

16. A battery powered liquid fuel dispensing system, comprising:

electrically powered components;

a battery system having batteries and powering said components; and

where said powered components of said dispensing system have energy profiles, each powered component is powered by a connected battery, and said connected batteries are segregated by energy profiles of said component powered by said connected battery.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising:

where said energy profiles are defined by the amount of energy consumed by an associated powered component.

18. The system of claim 16, further comprising:

a pump in fluid communication with a fuel tank and an integrated panel dispenser; and

said pump is one of said electrically powered components.

19. A fuel system, comprising:

a fueling station;

a cargo container substantially encompassing said fueling station;

a detachable canopy frame extending from said cargo container; and

a lock connecting said detachable canopy frame to said cargo container.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising:

solar paneling installed on said collapsible canopy, and

where said solar paneling operatively connects to said battery system.

21. The system of claim 20, further comprising:

said solar paneling comprises a flexible organic solar sheet; and

said solar sheet forms a canopy over said detachable canopy frame, and

where said canopy serves the dual purpose of providing both cover for vehicles at said fuel station and facilitates capturing renewable energy.

22. The system of claim 19, further comprising:

a female receiver on said cargo container;

said lock is a twist lock having an attachment end fixed to said canopy frame and a male end that detachably locks to said female receiver.