WO2011048579A2 - Fuel monitoring system and method therefor - Google Patents

Fuel monitoring system and method therefor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011048579A2
WO2011048579A2 PCT/IB2010/054801 IB2010054801W WO2011048579A2 WO 2011048579 A2 WO2011048579 A2 WO 2011048579A2 IB 2010054801 W IB2010054801 W IB 2010054801W WO 2011048579 A2 WO2011048579 A2 WO 2011048579A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel
monitoring system
tank
fuel tank
cap
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2010/054801
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2011048579A3 (en
Inventor
Thulani Rollins Nkuna
Vernon Jan Viviers
Matthys Andreas Verster
Original Assignee
Riverwalk Trading 535 Cc
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
Application filed by Riverwalk Trading 535 Cc filed Critical Riverwalk Trading 535 Cc
Publication of WO2011048579A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011048579A2/en
Publication of WO2011048579A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011048579A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F9/00—Measuring volume flow relative to another variable, e.g. of liquid fuel for an engine
    • G01F9/02—Measuring volume flow relative to another variable, e.g. of liquid fuel for an engine wherein the other variable is the speed of a vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/04—Tank inlets
    • B60K15/0406—Filler caps for fuel tanks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/80—Arrangements for signal processing
    • G01F23/802—Particular electronic circuits for digital processing equipment
    • G01F23/804—Particular electronic circuits for digital processing equipment containing circuits handling parameters other than liquid level
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/0319—Fuel tanks with electronic systems, e.g. for controlling fuelling or venting
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/0319—Fuel tanks with electronic systems, e.g. for controlling fuelling or venting
    • B60K2015/03197—Systems for exchanging data
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/0321—Fuel tanks characterised by special sensors, the mounting thereof
    • B60K2015/03217—Fuel level sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K2015/03328—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling
    • B60K2015/03434—Arrangements or special measures related to fuel tanks or fuel handling for preventing theft of fuel

Definitions

  • This invention relates to fuel monitoring system and method therefor.
  • a fuel monitoring system comprising:
  • an inclinometer for sensing an inclination of the fuel tank.
  • the inclinometer senses the inclination of the fuel tank when a vehicle to which it is attached is stationary.
  • the inclinometer may sense the inclination of the fuel tank from a forward- rearward horizontal.
  • the inclinometer may also sense the inclination of the fuel tank from a sideways horizontal.
  • the system may include a flow sensor in the engine fuel line.
  • a flow sensor in the fuel return line may include a fuel consumption sensor on the engine.
  • the system includes a velocity sensor for measuring the velocity of the vehicle.
  • a global positioning system for measuring the velocity of the vehicle.
  • the system to receive information from a fuel pump at a refuelling station.
  • the system to include a control unit.
  • control unit to be in communication with the sensors.
  • control unit to communicate with a server.
  • control unit to communicate with the server wirelessly.
  • control unit to communicate with the server wirelessly via GPRS or radio frequency.
  • server to have a user interface.
  • server to generate event messages.
  • an event message to be a possible fuel theft message.
  • an event message to be a downhill speeding message.
  • the method may include the step of comparing the determined fuel consumption with theoretical fuel consumption.
  • a method of comparing an amount of purchased fuel with an amount of fuel added to a fuel tank using a fuel monitoring system comprising the steps of:
  • a fuel monitoring system is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.
  • the fuel monitoring system 1 has a fuel tank 13 and a fuel level sensor 3 for sensing an amount of fuel in the fuel tank 13.
  • the fuel monitoring system 1 also has an inclinometer 4 for sensing an inclination of the fuel tank 13.
  • the inclinometer can measure the inclination of the fuel tank 13 with reference to a forward-rearward horizontal, i.e. the "pitch" of the fuel tank, or a sideways horizontal, i.e. the "roll” of the fuel tank.
  • the system also records the time that the engine is running.
  • the fuel level sensor 3 measures the depth of fuel in the tank. The measurement is adjusted by taking into account the inclination of the fuel tank as measured by the inclinometer. The adjusted measurement provides a very accurate approximation of the volume of fuel in the fuel tank.
  • the system also includes a flow sensor, which senses the flow rate in the engine fuel line carrying fuel from the fuel tank to the engine, and another flow sensor in the fuel return line carrying fuel that was not used by the engine. The difference in flow rates measured by these sensors is the actual fuel usage of the engine.
  • a fuel consumption sensor is located on the engine. The fuel consumption sensor provides a theoretical fuel consumption value, which is based on "total running time” and instantaneous speed of the engine over distance. The theoretical fuel consumption may also be computed by using average fuel consumption figures, which may be obtained from empirical data. With both sensors present in such a system, actual fuel usage of the engine can then be compared to the theoretical fuel consumption value, or with a known value measured by the owner of a vehicle from time to time, and reports discrepancies and all data.
  • control unit In use, the control unit is in communication with all sensors and obtains readings from the sensors at regular intervals. Such intervals may be very short thereby creating an effect of real time monitoring. The system then generates event messages in certain circumstances and immediately reports them.
  • the control unit will send a message to the server that the fuel cap is being opened.
  • the control unit will compute a first amount of fuel present in the tank when the cap is opened by using the fuel level sensor and the inclination of the tank and communicate this to the server.
  • the control unit will send a message to the server that the fuel cap has been closed.
  • the control unit will compute the amount of fuel present in the tank when the cap is closed by using the fuel level sensor and the inclination of the tank and communicate this to the server.
  • the server will then compute the amount of fuel which has been put into the tank during refuelling by taking the difference of the first and second amount of fuel present in the tank and compare this with the amount of fuel that was purchased. The difference is communicated to the server.
  • the system automatically generates an event message if a discrepancy is detected.
  • the event message is communicated to the server and reported to the owner of the vehicle through the user interface.
  • the owner can thus keep record of all discrepancies which occur, as well as other data, and may take appropriate measures to prevent discrepancies in the future.
  • the system monitors the fuel consumption of the engine whilst it is running by comparing the actual fuel usage with the theoretical fuel consumption of the engine. In the event that the actual fuel usage is not substantially similar to the theoretical fuel consumption the system will generate an event message. This will prevent fuel from being stolen by pumping fuel into a separate container from the fuel return line.
  • a downhill speeding event message can be generated when a vehicle moves at a high speed down a hill. It is very dangerous for a heavy vehicle, such as a truck or bus to travel at a high speed down a slope or hill as it is very difficult to decrease the speed of the vehicle whilst travelling downhill. This can pose a danger to other vehicles on the road.
  • a downhill speeding event message is generated when:
  • the inclinometer measures the inclination of the vehicle in the direction of travel or with respect to a forward-rearward horizontal and the vehicle is travelling downhill.
  • the velocity sensor senses that the vehicle is travelling at a high speed, or that the vehicle is increasing speed. It is envisaged that the invention will provide a fuel monitoring system, which can generate event messages and notify an owner of a vehicle of discrepancies and report all data as measured on a commercial vehicle. The event messages will allow the owner to keep record of all discrepancies and to take appropriate action and thus prevent or alleviate fuel theft and downhill speeding by drivers of the vehicles.
  • the invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein.
  • the inclinometer need not be located on the fuel tank, in which case it may be located at any position on the vehicle.

Abstract

This invention relates to fuel monitoring system and method therefor. In accordance with this invention there is provided a fuel monitoring system comprising a fuel tank; a fuel level sensor for sensing an amount of fuel in the fuel tank; and an inclinometer for sensing an inclination of the fuel tank. The inclinometer senses the inclination of the fuel tank when a vehicle to which it is attached is stationary.

Description

FUEL MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fuel monitoring system and method therefor.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, are used and operated throughout the world. These vehicles may be used to transport goods and people. The owners of these vehicles usually employ drivers and pay for the maintenance and fuel costs involved in the usage of these vehicles.
The theft of fuel from such vehicles is a general problem in the industry. Theft may occur in various ways and fuel-thieves are becoming creative in their means and are finding new ways to steal fuel. One way in which fuel may be stolen from a vehicle is to siphon-off fuel from the fuel tank. Another way is to divert fuel into separate containers whilst refuelling at a fuelling station. Yet another way is to draw fuel from the engine fuel system using the pressure supplied by the fuel pump, whilst the engine is running. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide fuel monitoring system and method therefor that, at least partially, alleviates some of the problems associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention there is provided a fuel monitoring system comprising:
- a fuel tank;
- a fuel level sensor for sensing an amount of fuel in the fuel tank; and
- an inclinometer for sensing an inclination of the fuel tank. The inclinometer senses the inclination of the fuel tank when a vehicle to which it is attached is stationary.
The inclinometer may sense the inclination of the fuel tank from a forward- rearward horizontal.
The inclinometer may also sense the inclination of the fuel tank from a sideways horizontal.
There is provided for the system to include a flow sensor in the engine fuel line. There is also provided for the system to include a flow sensor in the fuel return line. The system may include a fuel consumption sensor on the engine.
There is provided for the system to include a velocity sensor for measuring the velocity of the vehicle. There is provided for the system to include a global positioning system.
There is provided for the system to receive information from a fuel pump at a refuelling station. There is provided for the system to include a control unit.
There is provided for the control unit to be in communication with the sensors.
There is provided for the control unit to communicate with a server.
There is further provided for the control unit to communicate with the server wirelessly.
There is further provided for the control unit to communicate with the server wirelessly via GPRS or radio frequency. There is provided for the server to have a user interface. There is provided for the server to generate event messages.
There is further provided for an event message to be a possible fuel theft message.
There is further provided for an event message to be a downhill speeding message.
In accordance with this invention there is provided a fuel tank comprising:
- a fuel cap including directional sensing means for detecting a movement of the fuel cap and a direction of the movement of the fuel cap.
The sensing means senses when the cap is removed from or attached to the fuel tank. The fuel cap includes an identification that may be read by the sensing means.
There is provided for the fuel cap to include a magnet. There is provided for the magnet to be an electromagnet. In accordance with the invention there is provided a method of determining fuel consumption comprising the steps of:
- measuring fuel flow in engine fuel line;
- measuring fuel flow in fuel return line;
- calculating the difference between flow in engine fuel line and fuel return line to determine fuel consumption.
The method may include the step of comparing the determined fuel consumption with theoretical fuel consumption.
In accordance with this invention there is provided a method of comparing an amount of purchased fuel with an amount of fuel added to a fuel tank using a fuel monitoring system comprising the steps of:
- providing an angular position of the fuel tank;
- sensing a first directional movement of the fuel cap;
- measuring a first amount of fuel in the fuel tank;
- sensing a second directional movement of the fuel cap;
- measuring a second amount of fuel in the fuel tank;
- adjusting the measurements to compensate for the angular position of the fuel tank;
- calculating a difference between the first amount of fuel in the tank and the second amount of fuel in the tank;
- comparing the difference with the amount of fuel purchased. There is provided for the comparison to be reported. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
One embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example only and with reference to the drawing in which Figure 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a fuel monitoring system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
With reference to the drawings a fuel monitoring system is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.
A fuel monitoring system is installed on a commercial vehicle, such as a truck, and provides an owner of the vehicle with information relating to the commercial vehicle. The fuel monitoring system includes a plurality of sensors which are connected to a control unit capable of interpreting values from the sensors and performing calculations based thereon.
The fuel monitoring system 1 has a fuel tank 13 and a fuel level sensor 3 for sensing an amount of fuel in the fuel tank 13. The fuel monitoring system 1 also has an inclinometer 4 for sensing an inclination of the fuel tank 13. The inclinometer can measure the inclination of the fuel tank 13 with reference to a forward-rearward horizontal, i.e. the "pitch" of the fuel tank, or a sideways horizontal, i.e. the "roll" of the fuel tank. The system also records the time that the engine is running. The fuel level sensor 3 measures the depth of fuel in the tank. The measurement is adjusted by taking into account the inclination of the fuel tank as measured by the inclinometer. The adjusted measurement provides a very accurate approximation of the volume of fuel in the fuel tank.
The fuel tank 13 has a fuel cap 14, which includes directional sensing means 2 for detecting a movement of the fuel cap and a direction of the movement. This can also be used to sense whether the fuel cap is attached to or removed from the fuel tank. The fuel cap also has an identification, which identifies the fuel cap as the identification of each fuel cap is unique. The directional sensing means includes of a series of magnets which are located on the perimeter of the fuel cap and a number of electromagnets. A movement of the fuel cap 14 generates an electrical current in the electromagnet. The direction of the current provides an indication as to the direction in which the fuel cap is moved. The control unit can interpret this signal and send a message to the server that the cap is opening or closing, or that the cap is attached to or removed from the fuel tank. The system also includes a flow sensor, which senses the flow rate in the engine fuel line carrying fuel from the fuel tank to the engine, and another flow sensor in the fuel return line carrying fuel that was not used by the engine. The difference in flow rates measured by these sensors is the actual fuel usage of the engine. A fuel consumption sensor is located on the engine. The fuel consumption sensor provides a theoretical fuel consumption value, which is based on "total running time" and instantaneous speed of the engine over distance. The theoretical fuel consumption may also be computed by using average fuel consumption figures, which may be obtained from empirical data. With both sensors present in such a system, actual fuel usage of the engine can then be compared to the theoretical fuel consumption value, or with a known value measured by the owner of a vehicle from time to time, and reports discrepancies and all data.
The system also includes a velocity sensor 7 for providing the velocity of a vehicle and a global positioning system (GPS) 8 for providing the position of the vehicle.
The control unit may generate event messages upon receiving a specified combination of readings from the sensors. Such event messages are then communicated to the server. Examples of such event messages are possible fuel theft messages and downhill speeding messages. A fuel theft message may, for example, be generated and reported when the actual fuel consumption of the vehicle does not compare to the theoretical fuel consumption of the vehicle. A downhill speeding message may be generated, for example, when the inclination of the fuel tank, and thus also the vehicle to which it is attached, is at a negative (downward) slope with reference to the forward-rearward horizontal and the vehicle is moving at a speed greater than a specified speed. The system may receive data from a fuelling pump 9 at a refuelling station. This data includes an amount of fuel purchased. It may receive such data from an electronic fuel purchasing system, such as eFuel ® or a similar service. Alternatively the system may resolve data from the fuel pump by monitoring the account used to pay for fuel and using the current fuel price.
All the abovementioned sensors are in communication with the control unit. The control unit communicates wirelessly via GPRS or any other communications means with a server. The server may be located at such place as is convenient for the owner of the vehicle and may include a graphical user interface where the owner can observe readings and values communicated from the fuel monitoring system. Such graphical user interface may be in the form of a web page or client software, which may be located on the server, or on the owner's personal computer or handheld device.
In use, the control unit is in communication with all sensors and obtains readings from the sensors at regular intervals. Such intervals may be very short thereby creating an effect of real time monitoring. The system then generates event messages in certain circumstances and immediately reports them.
If the truck stops at a refuelling station
- The control unit will send a message to the server that the fuel cap is being opened. - The control unit will compute a first amount of fuel present in the tank when the cap is opened by using the fuel level sensor and the inclination of the tank and communicate this to the server.
- The truck will be refuelled as usual.
- The control unit will send a message to the server that the fuel cap has been closed.
- The control unit will compute the amount of fuel present in the tank when the cap is closed by using the fuel level sensor and the inclination of the tank and communicate this to the server.
- The server will then compute the amount of fuel which has been put into the tank during refuelling by taking the difference of the first and second amount of fuel present in the tank and compare this with the amount of fuel that was purchased. The difference is communicated to the server.
- The difference is compared to the amount of fuel purchased and if the amounts do not compare within a specified tolerance a discrepancy is logged and reported to the server along with all other data.
The system automatically generates an event message if a discrepancy is detected. The event message is communicated to the server and reported to the owner of the vehicle through the user interface. The owner can thus keep record of all discrepancies which occur, as well as other data, and may take appropriate measures to prevent discrepancies in the future. The system monitors the fuel consumption of the engine whilst it is running by comparing the actual fuel usage with the theoretical fuel consumption of the engine. In the event that the actual fuel usage is not substantially similar to the theoretical fuel consumption the system will generate an event message. This will prevent fuel from being stolen by pumping fuel into a separate container from the fuel return line.
A downhill speeding event message can be generated when a vehicle moves at a high speed down a hill. It is very dangerous for a heavy vehicle, such as a truck or bus to travel at a high speed down a slope or hill as it is very difficult to decrease the speed of the vehicle whilst travelling downhill. This can pose a danger to other vehicles on the road. A downhill speeding event message is generated when:
- The inclinometer measures the inclination of the vehicle in the direction of travel or with respect to a forward-rearward horizontal and the vehicle is travelling downhill.
- The velocity sensor senses that the vehicle is travelling at a high speed, or that the vehicle is increasing speed. It is envisaged that the invention will provide a fuel monitoring system, which can generate event messages and notify an owner of a vehicle of discrepancies and report all data as measured on a commercial vehicle. The event messages will allow the owner to keep record of all discrepancies and to take appropriate action and thus prevent or alleviate fuel theft and downhill speeding by drivers of the vehicles. The invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein. For example the inclinometer need not be located on the fuel tank, in which case it may be located at any position on the vehicle.

Claims

1. A fuel monitoring system comprising:
- a fuel tank;
- a fuel level sensor for sensing an amount of fuel in the fuel tank; and
- an inclinometer for sensing an inclination of the fuel tank.
A fuel monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the inclinometer senses the inclination of the fuel tank when a vehicle to which it is attached is stationary.
3. A fuel monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclinometer senses the inclination of the fuel tank from a forward-rearward horizontal.
4. A fuel monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclinometer senses the inclination of the fuel tank from a sideways horizontal.
5. A fuel monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a flow sensor in the engine fuel line.
6. A fuel monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a flow sensor in the fuel return line.
7. A fuel monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a fuel consumption sensor on the engine.
8. A fuel monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a velocity sensor for measuring the velocity of the vehicle.
9. A fuel monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a global positioning system.
10. A fuel monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system receives information from a fuel pump at a refuelling station.
11. A fuel monitoring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a control unit.
12. A fuel monitoring system according to claim 11 , wherein the control unit communicates with a server.
13. A fuel monitoring system according to either one of claims 1 or 12, wherein the control unit communicates with the server wirelessly.
14. A fuel monitoring system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the control unit communicates with the server wirelessly via GPRS or radio frequency.
15. A fuel monitoring system according to claim 11 , wherein the control unit is in communication with the sensors.
16. A fuel monitoring system according to claim 12, wherein the server has a user interface.
17. A fuel monitoring system according to either one of claims 12 or 16, wherein the server generates event messages.
18. A fuel monitoring system according to claim 17, wherein the event message is a possible fuel theft message.
19. A fuel monitoring system according to claim 17, wherein the event message is a downhill speeding message.
20. A fuel tank comprising:
- a fuel cap including directional sensing means for detecting a movement of the fuel cap and a direction of the movement of the fuel cap.
21. A fuel tank according to claim 20, wherein the sensing means senses when the cap is removed from or attached to the fuel tank.
22. A fuel tank according to either one of claim 20 or 21 , wherein the fuel cap includes an identification that is read by the sensing means.
23. A fuel tank according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the fuel cap includes a magnet.
24. A fuel tank according to claim 23, wherein the magnet is an electromagnet.
25. A method of determining fuel consumption comprising the steps of:
- measuring fuel flow in engine fuel line;
- measuring fuel flow in fuel return line; and
- calculating the difference between flow in engine fuel line and fuel return line to determine fuel consumption.
26. A method according to claim 25, including the step of comparing the determined fuel consumption with theoretical fuel consumption.
27. A method of comparing an amount of purchased fuel with an amount of fuel added to a fuel tank, using a fuel monitoring system, comprising the steps of:
- providing an angular position of the fuel tank;
- sensing a first directional movement of the fuel cap;
- measuring a first amount of fuel in the fuel tank;
- sensing a second directional movement of the fuel cap;
- measuring a second amount of fuel in the fuel tank;
- adjusting the measurements to compensate for the angular position of the fuel tank; calculating a difference between the first amount of fuel in the tank and the second amount of fuel in the tank; and
comparing the difference with the amount of fuel purchased.
A method according to claim 27, including the step of reporting the comparison.
PCT/IB2010/054801 2009-10-22 2010-10-22 Fuel monitoring system and method therefor WO2011048579A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2009/07413 2009-10-22
ZA200907413 2009-10-22

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WO2011048579A3 WO2011048579A3 (en) 2011-11-10

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CN103196507A (en) * 2013-04-03 2013-07-10 北京汽车股份有限公司 Automobile oil tank oil consumption monitoring device and automobile
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US10994604B2 (en) * 2015-09-15 2021-05-04 Kautex Textron Gmbh & Co. Kg Operating fluid container for a motor vehicle
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