WO2021211079A1 - A tracking system - Google Patents

A tracking system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021211079A1
WO2021211079A1 PCT/TR2021/050315 TR2021050315W WO2021211079A1 WO 2021211079 A1 WO2021211079 A1 WO 2021211079A1 TR 2021050315 W TR2021050315 W TR 2021050315W WO 2021211079 A1 WO2021211079 A1 WO 2021211079A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor
tracking system
tank
wireless communication
communication module
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/TR2021/050315
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Firat KASAP
Tayfur TOPALOGLU
Original Assignee
Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri Anonim Sirketi Tupras
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 Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri Anonim Sirketi Tupras filed Critical Turkiye Petrol Rafinerileri Anonim Sirketi Tupras
Publication of WO2021211079A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021211079A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/083—Shipping
    • G06Q10/0833—Tracking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/22—Tank vehicles
    • B60P3/224—Tank vehicles comprising auxiliary devices, e.g. for unloading or level indicating
    • B60P3/228—Measuring or indicating means, e.g. of level, volume, weight
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/06—Energy or water supply
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S10/00—Systems supporting electrical power generation, transmission or distribution
    • Y04S10/50—Systems or methods supporting the power network operation or management, involving a certain degree of interaction with the load-side end user applications

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tracking system for detecting losses that may occur during the transportation of valuable fluid products, especially fuel oil.
  • Valuable products e.g. fuel oil
  • a production centre such as petroleum refineries and then transported to remote locations such as fuel stations so that it is provided to the end user.
  • Said transportation process can be provided by various transportation methods like maritime transport, road transport or rail transport. Since valuable products such as fuel oil are generally in a fluid form, these products are stored and transported in tanks.
  • valuable products such as fuel oil are generally in a fluid form, these products are stored and transported in tanks.
  • there is also a product loss because of unauthorized receipt of products from the tanks by malicious third parties. Due to the relatively high material value of these products, losses can create a financial burden for businesses.
  • said sensing systems comprise active components, wherein these components are energised by the vehicle with which the transportation is carried out. Therefore, the applications provided in the known-art are insufficient in detecting the losses that may occur during the transportation of valuable products such as fuel oil.
  • the present invention provides a tracking system which is suitable for use in at least one tank having at least one valve and adapted to store at least one product in a fluid form, wherein the tracking system enables the product contained in the tank to be tracked.
  • the tracking system comprises at least a first sensor for detecting whether the product is removed from at least one tank; at least one global position sensor; at least one speed sensor; at least one wireless communication module; at least one energy converter for obtaining electrical energy from at least one renewable energy source; at least one storage unit for storing electrical energy obtained in the energy converter; and at least one control unit which is in communication with the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module, provides transmission of at least one data to at least one remote server over the wireless communication module according the information received from the first sensor, the global position sensor and the speed sensor, wherein the control unit controls energization of the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module by means of the storage unit and/or the energy converter.
  • the first sensor detects removal of valuable products from a tank containing such valuable products, so that the position and condition of this situation is detected. Since the detected information is sent to a remote server via the wireless communication module, both necessary precautions are taken and the losses are recorded. Moreover, as the energy converter and the storage unit are used to energize the tracking system, the tracking system is enabled to operate without need for an external energy source.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a tracking system for detecting losses that may occur during the transportation of valuable fluid products, especially fuel oil.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a tracking system which is energised by renewable energy sources.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a reliable tracking system.
  • Valuable fuel oil products such as diesel, gasoline or LPG, as well as valuable fluid products such as olive oil, national marker or chemicals are produced in a refinery/facility, and then transported by various transportation methods such maritime transport, road transport or rail transport, and finally delivered to points such as gas stations.
  • various transportation methods such maritime transport, road transport or rail transport, and finally delivered to points such as gas stations.
  • some losses may occur during the transportation of said valuable products.
  • these losses should be tracked and prevented when necessary. Therefore, the present invention provides a tracking system for detecting losses that may occur during the transportation of valuable fluid products such as fuel oil.
  • the tracking system is suitable for use in at least one tank having at least one valve and adapted to store at least one valuable product in a fluid form, wherein the tracking system comprises at least a first sensor for detecting whether the product is removed from at least one tank; at least one global position sensor; at least one speed sensor; at least one wireless communication module; at least one energy converter for obtaining electrical energy from at least one renewable energy source; at least one storage unit for storing electrical energy obtained in the energy converter; and at least one control unit which is in communication with the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module, provides transmission of at least one data to at least one remote server over the wireless communication module according the information received from the first sensor, the global position sensor (GPS sensor) and the speed sensor, wherein the control unit controls energization of the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module by means of the storage unit and/or the energy converter.
  • GPS sensor global position sensor
  • the tracking system is used in a fuel tank carried by a vehicle.
  • the tank is filled with fuel oil, for example, by means of the valve.
  • the first sensor checks whether the product is removed from the tank. In this case, if the product is detected to be removed from the tank at an unexpected time, the position information of the vehicle detected by the global position sensor and/or the speed information of the vehicle detected by the speed sensor are transmitted to the remote server via the wireless communication module.
  • the wireless communication module it is possible to analyse in which position of the vehicle and under what conditions the fuel is removed from the tank, so that the required precautions are taken.
  • the data transmitted to the remote server can be displayed directly to an authorised person (for example via a web interface) or can be stored on the remote server for historical business analysis.
  • at least one energy converter and storage unit are used to obtain electrical energy from at least one renewable energy source to energize the active components in the tracking system. Therefore, the tracking system is enabled to operate without need for an external energy source (such as an energy source of the vehicle).
  • the energy converter comprises at least one solar panel.
  • Solar panels convert solar energy into electrical energy, and the tracking system is energized by solar energy, especially in case of daytime transportation.
  • the energy converter comprises at least one wind turbine.
  • the solar panel and wind turbine can be used in combination.
  • electrical energy can be obtained by the wind turbine during movement of the vehicle since wind is generated at that time, while the solar panel can be used to obtain electrical energy when the vehicle stops.
  • the tracking system can still be energised by the storage unit even if the energy converters do not generate energy.
  • the storage unit comprises at least one rechargeable battery.
  • the rechargeable battery is preferably in the form of a lithium ion battery or a gel battery.
  • the tracking system comprises at least one regulator for converting the voltage of the electrical energy generated by the energy converter into the charge input voltage of the storage unit.
  • the wireless communication module comprises at least one GSM connection module. GSM connection modules are capable of providing data communication over base stations using different connection standards such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G. Thus, a vehicle comprising a tank can exchange data with a remote server even at different positions.
  • the GSM module may not be able to establish a strong connection with a base station due to the position of the vehicle.
  • data can be transmitted as a short message (SMS).
  • SMS short message
  • the short message reaching the remote server is directed to a serial port of the server via a converter (SMS - serial converter redundancy software addition - of the modem).
  • the GSM module establishes a strong connection with the base station, the internet connection (such as GPRS, HSPA, LTE) is re-established with the base station, so that the data communication is provided.
  • the first sensor comprises at least one position sensor.
  • the position sensor can detect when the tank is opened or closed.
  • the first sensor comprises at least one level sensor for detecting an amount of liquid contained in the tank. Therefore, it can be detected that the product is removed from the tank from a point other than the valve.
  • the level sensor is in the form of a float or a sensor (such as an industrial switch) that detects the height of the float. In this embodiment, proper tracking can be provided for the level of the tanks which are filled from the bottom and carried in vehicles such as train wagons.
  • the energy is provided for the industrial switches to detect an overflow level of the product placed in top manholes of the wagon and to detect that the filling process is almost over and has reached the overflow level, such that a PLC performing the filling process is provided by a command to finish the filling process.
  • the level sensor can also be used to detect that the filling process has been completed while filling the tank, especially in tanks for which the filling is performed at the bottom.
  • the first sensor comprises at least one pressure sensor for detecting an amount of gas in the tank.
  • the disconnection of the first sensor from the control unit can be detected by the control unit. This can be achieved, for example, by sending a signal to the control unit by the first sensor continuously or intermittently throughout the time that the first sensor is in communication with the control unit. Thus, deactivation of the first sensor by an unauthorized person can also be detected.
  • the different sensors provided in the first sensor can transmit data by establishing a wired connection with the control unit, as well as transmitting data to the control unit over a wireless connection (such as RF, Bluetooth®).
  • the tracking system comprises at least one audible warning unit (such as an alarm) which is in connection with the control unit.
  • audible warning unit such as an alarm
  • the audible warning unit when the product is detected to be removed from the tank by means of the first sensor, a warning is provided by the audible warning unit.
  • the tracking system comprises at least one body.
  • some components of the tracking system are located in the body.
  • the body comprises at least one cover for providing access therein (hence the components contained therein).
  • the tracking system further comprises at least a second sensor (such as a microswitch) in communication with the control unit for detecting a position of the cover (open/closed state).
  • a second sensor such as a microswitch
  • control unit compares a speed value detected by the speed sensor with at least one threshold value, and enables the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module to be operated in a power saving mode if the detected speed value is higher than a threshold value (such as 20-30 km per hour).
  • a threshold value such as 20-30 km per hour.
  • the active components are continuously energized and the detection is continuously made by the first sensor, the speed sensor, and the global position sensor.
  • the tracking system comprises at least a third sensor for detecting at least one situation of the tank.
  • a third sensor for detecting at least one situation of the tank.
  • the third sensor preferably comprises at least one tilt sensor.
  • the third sensor comprises at least two height sensors (e.g. distance sensors that measure the distance to the ground) located at different positions in the tank.
  • a rollover or accident situation of the vehicle can be detected by comparing the height/distance information detected by different sensors.
  • the first sensor detects removal of valuable products from a tank containing such valuable products, so that the position and condition of this situation is detected. Since the detected information is sent to a remote server via the wireless communication module, both necessary precautions are taken and the losses are recorded. Moreover, as the energy converter and the storage unit are used to energize the tracking system, the tracking system is enabled to operate without need for an external energy source.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a tracking system which is suitable for use in at least one tank having at least one valve and adapted to store at least one product in a fluid form, wherein the tracking system enables the product contained in the tank to be tracked. The tracking system comprises at least a first sensor for detecting whether the product is removed from at least one tank; at least one global position sensor; at least one speed sensor; at least one wireless communication module; at least one energy converter for obtaining electrical energy from at least one renewable energy source; at least one storage unit for storing electrical energy obtained in the energy converter; at least one control unit which is in communication with the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module, provides transmission of at least one data to at least one remote server over the wireless communication module according the information received from the first sensor, the global position sensor and the speed sensor, wherein the control unit controls energization of the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module by means of the storage unit and/or the energy converter.

Description

A TRACKING SYSTEM
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a tracking system for detecting losses that may occur during the transportation of valuable fluid products, especially fuel oil.
Background of the Invention
Valuable products, e.g. fuel oil, are produced in a production centre such as petroleum refineries and then transported to remote locations such as fuel stations so that it is provided to the end user. Said transportation process can be provided by various transportation methods like maritime transport, road transport or rail transport. Since valuable products such as fuel oil are generally in a fluid form, these products are stored and transported in tanks. Here, in addition to the possible losses due to failures in the tank during the transportation process, there is also a product loss because of unauthorized receipt of products from the tanks by malicious third parties. Due to the relatively high material value of these products, losses can create a financial burden for businesses.
In the know-art, only the location tracking can be performed. However, a tracking system for the product is not provided on mobile vehicles.
Furthermore, said sensing systems comprise active components, wherein these components are energised by the vehicle with which the transportation is carried out. Therefore, the applications provided in the known-art are insufficient in detecting the losses that may occur during the transportation of valuable products such as fuel oil.
Brief Description of the Invention
The present invention provides a tracking system which is suitable for use in at least one tank having at least one valve and adapted to store at least one product in a fluid form, wherein the tracking system enables the product contained in the tank to be tracked. The tracking system comprises at least a first sensor for detecting whether the product is removed from at least one tank; at least one global position sensor; at least one speed sensor; at least one wireless communication module; at least one energy converter for obtaining electrical energy from at least one renewable energy source; at least one storage unit for storing electrical energy obtained in the energy converter; and at least one control unit which is in communication with the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module, provides transmission of at least one data to at least one remote server over the wireless communication module according the information received from the first sensor, the global position sensor and the speed sensor, wherein the control unit controls energization of the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module by means of the storage unit and/or the energy converter.
In the tracking system according to the present invention, the first sensor detects removal of valuable products from a tank containing such valuable products, so that the position and condition of this situation is detected. Since the detected information is sent to a remote server via the wireless communication module, both necessary precautions are taken and the losses are recorded. Moreover, as the energy converter and the storage unit are used to energize the tracking system, the tracking system is enabled to operate without need for an external energy source.
Object of the Invention
An object of the present invention is to provide a tracking system for detecting losses that may occur during the transportation of valuable fluid products, especially fuel oil.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a tracking system which is energised by renewable energy sources.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a reliable tracking system. Description of the Invention
Valuable fuel oil products such as diesel, gasoline or LPG, as well as valuable fluid products such as olive oil, national marker or chemicals are produced in a refinery/facility, and then transported by various transportation methods such maritime transport, road transport or rail transport, and finally delivered to points such as gas stations. However, some losses may occur during the transportation of said valuable products. In order to prevent any economic damage for businesses, these losses should be tracked and prevented when necessary. Therefore, the present invention provides a tracking system for detecting losses that may occur during the transportation of valuable fluid products such as fuel oil.
The tracking system according to the present invention is suitable for use in at least one tank having at least one valve and adapted to store at least one valuable product in a fluid form, wherein the tracking system comprises at least a first sensor for detecting whether the product is removed from at least one tank; at least one global position sensor; at least one speed sensor; at least one wireless communication module; at least one energy converter for obtaining electrical energy from at least one renewable energy source; at least one storage unit for storing electrical energy obtained in the energy converter; and at least one control unit which is in communication with the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module, provides transmission of at least one data to at least one remote server over the wireless communication module according the information received from the first sensor, the global position sensor (GPS sensor) and the speed sensor, wherein the control unit controls energization of the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module by means of the storage unit and/or the energy converter.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the tracking system is used in a fuel tank carried by a vehicle. In this embodiment, the tank is filled with fuel oil, for example, by means of the valve. After the filling process, the first sensor checks whether the product is removed from the tank. In this case, if the product is detected to be removed from the tank at an unexpected time, the position information of the vehicle detected by the global position sensor and/or the speed information of the vehicle detected by the speed sensor are transmitted to the remote server via the wireless communication module. Thus, it is possible to analyse in which position of the vehicle and under what conditions the fuel is removed from the tank, so that the required precautions are taken. The data transmitted to the remote server can be displayed directly to an authorised person (for example via a web interface) or can be stored on the remote server for historical business analysis. Here, at least one energy converter and storage unit are used to obtain electrical energy from at least one renewable energy source to energize the active components in the tracking system. Therefore, the tracking system is enabled to operate without need for an external energy source (such as an energy source of the vehicle).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the energy converter comprises at least one solar panel. Solar panels convert solar energy into electrical energy, and the tracking system is energized by solar energy, especially in case of daytime transportation. In another preferred embodiment, the energy converter comprises at least one wind turbine. When the vehicles containing the tank moves, the vehicle is subjected to the wind. In this embodiment, electrical energy is obtained by the wind turbine by means of the wind that the vehicle is subjected while moving. Preferably, the solar panel and wind turbine can be used in combination. Thus, for example, electrical energy can be obtained by the wind turbine during movement of the vehicle since wind is generated at that time, while the solar panel can be used to obtain electrical energy when the vehicle stops. Here, since the electrical energy obtained by the energy converters is stored in the storage unit, the tracking system can still be energised by the storage unit even if the energy converters do not generate energy.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage unit comprises at least one rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is preferably in the form of a lithium ion battery or a gel battery. Thus, it is ensured that the storage unit is reliable and has a high capacity.
Voltage of the electrical energy generated by the energy converter may not be the same as the charge input voltage of a storage unit comprising, for example, a lithium ion battery or a gel battery. Therefore, in another preferred embodiment, the tracking system comprises at least one regulator for converting the voltage of the electrical energy generated by the energy converter into the charge input voltage of the storage unit. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the wireless communication module comprises at least one GSM connection module. GSM connection modules are capable of providing data communication over base stations using different connection standards such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G. Thus, a vehicle comprising a tank can exchange data with a remote server even at different positions. During transportation of the tank and the valuable products therein by a vehicle, the GSM module may not be able to establish a strong connection with a base station due to the position of the vehicle. In such cases, data can be transmitted as a short message (SMS). Here, the short message reaching the remote server is directed to a serial port of the server via a converter (SMS - serial converter redundancy software addition - of the modem). In cases where the GSM module establishes a strong connection with the base station, the internet connection (such as GPRS, HSPA, LTE) is re-established with the base station, so that the data communication is provided.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the first sensor comprises at least one position sensor. In this embodiment, the position sensor can detect when the tank is opened or closed. In an alternative embodiment, the first sensor comprises at least one level sensor for detecting an amount of liquid contained in the tank. Therefore, it can be detected that the product is removed from the tank from a point other than the valve. For example, the level sensor is in the form of a float or a sensor (such as an industrial switch) that detects the height of the float. In this embodiment, proper tracking can be provided for the level of the tanks which are filled from the bottom and carried in vehicles such as train wagons. In another aspect provided by this embodiment, when a tank provided in the wagon is filled from the bottom, the energy is provided for the industrial switches to detect an overflow level of the product placed in top manholes of the wagon and to detect that the filling process is almost over and has reached the overflow level, such that a PLC performing the filling process is provided by a command to finish the filling process. Thus, product overflows that may occur during the filling process are prevented. The level sensor can also be used to detect that the filling process has been completed while filling the tank, especially in tanks for which the filling is performed at the bottom. Yet in another embodiment, the first sensor comprises at least one pressure sensor for detecting an amount of gas in the tank. In a preferred embodiment, the disconnection of the first sensor from the control unit can be detected by the control unit. This can be achieved, for example, by sending a signal to the control unit by the first sensor continuously or intermittently throughout the time that the first sensor is in communication with the control unit. Thus, deactivation of the first sensor by an unauthorized person can also be detected. The different sensors provided in the first sensor can transmit data by establishing a wired connection with the control unit, as well as transmitting data to the control unit over a wireless connection (such as RF, Bluetooth®).
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tracking system comprises at least one audible warning unit (such as an alarm) which is in connection with the control unit. In this embodiment, when the product is detected to be removed from the tank by means of the first sensor, a warning is provided by the audible warning unit.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the tracking system comprises at least one body. In this embodiment, some components of the tracking system are located in the body. The body comprises at least one cover for providing access therein (hence the components contained therein). In this embodiment, the tracking system further comprises at least a second sensor (such as a microswitch) in communication with the control unit for detecting a position of the cover (open/closed state). Here, while the components of the tracking system are protected from external factors by means of the body, an unauthorized attempt to access these components can be detected by the second sensor and information can be transmitted to the remote server via the wireless connection module.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit compares a speed value detected by the speed sensor with at least one threshold value, and enables the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module to be operated in a power saving mode if the detected speed value is higher than a threshold value (such as 20-30 km per hour). During transportation of valuable products by a vehicle, when a speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold value, there is a slight possibility to remove the product from the tank by unauthorized persons. Therefore, if the vehicle is moving at such a relatively high speed, active components in the tracking system are operated in a power saving mode. During the normal operation of the tracking system, the active components are continuously energized and the detection is continuously made by the first sensor, the speed sensor, and the global position sensor. However, in the power saving mode, it is sufficient to take measurements from said components at certain intervals (such as every 1-5 minutes). Therefore, energy efficiency of the tracking system is increased such that, for example, the monitoring system is energized for a long time with the electrical energy stored in the storage unit even if electrical energy cannot be generated continuously by means of the energy converter.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tracking system comprises at least a third sensor for detecting at least one situation of the tank. For example, an accident situation of the tank and/or the vehicle carrying the tank can be detected by means of the third sensor. In such a case, the necessary precaution is taken in a quick manner. The third sensor preferably comprises at least one tilt sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the third sensor comprises at least two height sensors (e.g. distance sensors that measure the distance to the ground) located at different positions in the tank. In this embodiment, a rollover or accident situation of the vehicle can be detected by comparing the height/distance information detected by different sensors.
In the tracking system according to the present invention, the first sensor detects removal of valuable products from a tank containing such valuable products, so that the position and condition of this situation is detected. Since the detected information is sent to a remote server via the wireless communication module, both necessary precautions are taken and the losses are recorded. Moreover, as the energy converter and the storage unit are used to energize the tracking system, the tracking system is enabled to operate without need for an external energy source.

Claims

1. A tracking system which is suitable for use in at least one tank having at least one valve and adapted to store at least one product in a fluid form, wherein the tracking system enables the product contained in the tank to be tracked, characterized by comprising: at least a first sensor for detecting whether the product is removed from at least one tank; at least one global position sensor; at least one speed sensor; at least one wireless communication module; at least one energy converter for obtaining electrical energy from at least one renewable energy source; at least one storage unit for storing electrical energy obtained in the energy converter; at least one control unit which is in communication with the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module, provides transmission of at least one data to at least one remote server over the wireless communication module according the information received from the first sensor, the global position sensor and the speed sensor, wherein the control unit controls energization of the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module by means of the storage unit and/or the energy converter.
2. A tracking system according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy converter comprises at least one solar panel.
3. A tracking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the energy converter comprises at least one wind turbine.
4. A tracking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage unit comprises at least one rechargeable battery.
5. A tracking system according to claim 4, characterized in that the rechargeable battery is a lithium ion battery.
6. A tracking system according to claim 4, characterized in that the rechargeable battery is a gel battery.
7. A tracking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one regulator for converting the voltage of the electrical energy generated by the energy converter into the charge input voltage of the storage unit.
8. A tracking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wireless communication module comprises at least one GSM connection module.
9. A tracking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sensor comprises at least one position sensor.
10. A tracking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sensor comprises at least one level sensor for detecting an amount of liquid contained in the tank.
11. A tracking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sensor comprises at least one pressure sensor for detecting an amount of gas in the tank.
12. A tracking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one audible warning unit which is in connection with the control unit.
13. A tracking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one body.
14. A tracking system according to claim 13, characterized in that the body comprises at least one cover.
15. A tracking system according to claim 14, characterized by comprising at least a second sensor in communication with the control unit for detecting a position of the cover.
16. A tracking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit compares a speed value detected by the speed sensor with at least one threshold value, and enables the first sensor, the global position sensor, the speed sensor and the wireless communication module to be operated in a power saving mode if the detected speed value is higher than a threshold value.
17. A tracking system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least a third sensor for detecting at least one situation of the tank.
18. A tracking system according to claim 17, characterized in that the third sensor comprises at least one tilt sensor.
19. A tracking system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the third sensor comprises at least two height sensors.
PCT/TR2021/050315 2020-04-17 2021-04-06 A tracking system WO2021211079A1 (en)

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