WO2024069609A1 - Ravitaillement en carburant - Google Patents

Ravitaillement en carburant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024069609A1
WO2024069609A1 PCT/IB2023/059870 IB2023059870W WO2024069609A1 WO 2024069609 A1 WO2024069609 A1 WO 2024069609A1 IB 2023059870 W IB2023059870 W IB 2023059870W WO 2024069609 A1 WO2024069609 A1 WO 2024069609A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tank
fuel
refuel
server
usage
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2023/059870
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Leonard Ray KHAN
Ricky LUNTZ
Original Assignee
Khan Leonard Ray
Luntz Ricky
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 Khan Leonard Ray, Luntz Ricky filed Critical Khan Leonard Ray
Publication of WO2024069609A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024069609A1/fr

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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
    • G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/04—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring fuels, lubricants or mixed fuels and lubricants
    • 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
    • G06Q10/06—Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
    • G06Q10/063—Operations research, analysis or management
    • G06Q10/0631—Resource planning, allocation, distributing or scheduling for enterprises or organisations
    • G06Q10/06314—Calendaring for a resource
    • 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
    • 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
    • G06Q50/40—Business processes related to the transportation industry
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F15/00—Coin-freed apparatus with meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for managing supply of fuel and particularly the supply of diesel or petrol to a tank at a usage site, which may include one or more generators, trucks and other equipment that consume fuel.
  • the fuel needs to be transported to the usage site.
  • the fuel then needs to be dispensed via a pump into a tank associated with the equipment that is to be operated.
  • the task involves extensive logistics and given the large number of such equipment units requiring fuel there is a significant amount of work, scheduling and/or transport that needs to put in place in a manner that runs smoothly. Downtime due to a failure to supply fuel will in many cases not be an acceptable outcome.
  • a system for managing a supply of fuel for operation of equipment comprising: a first sensor configured to monitor a level of fuel in a usage tank for the equipment; the first sensor connected to provide data to a server; the server providing a consumption report including fuel level in the usage tank; a first device connected to the server to:
  • the server checks expected opening and closing volumes in the usage tank and compares this data against expected values based on amounts poured to detect variances.
  • the invention is preferably carried out using a mobile application (App): the second device receives refuel instructions as a message sent in the mobile App on the first device of a generator owner; the generator owner connects to the refuel tank wirelessly and instructs the refuel tank to start the order; the mobile App is connected to a pump in real time as the order is fulfilled and closed out; and when the order is completed on the mobile App and the order is then sent to the server.
  • App mobile application
  • the mobile App will be used to set a minimum fuel level in the usage tank and an alert will be sent to the first device when the minimum fuel level is reached.
  • the invention further provides for the equipment to be a generator and for the usage tank to be connected directly to the generator; for the generator be a mobile generator; and for there to be a plurality of generators each with a usage tank.
  • the usage tank may be provided at a location where it is used to refuel equipment comprising a plurality of machines each with an onboard fuel tank.
  • the first sensor and the second sensor are preferably fluid level probes.
  • the refuel tank is preferably on a refuel bowser truck [which may include a bowser trailer].
  • the refuel tank may be a stationary tank/bowser at a site or a mobile bowser/trailer.
  • the refuel tank is preferably fitted with a digitally controlled fuel pump and this is connected to and controlled by the server.
  • the refuel tank is controlled by the mobile App connected to the server, receives order instructions from the mobile App, and sends completed orders back to the mobile App.
  • the mobile App controls the pump through wireless communication of instructions.
  • the refuel instructions will preferably include details of fuel volume required and delivery date. Further features of the invention provide for the system to include a third sensor that records when the equipment is running and for the system to pair on/off data to fuel level data; for the system to report the amount of fuel used per running hour; and for the system to produce an alert if the fuel level in the usage tank decreases when the equipment is not running.
  • a further feature of the invention provides for the server to compile a fuel usage data report for the equipment that is used to support a claim for a fuel rebate.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic process flow representing a system for managing fuel supply for operation of a generator in accordance with the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a screenshot with data relating to a connection established between a generator and mobile application (App);
  • Figure 3 shows a screenshot with real time monitoring data from the generator
  • Figures 4-5 show screenshots from a web interface with pouring details from a logging facility of the mobile App
  • Figure 6 shows a photograph of a pump and mobile App with corresponding volume readings
  • Figure 7 shows a screenshot with details of online pouring activity
  • Figures 8-9 show screenshots identifying a user’s generator and accompanying usage analysis
  • Figure 10 shows a screenshot with alerts listed against the user’s generator
  • Figure 11 shows a fuel alert setting at 86% of generator tank capacity on a mobile device interface
  • Figure 12 shows a low level email notification for the generator tank level
  • Figure 13 shows an email notification confirming an order
  • Figures 14-15 show a graph and description of generator tank refuel
  • Figure 16 shows a bowser tank level report
  • Figure 17 shows a web interface report with bowser tank level
  • FIGS 18-19 show the bowser tank level data before and after filling
  • Figure 20 shows a map view for a GPS tracking facility
  • Figure 21 shows a screenshot with maintenance analysis data for the generator.
  • a system for managing a supply of fuel that is used in the operation of a generator in this preferred embodiment is shown generally by a flow diagram with steps 1 -5 as referred to below.
  • connection between the equipment and hardware may include any suitable wireless communication network and components may also be wired together where this is more suitable or desired.
  • Step 1 A first sensor on the generator is connected to report data relating to real-time stock on hand (i.e. fuel tank levels) and rate of consumption of the generator (i.e. operation of the generator as against fuel level) to a server. An alert will be generated in the system and transmitted as a message (or email) if the fuel level drops without the generator being used.
  • real-time stock on hand i.e. fuel tank levels
  • rate of consumption of the generator i.e. operation of the generator as against fuel level
  • a further data collection device may be connected to the generator electronics or to the generator motor in order to report on certain maintenance analysis data, as referred to below.
  • the fuel level data from the first sensor is communicated to the server.
  • a first device of a generator owner is also connected to the server.
  • An automated order recommendation will be issued to a mobile device that is associated with the generator when a threshold fuel level is reached.
  • the first device of the generator owner will be used to:
  • Orders can also be activated on a manual basis at a time and prior to receiving such a consumption report or as otherwise required by the owner.
  • the equipment may be some other fuel consuming asset (such as a truck) that is refuelled from a
  • An order confirmation is generated and sent through to the server and will include information relating to required volume and a delivery date.
  • Step 4 The order will be fulfilled through any linked mobile bowser truck and/or trailer which has a second mobile device associated therewith. This may also be owned by the generator owner. Any linked mobile phone that has the requisite authority/profile can download the order and fulfil it for the client.
  • the bowser is fitted with a digitally controlled fuel pump and this is controlled by the mobile App.
  • the first and second devices will preferably have a mobile application (App) installed.
  • App mobile application
  • the invention provides for a plurality of generators and a plurality of generator owners, each with one or more generators. There will also be a number of bowser trucks, which may be independent or owned by the generator owners.
  • the owners (or a manager of a generator representing an owner) and refuel bowsers will each have an appropriate profile with the required access to a communication environment provided by the mobile App.
  • the server will oversee the orders and the deliveries that follow (to meet an order) once a refuel supplier has been connected to an order.
  • the pumps on the bowser trucks/trailers are controlled or at least audited with sensors and the software associated with the server
  • the invention provides a digital ecosystem to track, monitor and report on fuel consumption throughout an organisation and to reduce the amount of theft presently being suffered by businesses consuming fuel.
  • the invention extends to a method of managing supply of fuel for operation of a generator and other plant and equipment that consumes fuel, comprising a unique combination of steps as selected from and represented by the system features described herein.
  • the system includes a third sensor that is connected to the equipment and records when the equipment is running (i.e. on or off).
  • the system will in turn pair on/off data to fuel level data from the first sensor of the usage tank.
  • the paired data allows the system to provide a report on the amount of fuel used per running hour. This allows the client the benefit of being able to plan when the most efficient time is for each usage tank for the equipment in question to be filled.
  • the cross-reference of the first and third sensor readings is also used by the system to produce an alert if the fuel level in the usage tank decreases when the equipment is not running.
  • the first and second sensors may be provided as an alternative fuel level meter to a probe, such as an ultra-sonic fuel level sensor.
  • a probe such as an ultra-sonic fuel level sensor.
  • the generator tank is fitted with fluid level probe A and the bowser tank is fitted with fluid level probe B.
  • the probe A and probe B are connected to suitable electronics and through wireless communication network to the mobile application (App).
  • the mobile App can be accessed via mobile device interface or through an online portal or webpage that will be accessed at the allocated URL and with the necessary username and password.
  • FIG. 1 A screenshot which shows system up-time remote monitoring connection as established by the mobile App and communication network is shown as Figure 2.
  • FIG 3 shows a screenshot with real time monitoring of levels and GPS locations.
  • the generator will be of the trailer-mounted genset type.
  • the generator fuel level is at 84.71% of tank capacity which equates to 228.73 litres.
  • the online pouring activity is also logged by the mobile App, which records when and who has attended to a pour as well as the volumes poured and received.
  • a record such as that in the image of Figure 7 will be generated and stored with the relevant information.
  • the mobile App provides a detailed level of consumption analysis which is specific to a given generator and will be identified against a user’s profile.
  • An example in Figure 8 shows a single generator listed but further units may be included as appropriate.
  • the system will also have a screen view that is marked “alerts” and will show alert data relating to refuelling and drainage values. This can be seen in Figure 10.
  • the system of the invention allows a minimum fuel level trigger to be set at a desired level of the generator tank.
  • Figure 1 1 shows this setting at 86% by way of example.
  • the setting is configured on a mobile device interface accessing the App.
  • the system sends an email notification as shown in Figure 12.
  • the email is one that was sent where the notification is set for 40% of generator tank capacity.
  • the bowser tank volume increased by approximately 95 litres on the system showing a refill occurred and decreasing reliance on the fuel slip.
  • the invention thus demonstrates an integrated mobile fuel delivery system which eliminates any need for or dependency on fuel slips as the pouring data is reported directly into the system records.
  • the system and associated method of managing fuel supply in the circumstances referred to provides for an audit trail with comparative and reconciled pouring and filling volumes that will indicate wherever fuel has been removed from the supply path and is not accounted for.
  • the persons responsible for pouring and filling operations will be linked into the reporting facility of the invention.
  • the pouring probe from a source or filling tank registers a supply volume.
  • the pouring probe data is then used to compare volume poured from the filling tank into a usage tank (of the generator/equipment) with the other probe.
  • the mobile App uses the volume data along with the further information referred to above and shown in the accompanying figures to report to the user(s) and also enables the convenient ordering of a refuel to take place so that the generator/equipment is always available for operation as required.
  • the further reports on operation, operators and location are of additional benefit.
  • fuel rebates are provided under a tax system where certain equipment is used for a specific purpose such as in mining or agriculture.
  • the consumption reports that are provided by the system and electronic proof of delivery data may be conveniently submitted a part of a logged usage data in support of a claim for such a rebate.
  • the system provides a fuel usage data report for the equipment that is used to support a claim for a fuel rebate.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Operations Research (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Primary Health Care (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Educational Administration (AREA)
  • Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de gestion d'un ravitaillement en carburant pour le fonctionnement d'un équipement, qui comprend des générateurs. Un premier capteur est configuré pour surveiller un niveau de carburant dans un réservoir d'utilisation et fournir des données à un serveur (1). Un premier dispositif connecté au serveur reçoit un rapport de consommation et est utilisé pour passer une commande pour le réservoir d'utilisation à ravitailler (2). Un second dispositif qui reçoit des instructions de ravitaillement en carburant est associé à un réservoir de carburant ayant une pompe avec un débitmètrer (3, 4). Un second capteur surveille un niveau de carburant dans le réservoir de carburant et/ou un volume d'écoulement de carburant pompé hors du réservoir de carburant pour rapporter un volume fourni dans le réservoir d'utilisation, qui est renvoyé avec des données provenant du premier capteur (5). Une preuve électronique de livraison est envoyée du serveur au premier dispositif.
PCT/IB2023/059870 2022-09-30 2023-10-02 Ravitaillement en carburant WO2024069609A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA202210802 2022-09-30
ZA2022/10802 2022-09-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024069609A1 true WO2024069609A1 (fr) 2024-04-04

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PCT/IB2023/059870 WO2024069609A1 (fr) 2022-09-30 2023-10-02 Ravitaillement en carburant

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006046232A2 (fr) * 2004-10-25 2006-05-04 Compearls Ltd. Systeme de communication et procede permettant de commander des operations de ravitaillement en carburant et d'empecher le vol de carburant
US20110140877A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-06-16 James Wilson Gilchrist Fuel monitoring apparatus and methods
WO2013140375A2 (fr) * 2012-03-22 2013-09-26 Riverwalk Trading 535 (Pty) Ltd Système et procédé de surveillance de carburant
US20170234714A1 (en) * 2013-10-30 2017-08-17 S1 Technologies, Inc. System and Method for Identifying a Fuel Loss

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006046232A2 (fr) * 2004-10-25 2006-05-04 Compearls Ltd. Systeme de communication et procede permettant de commander des operations de ravitaillement en carburant et d'empecher le vol de carburant
US20110140877A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-06-16 James Wilson Gilchrist Fuel monitoring apparatus and methods
WO2013140375A2 (fr) * 2012-03-22 2013-09-26 Riverwalk Trading 535 (Pty) Ltd Système et procédé de surveillance de carburant
US20170234714A1 (en) * 2013-10-30 2017-08-17 S1 Technologies, Inc. System and Method for Identifying a Fuel Loss

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
ANONYMOUS: "DFuel fleet and fuel management system | Digit vehicle tracking", DIGICELL, 24 June 2021 (2021-06-24), pages 1 - 5, XP093158427, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:https://web.archive.org/web/20210624035459/http://www.digicell.co.za/dfuel-bowser-fuel-management/> *
REFUEL: "Refuel - what we offer", REFUEL, 8 August 2022 (2022-08-08), pages 1 - 4, XP093158436, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:https://web.archive.org/web/20220808034254/https://www.refuel.co.za/> *

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