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

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to an aboveground fueling or service station that can be conveniently and efficiently deployed in a desired location. More specifically, the invention relates to an above ground fueling or service station that is particularly suited for installation in remote locations. 
         [0003]    2. Background Information 
         [0004]    Historically, the majority of retail fuel stations stored fuel product in underground tanks with piping for transferring the stored fuel that extends to fueling locations under large canopies. In addition to fuel stations storing fuel product underground, certain fuel stations have been known to store fuel in aboveground tanks, but continue to run underground piping from the locations of the aboveground tanks to a fueling location. Generally, these aboveground fuel tanks were placed in dikes a distance from the fueling location (e.g., across a parking lot from the fuel location). Another configuration has a pump next to a tank, as permitted by local authorities. 
         [0005]    Above ground fueling stations have become increasingly popular in recent years. For example, the inventor has been prolific in this area of innovation as evidenced by his disclosures in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,988,020; 5,033,637; 5,305,926; 5,562,162; 6,182,710; 6,216,790; 7,296,601, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
         [0006]      6  While the prior art has provided examples of aboveground fuel tanks, and specifically aboveground fuel tanks fluidly connected to fueling locations, there is always room for improvement. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Although aboveground fuel tanks connected to fueling locations are known, the inventor has realized deficiencies with such devices and has developed improvements thereon. For example, as the world becomes more industrialized and moves toward increasing its use of alternative fuels (i.e., non-fossil fuels), the inventor has realized a growing need for a new type of environmentally safe station to dispense carbon based fuels into vehicles in remote areas where electricity from fossil fuels is not easily used (i.e., the “off-grid” areas). Applicant has realized these and other deficiencies of the prior art devices and has combined the below objectives in a novel manner to provide a device and system that provides solutions to such deficiencies. 
         [0008]    In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a compact, aboveground fuel tank-enclosed device has been designed to operate as a traditional fuel station, while using minimal energy. The energy consumed by the inventive device may be stored in batteries that are reenergized or recharged by renewable energy sources (e.g., wind, solar, water flow and other passive energy sources). Further, in addition to including batteries and a system for capturing energy from renewable sources, the inventive device may include a system for powering down between customers, a low energy pumping and metering system, and an integrated user-interface panel. All features of the system may be comprised within the perimeter of a typical freight container box (e.g., a conex box). 
         [0009]    An object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly fueling station that may be utilized in remote locations due, at least in part, to low energy-use requirements. 
         [0010]    An object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly fueling station that may be easily set up in a remote location without need of a carbon fueled energy supply or access to electricity from the “grid”. 
         [0011]    An object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly fueling station that may be fully contained within a single container box. 
         [0012]    An object of the invention is to provide an aesthetically pleasing fueling station that provides overhead protection from the elements for users of the fueling station. 
         [0013]    An object of the invention is to provide a fueling station that utilizes a low amount of energy when compared to typical fueling stations due to the configuration of the fuel flow and other novel power saving techniques. 
         [0014]    A further object of the invention is to utilize gravitational forces during the fuel pumping process. 
         [0015]    A further object of the invention is to provide an environmentally friendly fueling station that is configured for aviation or marine, or both, applications. 
         [0016]    A further object of the invention is to provide a remotely located fueling station that allows users to pay for fuel with electronic means. 
         [0017]    A further object of the invention is to provide a remotely located fueling station that is protected from vandalism, yet provides an attractive retail image. 
         [0018]    A further object of the invention is to provide an efficient powering system having segregated power sources based on power requirements of components connected to the respective power sources. 
         [0019]    The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment, aspect, or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and detailed description and claims that follow more particularly exemplify these and other embodiments and further aspects of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of features of a battery powered fuel station in a retail configuration in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a partial plan view of features of the station of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of features of a battery powered fuel station taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 12 , with portions removed for clarity. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of features of a battery powered fuel station in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of features of a battery powered fuel station in a shipping configuration in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of features of a battery powered fuel station in a retail configuration in accordance with an aspect of the present invention 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a side view of features of a battery powered fuel station in a retail configuration in accordance with an aspect of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of features of a battery powered fuel station in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0034]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not necessarily to limit the invention to the particular embodiments, aspects and features described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-12 , a retail fueling system  10  comprises a storage tank  12  within a container  20 , a battery system  30  powered by, and recharged with, a renewable energy source system  40 , a sleep system for powering down between customers, a pumping system  100 , a metering system  60 , a user-interface system  70 , a dispensing system  80  and a canopy and solar panel support system  140 . The various features of system  10  may work together to create a low-energy consuming retail fueling station that is environmentally friendly and that may operate with electricity from renewable energy sources. Such system  10  may be amenable to being utilized in locations remote from population centers and/or where there is no traditional readily available supply of electrical power (i.e. not connected to a traditional electrical power grid). Applicant has found that system  10  is capable of continually pumping and metering fuel from a fuel station, for instance, system  10  may operate to handle dispensing volumes as a traditional on-grid fueling station which may service hundreds of vehicles or other fillings each day. Battery powered system  10  is configured to recharge to meet retail requirements for dispensing fuel on demand. 
         [0036]    The components of system  10  may utilize electricity. For example, all systems and components of system  10  may utilize direct current (DC) electricity and an integrated panel dispenser  82  (further described below) may utilize twenty-four (24) volts DC. System  10  has been developed to use a low amount of energy for dispensing fuel and thus, does not require large amounts of energy when compared to typical fueling systems. The inventor has realized DC electricity is efficiently generated and practical only with reduction of energy consumption. The amount of electricity consumed by the systems and components of system  10  is of particular concern as the system is powered through battery system  30 , which recharges using renewable energy source system  40 . 
         [0037]    Retail fueling system  10  may take on numerous configurations. For example, retail fueling system  10  may be configured in a retail configuration, a shipping configuration or other configurations. In a retail configuration, as seen in  FIGS. 1-5 ,  7 ,  8 ,  11  and  12 , system  10  is set up so users may approach the system and purchase fuel in a convenient and efficient manner. In a shipping configuration as seen in  FIG. 10 , the features of system  10 , may be stored within a footprint of container  20 . For definitional purposes, a “footprint” may consist of the spaces within the planes defined by a perimeter of an object. Container  20  may take on any shape or size capable of encompassing storage tank(s)  12  and all other features of system  10  during a shipping configuration of system  10 , while having at least one vertical side  26  accessible to a user of system  10  when in a retail configuration. Vertical side(s)  26  may include user access to user-interface system  70  and dispensing system  80 , as seen in  FIG. 11 . Container  20  may be a typical shipping or freight container (e.g., a conex box) or a box structure manufactured from light weight materials or other box structure. 
         [0038]    As depicted in the Figures, container  20  may enclose storage tank  12 . Storage tank  12  may be any type of tank or tanks capable of being completely enclosed within container  20  and capable of being used in receiving, holding and dispensing fuel. As seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , storage tank  12  may have a top plane along the line T-T and a bottom plane along the line B-B. Storage tank  12  may have a single or double wall and may be made of fire resistant material. As storage tank  12  is encompassed within container  20 , container  20  may act as secondary containment of a single walled storage tank  12 , or other storage tank(s)  12 . For example, container  20  may act as secondary containment of multiple storage tanks  12  by use of bulkheads  24  to contain any leaks, as at least partially depicted in  FIGS. 1-6 . 
         [0039]    Secondary containment about storage tank  12  may assist in providing effective detection and prevention of leakage from storage tank  12 . Such leakage detection may be first realized by a tank monitoring system  150  connected to container  20  and storage tank  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  5  and  7 . Tank monitoring system  150  may include or be used in conjunction with an internal (i.e., extending into tank  12 ) ignition suppression system  90  designed to protect against unwanted ignition of vapors or fumes that may exist within tank  12  or surrounding tank  12 . Additionally, as seen in  FIGS. 3 and 8 , a fire suppression system  91  may be provided in order to spray powder or liquid about the area of system  10 . Fire suppression system  91  may be positioned such that a spray nozzle or shower head  92  is located on or near dispensing system  80  or IPD  82 . 
         [0040]    Tank  12  may be supported within interior  22  of container  20  by saddle support  36 , shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ,  7  and  8 . Saddle support  36  may comprise a concave portion  36   a  that may receive at least a bottom area of tank  12 . Concave support  36   a  may be structurally connected to a substantially planar horizontal support  36   b,  where horizontal support  36   b  may be supported on a bottom of container  20 . For example, a substantially planar first angled support  36   c  and a substantially planar second angled support  36   d  may structurally connect concave support  36   a  and horizontal support  36   b,  as seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         [0041]    Container  20  may have a collapsible fuel canopy system  14  capable of extending from a top side  21  of container  20  and fitting within container  20  during shipping. As seen in  FIGS. 1-5  and  11 , collapsible fuel canopy  14  may include frame(s)  16  that extend from a top side  21  of container  20  to an area adjacent an Integrated Panel Dispenser (IPD)  82  (described below), such that users may be at least partially covered by canopy  14  while using system  10 . Canopy  14  may include a frame(s)  16  and panels  18  of plastic (or other material), where the panels may be for signage or aesthetic purposes, or both, and is resilient so as to withstand varying weather conditions and social unrest. 
         [0042]    Frames  16  may lock to top side  21  of container  20  at standard female receiving positions  170 , where such positions may be located where containers  20  are typically locked together when stacked for shipping or other purposes. This locking connection allows container  20  to support canopy system  14  without a need for providing direct support for canopy  14  in a ground surface, as is typically required of fuel station canopy support systems. 
         [0043]    The locking connection may be achieved through the use of a connector  160 , as seen in  FIG. 13 . Connector  160  may have a male end  160   a  and an attachment end  160   b  or may have two male ends  160   a,  or other configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, connector  160  may have a male end  160   a  and an attachment end  160   b,  where attachment end  160   b  may be attached to frame  16  at a position that allows male end  160   a  to be inserted into a female connector receiving location  170  on or adjacent top side  21  of container  20 . Connector  160  may be attached to frame  16  through any attaching technique, such as welding. Once canopy system  14  has been erected and connectors  160  have been inserted into female receiving locations  170  at locking support locations generally known in the art, connectors  160  may be locked into place by any known locking mechanism. For example, as seen in  FIG. 13 , the locking mechanism may include a lock bar  162 , where when lock bar  162  is switched or actuated or appropriately adjusted, male end  160   a  creates a locked connection with container  20 . Male end  160   a  may rotate as lock bar  162  is adjusted, and such rotated male end  160   a  may create the lock with the female receiving connector  170 . The strength of the locked connection may be similar to or stronger than the connection between stacked and connected container boxes during shipping of such boxes. Alternative embodiments may include, but are not limited to, connector  160  having two male ends  160   a  that may lock into female receiving locations  170  on container  20  and frame  16 , or attachment end  160   b  of connector  160  attaching to container  20  and male end  160   b  being inserted into a female receiving location  170  of frame  16 . It is contemplated there may be multiple connector locations along container  20  so as to provide adequate support for canopy system  14 . 
         [0044]      44  Generally, system  10  may be set up to have minimal hydraulic resistance against fuel flowing through system  10 , which reduces an amount of energy required to pump the fuel from storage tank(s)  12  through IPD(s)  82 . It is known that hydraulic resistance is increased by length, size and direction of conduits, number and type of fittings, valves, and proximity or distance of components to the fuel source. As such, and as discussed further below, system  10  is configured to minimize the distance (and resistance) the fuel needs to flow from storage tank  12  to a user&#39;s vehicle, while also allowing the fuel flow to utilize gravitational forces to reach a user&#39;s vehicle after the flow has passed through a pump  102 . The fuel flowing through system  10  may be contained within container  20  until it reaches hose  87 ; thus, reducing the distance fuel is required to travel for it to be dispensed. 
         [0045]    IPD  82  and pumping system  100  are designed to maximize the impact of gravity on fuel flow, which may be accomplished by placing pump  102  at the highest point of the fuel flow path. As seen in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , meter  62  of, or connected to, IPD  82  receives fuel from pump  102  situated above tank  12  adjacent top plane running along line T-T and parallel to a general horizontal or ground surface on which system  10  may rest. Meter  62  receives the fuel via conduits  104  extending from pump  102  to meter  62 , where meter  62  is located at a position below pump  102 ; for example, that location may be between top plane and bottom plane along line B-B and generally parallel to a horizontal or ground surface on which system  10  may rest. In an example depicted in  FIG. 6 , a first fuel distribution line comprises pump  102  and first meter  61 , and that first distribution line distributes fuel through a first fuel line or conduit  104   a  to first meter  61  and out first side  26   a.  In the example, a second fuel distribution line comprises pump  102  and second meter  63  and that second distribution line distributes fuel through a second fuel line or conduit  104   b  to second meter  63  and out first side  26   a  or second side  26   b  (as seen in  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0046]    Dispensing system  80 , seen in  FIGS. 1-4  and  8 , receives fuel after it passes through metering system  60 . The flow of the fuel, as best seen in  FIGS. 1-5  and  7 , is pumped via pumping system  100  out of storage tank  12  to conduits  104  that exit into pump  102  and allows fuel to flow to a meter  62  of metering system  60  located at a position at or below pump  102 . After the flow passes through meter  62 , it passes through solenoid valves  64  positioned in association with meter  62 . Solenoid valves  64  may be positioned at a bottom location of a raised meter  62  or directly below meter  62 , allowing fuel to flow down dispensing hose(s)  87 , which fluidly communicate with meter  62 . The fuel may then flow out of dispensing hose(s)  87  toward or into a vehicle or other apparatus to be fueled. It may be appreciated that the downward flow creates a suction or downward force on the pump caused by a weight of the fuel cascading through the components. 
         [0047]    In standard gas dispensing systems, metering systems receive a fuel flow from a pump entering the system on a bottom side of a meter, where the meter has a bottom side opposite a top side and the direction from bottom side to top side is generally opposite the direction of gravity. These standard systems require fuel to be pumped through the meter from the bottom inlet to the top outlet while turning the internal components to measure volume, which requires a considerable amount of energy as appreciated by applicant. In system  10 , as shown in the examples of  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 8 , pump  102  is positioned at the uppermost location of the fuel flow to maximize the benefits of gravity, and meter  62  of metering system  60  may be inverted so as to receive the flow from pump  102  on a top side  62   a.  The flow then exits meter  62  at a bottom side  62   b,  where it then passes through solenoid valve  64 . Any solenoid valve  64  commonly known in the art may be used. In an embodiment, to facilitate receiving a flow on a top side  62   a,  a typical meter that historically received a fuel flow on its bottom side is flipped upside down so the old bottom side is the top side  62   a,  as in system  10 . 
         [0048]    As the flow passes through meter  62 , meter  62  measures the volume of flow passing therethrough. Typically and desirably, meter  62  will be able to measure the volume of fuel flowing therethrough within at least an accuracy differential of 0.5% of the actual flow through the meter as measured by the flow leaving nozzle  86 . Because meter  62  is oriented upside down (i.e., inverted) with respect to the historical orientation of meters, computers reading meter  62  may need to be specifically programmed to understand the signals from meter  62  indicating an amount of measured flow. For example, computers (not shown) of, or communicating with, IPD  82  may be programmed to interpret data transmitted from meters  62  operating in an inverted orientation, control the flow of liquid through meter  62  and process customer transactions in compliance with consumer regulations. 
         [0049]    The use of such a meter  62  is typically required to comply with weights and measures requirements and is known to use a substantial amount of energy due to the precise nature of the meter and other reasons. As it is an object of this invention to use as little energy as is required, an inventive arrangement of the pump and meter along the flow path allows for use of such a high end, high-energy consuming device while conserving energy throughout the flow. 
         [0050]    The flow through system  10  may be controlled by IPD  82 . Moreover, each IPD  82  may act as a local command center for system  10 . As seen throughout  FIGS. 1-6 ,  8 ,  9  and  11 , IPD  82  may comprise framework  84 , dispensing system  80 , user-interface system  70 , electrical panel  110 , battery system  30 , a metering system  60 , hose reels  120  having an axle  121  at or below a level of pump  102  (see  FIG. 6 ), and grounding reels  112  at, above or below fuel nozzle receptacles  88  (reels  112  may particularly be used in aviation and marine applications). In addition, IPD  82  may provide access through door  85  to an interior  22  of container  20  for maintenance, refilling storage tank(s)  12  through refill system  130  components including refill piping  132 , refill nozzle  134  and refill spill pan  136 , servicing batteries  31  and other upkeep of system  10 . As seen in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ,  8  and  11 , IPD  82  may be incorporated into one or more vertical sides  26  of station  10  allowing for greater fuel storage in relation to the footprint of system  10 , than if retail terminals (where the retail terminals include the features of IPD  82 ) were not directly part of container  20 . That is, utilization of IPD  82  in vertical sides  22  allow for more fuel storage per unit volume of a footprint of system  10  than if stand alone dispensing systems  80  were used. An example of the space savings may be seen in  FIG. 8  where IPD  82  is incorporated on a side  26  of container  20  and adjacent a side of tank  12 , as opposed to IPD  82  being positioned between tanks  12  (as seen in  FIGS. 1-6 ). 
         [0051]    Structurally, framework  84  of IPD  82  may be made of a single piece of material or may be numerous pieces connected together. Framework  84  may be made from any type of material; for example, framework  84  may be made from reinforced sheet metal. In addition, as seen in  FIG. 9 , framework  84  may provide a space S for user-interface system  70  to be displayed. Space S may be cut out of the material of framework  84  or space S may be formed when forming the material of framework  84 . Further, framework  84  may include a door  85  to allow access to the interior  22  of container  20 . For example, door  85  may be located below user-interface system  70  in space S. 
         [0052]    User-interface  70  of IPD  82 , as may be displayed through space S, may allow users of system  10  to select and pay for pumped fuel. User-interface  70  may include means for user input and output that includes, but is not limited to, a keypad, an output screen, a card reader, a receipt printer, an emergency shut-off switch and a dead man switch. Through these mechanisms and dispensing system  80 , user-interface  70  facilitates electronic fuel access control. Electronic control may be at least partially accomplished by an output screen displaying an amount of fuel dispensed as measured by metering system  60 , where the flow of fuel may be initiated and terminated by a mechanical or electrical lever or button or other mechanism on nozzle  86  that opens or closes a valve on nozzle  86 . Further, solenoid valve  64  located downstream from meter  62  may open and close in response to an electronic signal from nozzle  86 , user-interface  70  or electronic control mechanism for the purpose of providing precise and secure fuel flow control. For example, user-interface  70  may facilitate electronic control by allowing a user to 1) select a particular grade or type of fuel by pressing a button on a keypad which opens solenoid valve  64 ; 2) view on the display the amount of fuel being dispensed; 3) view on the display the cost of the fuel being dispensed; 4) terminate a fueling flow by closing solenoid valve  64  in reaction to a lever on nozzle  86  being released; and 5) pay for the fuel dispensed using a debit card, credit card, private card, bar code, RFD or RFID tag, etc. 
         [0053]    On an interior side of container  20 , an electric panel  110  may be attached to, communicate with, or be a part of IPD  82 , as seen in  FIG. 6 . Electrical panel  110  may include electrical lines connecting segregated batteries  31  to pumping system  100 , metering system  60 , card reader, receipt printer and all other devices in system  10  that may or may not have various power requirements. That is, electrical panel  110  may receive electricity input lines from battery system  30 , where the input lines (and batteries  31 ) may be segregated by the power requirements, as indicated by energy profiles of the component to which an attached battery  31  is to power. For example, a high power component may be a pump  102  and a low power component may be a keypad of user-interface  70 , where a battery or batteries  31   a  supplying power to the high power component (e.g., pump  102 ) is/are separate and distinct from the battery or batteries  31   b  supplying electricity to the low power component (e.g., the keypad). That is, batteries  31  may be segregated by the relative power requirements of the components they power. A purpose for the segregation of batteries  31  may be to avoid power surges on a low power component when a high power component draws full power. 
         [0054]    Electrical panel  110  may receive power supply lines directly from renewable energy system  40  or power supply lines may be directly connected to batteries  31  of battery system  30 , or both. When power supply lines from renewable energy system  40  are connected to batteries  31  and electrical panel  110 , the components of system  10  may be directly powered from renewable energy system  40  if batteries  31  are fully charged. Such powering conditions may be determined by a central command or a programmed computer within IPD  82  or system  10 . 
         [0055]    Renewable energy system  40  may include one or more methods of collecting passive or renewable energy. For example, renewable energy system  40  may include solar cells or panels  42 , wind or water turbines, piezoelectric pressure mechanisms or other components to capture energy from renewable sources. Components capturing solar and wind energy may be placed at any location that facilitates the collection of energy; for example, these solar panels  42  may be placed on collapsible fuel canopies  14  (as seen in  FIGS. 1-5  and  11 ) or on a top side  21  of storage tank  12 , where a top side  21  is substantially opposite a bottom side  23  abutting a ground surface. Solar cells or panels  42  may include the use of solar sheets  43 , as seen in  FIG. 12 , that may be stretched over frame  16  of canopy system  14  and other locations of system  10 . Solar sheets  43  may include organic solar photovoltaic (PV) material and may essentially be a fabric. The term “organic” may mean carbon-based PV materials, as opposed to the typical silicon based PV materials. Solar sheets may have the advantage of not requiring a particular angle with solar rays to assimilate the electrical, heating and other benefits of those rays. 
         [0056]    Then, as discussed, the energy collected through renewable energy system  40  may be directly transferred to electrical panel  110  or batteries  31 , or both, or to other systems and components requiring energy (e.g., excess energy may be sold to local utilities or other electricity consumers). The use of a programmed computer may assist in the distribution of energy captured by system  40 . 
         [0057]    As another energy conservation mechanism or for another purpose, system  10  may be placed in any of many operating modes. For example, system  10  may have an awake mode and an asleep mode. Sleep system of system  10  may facilitate the transition from the awake mode to the asleep mode in order save energy and operate continuously, particularly during non-day light hours. While in sleep mode, sleep system allows system  10  to recharge in a state of low energy consumption. Sleep mode may be activated during down times between fuel dispensing transactions, or other desirable times. 
         [0058]    In the above example, system  10  may utilize a timer system or other indicating device/criteria to switch from an awake mode to an asleep mode. That is, after a particular time period that system  10 , or a single IPD  82  of system  10 , has not been used, system  10  or a particular IPD  82 , may switch from an awake mode to a sleep mode. The settings of system  10  or a specific IPD  82  for an awake mode may be modified as desired, but an awake mode may include all systems and components of system  10  in full operating mode and system  10  may have an associated awake power usage level. The settings of system  10  or a specific IPD  82  for a sleep mode may include any setting or settings where system  10  or a specific IPD  82  utilizes less electricity than it would, or have an asleep power usage level less than, in an awake mode. An example of IPD  82  settings while in a sleep mode includes the IPD  82  showing the price per unit of fuel by type of fuel and bright lights to welcome a user, while all other electronic components of IPD  82  are in a powered down mode. 
         [0059]    System  10  or IPD  82  may switch from an asleep mode to an awake mode by a user&#39;s initiative. That is, system  10  may sense a user by any motion or pressure sensing device or another sensing device. Alternatively or in combination with another sensing device, system  10  or IPD  82  may awake from a user pressing a button on user-interface  70  or a user may trigger the awake mode by fully inserting a card into a payment card reader (e.g., a credit card reader). In addition to system  10  entering and exiting an awake or an asleep mode at a user&#39;s discretion, a remote operator may be able to place system  10  in varying modes. 
         [0060]    System  10  has been developed for use in any weather condition and in any socioeconomic environment, and thus, system  10  may include features that protect it from outside forces, including weather and humans. It is contemplated that a roll up door  118 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 10 , or other door, may enclose IPD  82  to protect IPD  82  from weather and vandalism. Further, system  10  may also include an attendant stand; for example, an attendant stand may extend from a top side of container  20  between or about collapsible fuel canopies  14  and may be accessed through door  85  and an interior of container  20 . 
         [0061]    In operation, system  10  may be operated or controlled remotely. That is, system  10  may operate on a daily basis with or without an operator on site. For example, IPD  82  may include an Independent Control System (ICS) that includes cellular communication capabilities (not shown) that may communicate with a central command located remotely from system  10 . Continuing in the example, the ICS may communicate with credit card servers through a cellular network or other network and data from system  10  may be transferred to a remote central command on a daily basis or any desired time basis over the same or a different cellular, or other, network. Data that may be transferred may include, but is not limited to, an electronic inventory, data since the last data transfer concerning the amount of fuel consumed by users of system  10 , amount of energy consumed by system  10 , charge level of batteries  31  of battery system  30 , amount of electricity generated by renewable energy system  40 , etc. In addition, data or information or operational directions may be transferred from the central command to system  10 . For example, system  10  may receive information from a central command concerning updated gas prices, requirements to shut down or go into a safe mode because of weather issues or social unrest or other issues, etc. Thus, system  10  may comprise the ability to have two-way communications with a remotely located central command. 
         [0062]    It may be appreciated that system  10  may dispense a variety of types of liquid and other fluids. While system  10  may most preferably a dispenser of fuel, it may be used to dispense water or other liquids as desired. 
         [0063]      63  The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest possible sense unless otherwise specifically indicated. While the particular BATTERY POWERED FUEL STATION as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described aspects of the invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention and thus, is representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention, that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. section 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”