Patent WO-2023155966-A1 (WO)
Inventor: CHASAMPALIS DIMITRIOS
IPC: B60P3/22
Filed: 2022-02-16
Abstract: 1. The System allows for the acquisition, monitoring, presentation, analysis and storage of numerous parameters, notifications and alarms, in real time, during the refueling process of ships (or any means of transport) or the fuel cargo loading-unloading process. The System consists of (at least) the following parts: a. A Portable Device (powered by a rechargeable battery or by an external DC or AC source), which is installed in line with the fuel flow and: (1) Provides measurements of numerous parameters related to the quantitative delivery-acceptance of the fuel: ■ Operating and standard (normalized to any desired temperature) fuel volume rate (m3 / h). ■ Operating and standard (normalized to any desired temperature) fuel mass rate (tn / h). ■ Operating and standard (normalized to any desired temperature) total fuel volume (m3). ■ Operating and standard (normalized to any desired temperature) total fuel mass (tn). (2) Identifies the category/type of the fuel (e.g. RMG 380, RMG 180, Gasoil, etc.). (3) Detects possible adulteration of the fuel with air bubbles (providing alarms when the detected level exceeds a desired limit). (4) Performs instant/real-time chemical analysis of the fuel and measures: ■ Fuel kinematic and dynamic viscosity (cSt). ■ Fuel operating and standard (normalized to any desired temperature) density (kg/m3) and API degree. ■ Fuel temperature (°C). ■ Fuel humidity (% water content (P½0)). ■ % content of various chemical elements, such as S, Al, Si, Ca, V, P, Zn, Na, etc. (all chemical elements of the "Periodic Table" can be detected, according to the needs of the application). (5) Detects the location of the bunkering site (WGS84 coordinates), exploiting all available Global Navigation Satellite Systems. (6) Provides notifications and alarms in case any of the measured fuel parameters exceed specific limits/thresholds, as defined in international/national standards in force. (7) Provides geo-fencing notifications and alarms. (8) Transmits all aforementioned data: ■ To a Cloud Application & Data Base, via the cellular network or satellite communications or radio links for communication with a local router/gateway. ■ To a Mobile Application, via short-range radio links available on Mobile Phones. (9) Its limits/thresholds, sampling rate, various configuration parameters and Firmware (FW) can be remotely updated: ■ From a Cloud Application, via the cellular network or satellite communications or radio links for communication with a local router/gateway. ■ From a Mobile Application, via short-range radio links available on Mobile Phones. (10) Stores all above mentioned data. b. A Cloud Application & Data Base, which support: (1) All functions of the Portable Device, as described in paragraph la. (2) Data analytics and statistics. (3) Storage and processing of historic data. (3) User management. c. A Mobile Application developed to support the functions of the Portable Device, as described in paragraph 1.a. This Application is used on a Mobile Phone in the vicinity of the Portable Device. The Radio Access Technology (RAT) between the mobile phone and the Portable Device can short-range radio links available on Mobile Phones. 2. The System: a. Ensures the delivery - acceptance of the correct quantity (volume and mass) of fuel. b. Ensures the delivery - acceptance of the proper quality of fuel, according international/national standards in force. c. Ensures optimal management of a ship's refueling or fuel cargo loading-unloading process and minimization (or even elimination) of the economic losses for all stakeholders, due to adulterated fuels or fuels of bad quality.