RU2575764C2 - Mobile filling station - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: power engineering.

SUBSTANCE: claimed modular non-polluting mobile station comprises the fuel tank, load-bearing structure with multiple props to support the latter at elevated position at preset distance above the ground surface. Alternative source incorporated therewith is composed by either a solar power supply, or a windmill and makes the primary power supply for this mobile fuel filling station. Station central platform is coupled with at least two aforesaid props. Note here that at least two said props sustain the entire weight of said central platform, note also that said fuel tank and said alternative power supply are mounted at said central platform.

EFFECT: perfected design.

18 cl, 44 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates, in General, to fuel dispensing stations, in particular to modular, environmentally friendly, mobile fuel dispensing stations and to a method for the rapid transportation and installation of a mobile fuel dispensing station.

BACKGROUND

To meet the transportation needs of an ever-increasing population, more and more cars are put into operation on roads around the world, therefore, the development, coordination and construction of an increasing number of refueling stations to provide cars with fuel is required. However, the construction and operation of well-known fuel distribution and maintenance stations are long, expensive and resource-intensive tasks. Before at least one liter of gasoline is pumped in, surveys and studies of the expected demand should be carried out, stations with a configuration sufficient to meet the expected demand should be designed, the necessary permits obtained, a long construction process started and completed. In addition, well-known refueling stations are not flexible and are not able to provide distribution of various types of fuel.

As you know, the construction of well-known refueling stations is also not sufficiently favorable from the point of view of environmental protection. Indeed, the impact of well-known refueling stations, both from the point of view of durability and from the point of view of the environment, is very significant. Currently, fossil fuel distribution is carried out through permanent facilities requiring construction work, excavation, etc. and which are not flexible in terms of design or configuration. In addition, well-known stations require electricity from a power supply network and cannot be relocated in an economically viable or cost-effective manner. For example, automobile fuel is usually stored in underground tanks, from which it is pumped into refueling columns for refueling a car. These tanks are usually made of metal or fiberglass. The underground installation of these tanks requires relatively large excavation work, as well as to cover them, which creates many possible problems.

One known problem with underground fuel tanks is the leakage or leakage of fuel into the surrounding soil. In particular, this applies to metal tanks, which may corrode or deteriorate over time, in particular in moist soil. Seepage into the surrounding soil leads to both permanent loss of fuel and environmental pollution (soil and water). In addition, in the event of flooding, the tanks installed below the surface of the earth become ineffective, and the fuel in them may be contaminated with water and sediments present in the water. Since these tanks are buried below the ground below the station structure, the cost of repairing or replacing a leaking tank can be extremely high. In addition, underground tanks are not structurally designed for storing various types of fuel and for storing equipment and performing the processes necessary for working with certain types of fuel and energy; other facilities are required to supply vehicles.

In addition, well-known fossil fuel filling stations have very high operating costs, since the fuel stored in the underground tank must be pumped from the tank into the car mechanically, which, as you know, requires a large amount of electricity.

In addition to the foregoing, known gas stations have inherent relative durability. They are attached to the ground with many tons of poured concrete, contain large fuel tanks buried many meters below the surface of the earth, and multi-meter underground pipe systems that direct fuel from the tanks to the pump, as well as electricity from the power supply network to the station. Accordingly, in the event that a refueling station is decommissioned, it is necessary to carry out a lengthy and expensive process of removing everything that was previously built (pile structures, tanks, pumps, structure) to bring the land into a state in which it is easier to sell, and / or to meet land use standards. In many cases, after installation, such funds are almost impossible to relocate to other locations or sell.

Known "long-term" refueling stations have other disadvantages. In remote areas where fuel is required, or may be required for a short time, it may be impractical to meet such a long and costly planning and construction process. In addition, due to the lack of infrastructure in many remote areas, such as the availability of energy and electricity networks, the establishment of well-known fueling stations in such areas may not be feasible. In particular, it may just be inaccessible electricity needed to operate pumps, lighting, credit card terminals, etc.

Given the above disadvantages of the known refueling stations, there is a need for a more environmentally friendly refueling station, which can be designed, constructed and commissioned in a shorter time and at lower costs compared to known stations. In addition, there is a need for a refueling station consisting of mobile modules that can be quickly and easily mounted at remote locations and can operate independently with little or no energy consumption from the power supply network.

In addition to the foregoing, alternative energy sources are increasingly being used in the fuel markets. Indeed, the use of alternative fuel and the need for it for vehicles is growing at an accelerated pace, while one can expect a radical increase in demand and consumption standards for these types of fuel compared to what has been observed so far. Accordingly, new generations of fuel dispensing stations must be flexible in terms of their size and the types of fuel that they can store and dispense, as well as flexible in terms of changing their size and / or location in accordance with dynamically changing market needs. There is a need to create fuel dispensing stations capable of supplying various types of fuel, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, hydrogen, methanol, as well as electricity to quickly charge electric vehicles.

Given the above problems and issues, the main objective of this invention is to provide an environmentally friendly mobile fuel dispensing station and a method for quickly transporting and installing a mobile fuel dispensing station.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main objective is to create a mobile fuel dispensing station of the present invention, taking into account the above problems and needs.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station, which can be easily and quickly installed in a minimum space.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station, providing the opportunity for easy entry and exit of vehicles.

Another objective of this invention is to provide a mobile fuel dispensing station, easily combined with additional components to form a fueling station of any desired size.

Another objective of the present invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station with high efficiency in terms of energy consumption.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station that does not require mechanical pumping to distribute fuel.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station with the ability to work without energy consumption from the power supply network.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a mobile fuel dispensing station with little environmental impact.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a mobile fuel dispensing station using gravity to distribute fuel.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station that uses a minimum number of pipelines and wiring and does not require construction work to install it.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station with the possibility of its easy installation and dismantling.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station, which is independent and able to work in remote areas.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station, which can be relocated from one location to another.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispenser that meets industry standards for transportation in trucks and ships.

Another objective of the invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station, made with the possibility of full self-service.

Another objective of the present invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station containing tanks, which can store various types of fuel such as gasoline, diesel fuel, compressed natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), hydrogen and methanol.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station, which can supply such various types of fuel as gasoline, diesel fuel, biodiesel, hydrogen, methanol, LNG, LPG, and electricity.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station with the ability to remotely control from a central control center or control center.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station containing container nodes, which can be easily replaced with other nodes to replace the equipment contained in such nodes, and to perform maintenance of equipment without long periods of downtime.

Another objective of this invention is the creation of a mobile fuel dispensing station, which is easy to manufacture, transport and assemble.

These and other objectives of the present invention, as well as its preferred embodiments, follow from the description, claims and drawings taken in General.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated below by describing options for its implementation, which do not limit the scope of patent claims and are discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a front view of a mobile fuel dispenser in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,

figure 2 is an end view of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in figure 1,

figure 3 is a top view of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in figure 1, without reservoirs and located near the carriageway,

figure 4 is a top view of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in figure 1, located near the carriageway,

figure 5 is a detailed top view of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in figure 1 (without roof),

Fig.6 is a top view of the main container node of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1,

Fig.7 is a side view in vertical section of the main container node shown in Fig.6,

Fig.8 is an end view in vertical section of the main container node shown in Fig.6,

Fig.9 is a top view of the auxiliary container unit of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1, containing the auxiliary fuel tank,

figure 10 is an end view in vertical section of the auxiliary container unit and auxiliary fuel tank shown in Fig.9,

11 is a side view in vertical section of the auxiliary container unit and auxiliary fuel tank shown in Fig.9,

Fig is a top view of the hardware container node of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1,

Fig.13 is an end view in vertical section of the hardware container assembly shown in Fig.12,

Fig.14 is a side view in vertical section of the hardware container node shown in Fig.12,

Fig is a front view in vertical section of a long rack of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1,

Fig.16 is a side view in vertical section of a long rack shown in Fig.15,

Fig.17 is a top view of the long pillar shown in Fig.15,

Fig.18 is a front view in vertical section of a short rack of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1,

Fig is a top view of the short racks shown in Fig,

Fig.20 is a detailed front view in vertical section of the Central platform of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1,

Fig.21 is a sectional view along the line CC of Fig.20 of the Central platform of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1,

Fig.22 is a front view in vertical section of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1, without a design around the perimeter, showing the attachment of the struts to the tank,

Fig.23 is an end view in vertical section of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1, without a design around the perimeter, showing the mounting of the struts to the tank,

Fig.24 is a view in section along the line aa from Fig.5 of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1,

Fig.25 is a sectional view along line BB of Fig.5 of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1,

Fig is a large modular panel of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig 1,

Fig.27 is a medium-sized modular panel of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1,

Fig.28 is a small-sized modular panel of the mobile fuel dispensing station shown in Fig.1,

Fig.29 is a side view in vertical section of the wheel system shown in the retracted position of the mobile fuel dispensing station of Fig.1,

FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the wheel system of FIG. 29, depicted in the enacted position,

Fig is a front view in vertical section of the wheel system of Fig.29, depicted in the position of putting into operation,

Fig is a top view of a mobile fuel dispenser station with three tanks installed on an area corresponding to 6 car parking spaces, shown without container nodes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 33 is a top view of a mobile fuel dispensing station comprising three tanks shown in FIG. 32,

Fig is a front view in vertical section of a mobile fuel dispensing station containing three tanks, shown in Fig,

Fig.35 is an end view in vertical section of a mobile fuel dispensing station containing three tanks, shown in Fig.32,

Fig. 36 is a plan view of a mobile fuel dispensing station containing six tanks, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,

Fig.37 is an end view in vertical section of a mobile fuel dispensing station containing six tanks, shown in Fig.36,

Fig. 38 illustrates the packaging configuration of the mobile fuel dispensing station of Fig. 1 for transportation in a semi-trailer truck,

Fig. 39 is a schematic illustration of a control center for monitoring a plurality of mobile fueling stations in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,

40 is a schematic view (top view) of a mobile fuel dispensing station for dispensing compressed natural gas in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,

Fig is a top view of the container node of the LNG for the mobile fuel dispensing station of Fig,

FIG. 42 is a side view of the LNG container assembly of FIG. 41,

Fig. 43 is an end view of the LNG container assembly of Fig. 41,

Fig. 44 is a schematic view (top view) of a mobile fuel dispensing station for supplying hydrogen fuel in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Basically, Figures 1-5 show a modular, environmentally friendly, mobile fuel dispensing station 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 1 and 2 show that such an environmentally friendly mobile fuel dispensing station 10 comprises a substantially rectangular working platform 12, a plurality of racks 14 supporting the working platform 12 in a position raised above the surface of the earth, and a central platform 16 containing interaction means with customers of the station 10. The working platform 12 is closed by a multitude of modular panels 18, the purpose of which is to visually shelter and protect the main functional components of the station 10 located inside work platform 12, as set forth in detail below. As is best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the central platform 16 is operatively connected to a pair of racks 14. The racks 14 themselves are connected together by rigid communication elements 20 providing increased stiffness and support for station 10. In a preferred embodiment, exactly three racks 14 support the working the platform 12 in an elevated position, although a support structure comprising more or less than three support legs is also possible without going beyond the broader aspects of the present invention.

The mobile fuel dispensing station 10 further comprises at least one alternative energy source, for example, one or more solar panels 22, supported in a raised position by the struts 14. The solar panels 14 are mounted with a tilt and swivel of 360 ° and provide the accumulation and conversion of sunlight into electricity to power the mobile fuel dispensing station 10, as will be discussed below. Although the solar panel 22 is used as an alternative energy source in a preferred embodiment, other alternative energy sources, such as a wind turbine, can be used alone or in combination with solar panels 22 without going beyond the broader aspects of this inventions.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, it is shown that the working platform 12 generally comprises at least one, preferably two, main container assemblies / module 24, and at least one, preferably two auxiliary container assemblies / module 26 and at least one, preferably two hardware container assemblies / module 36. Detailed views of these container assemblies are best shown in FIGS. 6-14. First, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, each main container assembly 24 comprises a substantially tubular fuel tank 28 mounted inside a substantially rectangular frame 30. Alternatively, walls (not shown) may surround the main container assembly. Preferably, the reservoir 28 is elliptical in cross section, and within the broader aspects of the present invention, naturally, other forms or types of reservoirs such as atmospheric pressure, high pressure, cryogenic tanks can be used to store fuel.

It is important that the main fuel tank 28 and / or the surrounding frame 30 is made with mounting brackets 32 for fastening the various container assemblies together (for example, the main container assembly 24 with the auxiliary container assembly 26). Said mounting brackets are also used to attach the support posts 14 to the container assembly 24, as set forth in more detail below, in order to enable the main container assembly 24 to be held in a raised position at a predetermined distance above the ground. The mounting brackets 32 also act as a support for mounting the modular panels 18. In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the mounting brackets 32 are integrally formed with the main fuel tank 28 by welding or by other means providing direct attachment to it. As shown in Fig.6-8, each longitudinal side of the main tank 28 preferably contains four pairs of mounting brackets 32, and each side contains two pairs of mounting brackets 32, although it is possible to use more or fewer mounting brackets located in any configuration, without going beyond the broader aspects of the present invention.

Turning now to FIGS. 9-11, enlarged views of the auxiliary container assemblies 26 comprising the auxiliary reservoir 34 are shown. The auxiliary container assemblies 26 comprise a substantially tubular auxiliary fuel reservoir 34 mounted inside a substantially rectangular frame 30. Preferably, the auxiliary reservoir 34 is in the cross section has an elliptical shape, although without going beyond the wider aspects of the present invention, of course, it is possible to use auxiliary tanks having other shapes we have sections and other types, such as atmospheric pressure tanks, high pressure tanks, cryogenic tanks. It is understood that the auxiliary tank 34 is much shorter along the length of the main tank 28 and provides the station 10 with additional fuel capacity. Alternatively, the auxiliary container assembly 26 may also be enclosed by walls (not shown).

The auxiliary tank 34 and / or the frame 30 surrounding the tank act as assembly modules and are made with mounting brackets 32 for fastening various container assemblies / modules together (for example, the main container assembly 24 with the auxiliary container assembly 26), if necessary fastening the support racks 14 to the container nodes so as to provide the ability to maintain the container nodes in a raised position, as well as for removable fastening of the modular panels 18, as explained below. In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the mounting brackets 32 are integrally formed with the auxiliary fuel tank 34, by welding, or otherwise, for direct attachment to it. As shown, each longitudinal side of the tank 34 or frame contains two pairs of mounting brackets 32, each side containing one pair of mounting brackets 32, although it is possible to use more or fewer mounting brackets located in any configuration without going beyond the wider aspects of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, enlarged views of auxiliary container units in the form of a hardware container assembly / module 36 are shown. As shown, the hardware container assembly / module 36 comprises a substantially rectangular frame 30 defining the boundaries of the open space 38 in the container, and a plurality of mounting brackets 32 for fastening together various container assemblies (for example, the main container assembly 24 with the hardware container assembly 36), for attaching support racks 14 to the container assemblies so that sintering the possibility of supporting the main container assembly 24 in an elevated position, as well as for attaching the modular panels 18. In a preferred embodiment, each longitudinal side of the frame 30 contains two pairs of mounting brackets 32, each side containing one pair of mounting brackets 32, although larger or fewer mounting brackets located in any configuration, without going beyond the broader aspects of the present invention. The hardware container assembly 36 can be closed on one or more sides and used as an engine, hardware or storage room, accommodate mechanical, electrical or other types of equipment, as well as a monitoring and control system for storing and exchanging information, as well as related parameters to the mobile fuel dispensing station 10, as explained below. It will be appreciated that the hardware container assembly 36 has the same configuration as the auxiliary container assembly 26, but without the auxiliary fuel tank 34.

Referring again to FIG. 5, it is shown that the main mobile fuel dispensing station 10 comprises two main container assemblies 24 located side by side to each other. It is important that the main container assemblies 24 are rigidly attached to each other by means of mounting brackets 32. In particular, the mounting brackets 32, made as an integral part of the longitudinal sides of each tank 28, are aligned and precisely aligned with each other so that bolts or the like can be inserted through the holes in the brackets 32 for fastening them and, accordingly, the reservoirs 28 together. Alternatively, mounting brackets 32 may be welded together to provide the desired rigid connection between the tanks. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited in this regard, since without going beyond the wider aspects of the present invention, the working platform 12 can support only one tank 28.

It is also shown that the main station 10 further comprises two auxiliary container assemblies 26 attached by respective mounting brackets 32 to the respective ends of one of the main container assemblies 24, and two hardware container assemblies 36 attached by the respective mounting brackets 32 to the corresponding ends of the other pair of main container assemblies 24. In addition, each auxiliary container assembly 26 is rigidly attached to the end of one of the main container assemblies 24 by means of mounting brackets b 32. In particular, the mounting brackets 32, made as an integral part at one end of the auxiliary fuel tank 34, are aligned and precisely aligned with the mounting brackets 32, made as an integral part at the end of one of the main fuel tanks 28. As described above, the bolts or such elements are then inserted through the openings in the brackets 32 for attaching them to each other, thereby providing a rigid attachment of the auxiliary fuel tank 34 to the main fuel tank 28.

It is understood that the hardware container assemblies 36 are attached to the ends of the main container assemblies 24 and the sides of the auxiliary container assemblies 26 are attached to the respective frames 30 by mounting brackets 32. In particular, the mounting brackets 32 attached to the frame 30 of the hardware assembly are aligned with the mounting brackets 32, respectively attached to the frame 30 of the main container unit and the frame 30 of the auxiliary container unit, so that bolts can be used to fasten the brackets 32 and thereby the frames 30 of the container units 24, 26, 36.

Turning now to Figs. work components. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two types of racks 14 are used. The first type of racks 14, as shown in Figs. brackets 32 located on one of the main container assemblies 24. It is understood that bolts can be inserted through holes in the mounting brackets 32 for rigidly fastening this support post 14 directly to one of the main container assemblies 24 d To maintain the working platform 12 above the surface of the earth. These struts 14 also include an upper cover 40 covering the inside of the strut 14, supports 42 located at the lower end of the strut, and a hub 44 for accommodating the wheeled assembly for adjusting the position or orientation of the station 10, as explained below. It is understood that the support 42 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the support column 14 itself, which provides a large contact area between the station 10 and the ground, thereby improving the support and stability of the station 10.

The second type of strut 14, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, is shorter and contains a support 42 located at the lower end of the strut to provide a larger contact area with the ground surface, a mounting flange 46 located at its upper part, and a sleeve 44 for placing the wheel assembly. Naturally, all racks 14 may have the same height or may have different heights without going beyond the broader aspects of the present invention. Despite the fact that the racks 14 are shown with a cylindrical section, nevertheless, as an option, racks having other cross-sectional shapes, for example a square shape, can be used.

Preferably, one or more racks 14 are made of composite armor or have an armored coating, sheathing or panels 18 to protect internal piping and components placed in the rack from penetration or damage, as explained below. In addition, as described above, each rack 14 may have a cap or cover 40 to further protect the supply or distribution piping passing inside the rack 14 from environmental influences, as explained below. A support 48 for accommodating a ladder for access to reservoirs 28, 34 and other components inside a work platform 12 is firmly attached to at least one of the support legs 14. In the process, an operator or service technician can hang the ladder on this support 48 and climb the ladder to get to the access hatch 50, which is located at the bottom of the working platform 12.

22 and 23, a single high strut 14 is rigidly attached to one of the main fuel tanks 28 with mounting brackets 32 protruding from the upper end of the strut, with corresponding mounting brackets 32 being made as an integral part of the longitudinal side of the tank 28. It is understood that during The mounting brackets 32 are aligned with each other so that the bolts can be inserted through the holes in the brackets 32 for fastening to each other. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 23, two short racks 14 are located opposite the high rack 14 under the other main fuel tank 28 to support the other side of the station 10. The shorter racks 14 can be bolted or otherwise directly to the main fuel tank 28 as It is known in the art, for example by welding or the like. It is important that when fixed to the work platform 12, the posts 14 are located below the fuel tanks 28, 34 in a substantially triangular shape when viewed from above.

To ensure rigidity and provide better support to the mobile fuel dispensing station 10, there are connecting elements 20 that rigidly connect the support posts 14 together, as described above. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 24, the tie members 20 are attached to the uprights 14 by couplers (not shown) located immediately above the support 42 of the uprights 14 (i.e., directly above the ground). It is important that the connecting elements 20, located close to the ground, not only increase the rigidity and support of the mobile fuel dispensing station 10, but also act as artificial elevations to limit the speed of vehicles in the fueling area, which increases safety.

It is understood that the triangular configuration of the three support columns 14 of the proposed mobile fuel dispensing station 10 provides a unique opportunity for less limited movement of the flow of cars passing under it. Thus, the support structure of the three racks allows you to organize a greater number of lanes for the entry and exit of vehicles compared with the known refueling stations containing four or more support elements, while providing a strong and balanced support structure for station 10. Thanks to this previously unknown support structure racks proposed mobile fuel dispensing station 10 has an increased number of entry and exit lanes compared to existing stations.

It is clear that a noticeable difference between this invention and the known fixed non-modular refueling stations is that in the latter it is required to use four or more supports to hold the canopy in a raised position. A disadvantage of the known solution is a significant limitation of the possible options for the movement of cars passing under it. Indeed, well-known gas stations use four or more support columns, which allows cars to only drive in or out in one or two directions.

In addition, the use of only three racks 14 can save materials for construction, and, as explained below, three racks provide the ability to quickly expand the station 10, when one of the three racks 14 can be used to partially support the secondary unit or module.

The rigid connection of the main reservoirs 28 and the auxiliary reservoirs 34, as well as the rigid connection of the hardware container assemblies 26 with the main container assemblies 24 and the auxiliary container assemblies 26, as discussed above, is also an important aspect of the present invention. The importance of this aspect is that the total weight of the working platform 12, including the weight of all assembly modules, fuel tanks, devices and pipelines, is distributed through the frame units 30 to the actual housing of the fuel tank 28. Thus, the total weight of the working platform 12 and all placed in it, the elements are distributed along the fuel tank 28 itself and into the lifting support structure, i.e. racks 14.

It is clear that the use of the housing of the fuel tank 28 itself to transfer the weight of the working platform 12 to the racks 14 saves materials and money. Indeed, rigidly attached fuel tanks 28 are not just passive components (for storing fuel), but operate as active load-bearing and load-distributing components. Due to the rigid connection of the fuel tanks 28, 34, the tanks 28, 34 act as load-bearing beams through which the load is transmitted from all components of the working platform 12. Since the fuel tanks 28, 34 and, in particular, the main fuel tanks 28 have a dual function - storing fuel and the main structural and load-bearing component of station 10, saving materials and means by eliminating the need for heavy and expensive supports, such as I-beams or similar elements nt located under the working platform 12, which additionally saves materials and related costs for the construction and transportation of a mobile fueling station 10.

Let us return now to FIGS. 20 and 21, which show detailed views of the central platform 16. The central platform 16 is essentially rectangular in shape and is functionally attached to a pair of racks 14 on one side of the station, on which fueling columns 52 are installed for dispensing fuel to customers of fuel tanks 28, 34. The specified platform consists of three parts, the Central part 54 and two opposite end parts 56. The Central part 54 is installed between the two racks 14, and the end parts 56 are attached to it more s 58 so as to provide coverage of the supports 14, as shown in the drawing. The platform 16 is bolted directly to the uprights 14 directly above the supports 42, so that the entire weight of the platform 16 and the equipment contained therein is transferred to the supports 14 that provide support (i.e., the supports 14 essentially carry the entire weight of the central platform 16). It is important to note that since this platform is not attached to the ground, in contrast to the well-known fueling stations that use reinforcing bars and concrete pouring to permanently fasten the platform to the ground, the proposed fuel dispensing station 10 remains mobile and is not constant. As shown in FIG. 20, platform 16 preferably comprises a vending machine 60 or similar device for dispensing snacks, drinks, or other goods to customers.

As described above, the mobile fuel dispensing station 10 comprises an alternative energy source supported by struts 14 and directly connected to the working platform 12, in particular to the main fuel tanks 28. As shown in FIGS. 5, 24 and 25, the alternative energy source is preferably at least at least one solar panel 22 mounted on a stand 62 and functionally attached to the frame 30 or the upper surface of one of the main fuel tanks 28. In a preferred embodiment, each main fuel tank 28 has a solar panel 22 associated therewith. As described above, the solar panels 22 are preferably mounted 360 ° tilted and rotated above the fuel tanks 28 to store and convert sunlight into electricity to power the mobile fuel dispensing station 10 Preferably, the electricity generated by the solar panels 22 is stored in a battery module 64 containing one or more batteries 66 and located inside one of the hardware containers ernyh nodes 36, as shown in Figure 5.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the use of one or more solar panels 22 to power station 10, other types of alternative energy may also be used. For example, a wind turbine can be installed that captures wind energy and is electrically connected to station 10 to provide the station with operating power. Moreover, the use of a combination of two energy sources (for example, wind and solar energy) is also provided.

24 and 25 show a partial construction of the main fuel tanks 28 and auxiliary fuel tanks 34. As shown, the main tank 28 and auxiliary tanks 34 have a selectively lockable / lockable window or passage 68 for accessing the inside of the tanks 28, 34 for the purpose of cleaning and / or other type of maintenance. It is important that the inner part of the reservoirs contains longitudinal partitions 70, transverse partitions 72 with holes or perforations, made integrally with the walls of the reservoirs 28, 34 or rigidly attached to them, the purpose of which is to impart structural rigidity to the reservoirs 28, 34. It is important to note that the partitions 70, 72 give strength to the reservoirs 28, 34, making it possible for the reservoirs 28, 34 to support the weight of the work platform 12 and related components, as described above. These partitions 70, 72 additionally work like dams that inhibit the movement of fuel inside the tanks 24, 34 in the event of an earthquake or other impact force on the station, which in certain circumstances can create uneven load distributions. Since the fuel inside the reservoirs 28, 34 is mostly separated (with the exception of moving through the indicated openings), uneven load distributions caused by any vibrations or shocks of station 10, for example, from the influence of a car, are minimized. The primary and secondary fuel tanks 28, 34 are preferably made of metal, although polymers and other materials known in the art and sufficient to support the weight of the platform 12 can be used to construct the tank without going beyond the wider aspects of the present invention.

As can be clearly seen in Figs. 23 and 24, as well as in Fig. 5, the main and auxiliary fuel tanks additionally contain couplings, pipelines, ventilation valves and siphons necessary for loading and dispensing fuel. All pipelines inserted through openings in the tanks for loading and dispensing fuel may have remotely controlled safety valves. In the event of an accident, these safety valves can be easily controlled from the central office / control center via remote control and / or from the bottom of the fuel dispensing station where the gas stations are located, as explained below. In particular, the loading line 74 contains an integrated ball valve 76, which allows the fuel flow to be regulated from the refueling vehicle to the tanks 28, 34. An internal siphon 78 is located at the distal end of the loading line to prevent evaporation of the fuel when filling the tanks 28, 34.

As further shown, the distribution pipe 80 extends from the bottom of the reservoirs 28, 34 through one or more racks 14 to the refueling columns 52, so that fuel can be supplied from the reservoirs 28, 34 to the columns 52 and, if necessary, ultimately to customers . The distribution pipe 80 preferably holds back the automatic safety valve 82 and the solenoid valve 84 for adjusting the flow of fuel from the tanks 28, 34 and automatically shutting off the fuel when predetermined unwanted or dangerous conditions are detected. A stock control sensor 86, similar to those known in the art, is located inside each tank 28, 34 so that the operator can monitor the fuel level in the tanks. The output from this sensor can be transmitted to a remote control center, as explained in detail below. In addition, from the filling columns 52, in which the vapors can be collected, a hose 87 is provided for venting the vapors, which passes through the central platform 16 up one or more support legs 14 to the area above the reservoirs 28, 34, where the vapors can be vented.

As further shown, there are ventilation connectors 88 and a vapor control device 90 that allow the main reservoirs 28 to disperse the gases generated inside the tanks 28. The ventilation connectors 88 and vapor control devices 90 also serve to remove and disperse the fumes of fuel, which can accumulate inside the station 10. The respiratory valve 92 of the tank, the purge device 94 and the inlet 96 of the exhaust vents are also made in the form of passages from the reserve 28 hours to the outside air. As can be clearly seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, the main fuel tanks 28 and auxiliary fuel tanks 34 have an even, flat section 98 extending along the length of the tanks and allowing the operator or maintenance technician to walk along the top of the tanks 28, 34 for maintenance and current repair.

As shown in FIG. 25, the working platform 12 is further provided with a fire system 100 comprising a fire extinguisher 102 with fire extinguishing foam, a fire detection module (not shown) and a foam sprayer 104 in fluid communication with the fire extinguisher 102. In a preferred embodiment, the fire extinguisher 102 is placed inside one of the hardware container assemblies 36. The fire detection module comprises one or more sensors for detecting flames, high temperatures and / or smoke. In operation, when detecting a flame or smoke, the system 100 automatically releases fire-retardant foam from the fire extinguisher 102 and delivers it through a conduit to the foam sprayer 104. The foam sprayer 104 is structurally designed so that it sprays, sprays, or otherwise covers the working platform 12 with foam and, in particular, the fuel tanks 28, 34, to stop the spread of flame.

According to FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the hardware container assemblies 36 comprises an inverter, a battery module 64 comprising a plurality of batteries 68 for storing electric energy for powering a mobile fuel dispensing station, as described above, and a fossil fuel power generator 106 .

As described above, it is envisioned that the main source of electricity for station 10 will be an alternative energy source, such as a solar panel 22 and a battery module 64, a wind turbine, or the like. If an alternative energy source cannot, for whatever reason, provide sufficient power, the fossil fuel power generator 106 will automatically provide backup and additional energy to maintain the operation of station 10. For example, additional energy may be required when refueling fuel tanks 28, 34 from a refueling car. In addition, for safety reasons, it is desirable to have a backup power supply. In a preferred embodiment, the power generator 106 may be a diesel, gasoline generator, compressed natural gas generator, or another type of generator, preferably using fuel stored in one of the fuel tanks 28, 34, or, if available, using a common power supply power supply networks.

In one embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary fuel tank 34 or the main fuel tank 28 may be operatively combined with a fossil fuel power generator 106 to provide power to station 10 in case the alternative power source does not work or provides less than optimal power.

As further shown, another hardware container assembly 36 accommodates the main components of the automatic fire system 100 and an air compressor 108. This hardware container assembly 36 also has an access door 112 that allows personnel to access the upper side of the mobile fuel dispensing station 10. It is understood that each of the hardware container nodes may have selectively lockable access hatches 50, providing access to the equipment from below, as explained below. In addition, each of the hardware container nodes can be used to store any necessary equipment or components. It is important to note that when placing most of the components in the hardware 36 in an elevated position above the main refueling section, they are out of reach and visibility of customers. In addition, this design solution allows you to physically contain all the components at station 10, and not separately from station 10, so that each individual component or piece of equipment is moved or relocated simultaneously with the movement or relocation of station 10.

As mentioned above, the work platform 12 contains many modular panels 18, the purpose of which is to visually shelter and protect the main functional components of the station 10, located on or inside the work platform 12. These modular panels 18 are best shown in FIGS. 26-28 and preferably have three different sizes. It is understood that the modular panels are oriented essentially vertically and are removably attached, for example, by bolts or other means known in the art, to the frame 30 of the container assemblies 24, 26, 36, so that they completely surround the work platform 12 (main container assemblies 24, auxiliary container assemblies 26 and hardware container assemblies 36) of the mobile fuel dispensing station 10. Although the modular panels 18 can be made of any material known in the art, such as fiberglass, prefabricated metal, stainless steel and the like, preferably the modular panels 18 are composite armor panels, so that in their mounted position they form an armored skin sufficient to protect the main and auxiliary fuel tanks 28, 34, equipment and pipe systems from damage or penetration bullets or similar shells. In another embodiment, the modular panels 18 forming the composite armored skin can also be positioned around an alternative energy source, such as the solar panel 22, for added protection.

Modular panels 18 may be provided with advertising, brand identification or other information, such as a company’s brand name, type of fuel offered, fuel cost, etc. In addition, or alternatively, an electronic digital display can be attached to the modular panels to display this information. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic display may be powered by an alternative energy source (i.e., a solar panel 22, a wind turbine or the like) or a backup fossil fuel power generator 106.

The roof 110, preferably in the form of one or more fiberglass panels, can cover the entire working platform 12, comprising two main container nodes 24, two auxiliary container nodes 26 and two hardware container nodes 36. The door 112 in the roof 110, as described above, provides access to the upper part of the station 10. It is possible to provide a drainage channel 114, made on the inner surface of the modular panels 18 or attached to the frame 30, preferably extending along the entire inner periphery of the working platform 12. During operation you, as rainwater falls on the roof 110 of the mobile fuel dispensing station 10, the water flows down the drainage channels 114 due to the inclined shape of the roof. Then, a number of pipelines and pipes 115 conduct collected water from the channels 114 down to the ground away from station 10.

As shown, for example, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 22-25, there is a hinged structure 116 attached to the bottom of the frame 30 of the container assemblies 24, 26, 36 or other structural elements by means known in the art, such as nuts and bolts. The function of the hinged structure 116 is to protect the main tanks 28, auxiliary tanks 34 and other components of the station 10 from being viewed from below and to improve the view of the station 10 from the aesthetic point of view, as well as providing space for the installation of energy-saving lighting equipment to illuminate the area at the bottom of station 10. In particular, the hinged structure 116 can be used as a surface for installing lamps 118 to illuminate the area at the bottom of the station. In addition, the hinged structure 116 can serve as a surface for the installation of emergency lamps 120, which can operate on backup battery energy in case of failure of the main lamps 118. Despite the fact that the hinged structure 116 can be made of any material known in the art such as fiberglass, sheet metal, stainless steel and the like, preferably the hinged structure 116 is also composed of panels 18 of composite armor, providing protection of the main and auxiliary fuel tanks 28, 34, equipment and pipe systems from damage or penetration by bullets and the like. As further shown, an electrical control panel 122 is attached to one of the racks 14 of station 10, so that the station operator can adjust lighting and other operations, such as refueling and other similar operations.

As described above, the work platform 12 and racks 14 can be made with panels or sheathing of composite armor or made of composite armor to protect tanks 28, 34, pipelines and equipment from flying objects such as bullets and similar shells. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more of the support legs 14 are hollow, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, and provide protective cover for various pipelines, wiring and similar lines running throughout the fuel distribution station 10. In particular, at least a pair the racks 14 on one side of the station is hollow and serves as a protective shelter for accommodating and protecting pipes coming from the fuel tanks 28, 34 to the filling columns 52 located on the central platform 12 between the pair of supporting racks 14. In addition, part of the pipes held under or inside the central platform 12 are further protected by the platform 12, which can also be made or protected by a composite armor plating. Pipes directing fuel from the tank to the refueling columns 52 can be either rigid or flexible. In addition, at least one support post 14 acts as an armored shelter to protect the loading pipe 74, used to supply fuel to the fuel tanks 28, 34 located on the working platform 12, with the need for refueling, as is clearly seen in Fig.24 and 25.

As further shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, a screw pump 124 can also be placed inside one of the hollow support legs 14 together with an explosion-proof electric motor for pumping fuel from a tank truck, or the like, to tanks 28, 34. In conjunction with a screw pump 124 also along the loading pipe inside the rack 14 can be located manually controlled safety ball valve 76 and a shut-off valve 126, allowing fuel from the supplying truck to go up through the supply pipe into the tank s 28, 34, but preventing the passage of fuel in the opposite direction to prevent it from splashing out. At the lower end of the loading pipe 74 there is a fuel loading connection 128, which allows fluid connection of the supply hose from the tank truck to the loading pipe 74. Access to the valves and the connecting element can be controlled by a hatch or door 130 in the support column or racks 14. In addition, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, reservoirs 28, 34, pump 124, respective fuel lines 80, and nozzles 52 with nozzles contain distribution media To ensure a measurable and controlled supply of fuel.

In another embodiment, the fuel dispensing station 10 may be performed without pump 124 and an electric motor. Instead, in this embodiment, a pump supplying fuel to the reservoir may be part of a refueling truck. It is understood that the absence of pump 124 in station 10 further reduces installation time and minimizes costs.

As noted above, the environmentally friendly mobile fuel dispensing station 10 may also include a wheel assembly 132 as a means of selectively moving or adjusting the position of the mobile fuel dispensing station 10. The wheeled assembly 132 is best shown in FIGS. 29-31. As shown, the wheel assembly 132 is operatively coupled to one or more support legs 14 with a metal axle 134 inserted through the support leg sleeve 44. The axis 134 may be made of steel or other material capable of supporting the weight of the station 10. The bushings 44 mounted in the uprights provide rotation of the axis 134 relative to the support uprights 134, which makes it possible, accordingly, to put in and out the action of the wheel assembly 132, as explained in detail below. Wheel bearings 136, having a substantially triangular shaped structure, extend from the axis 134 on both sides of the support column 14 and comprise a wheel or tire 138 mounted thereon.

Preferably, the wheel assembly 132 comprises two wheels or tires 138 attached to the wheel bearings 136 by a second steel axle 134 and nuts 140 on opposite sides of one or more of the support legs 14. The connecting member 142 integrates two wheel supports 136 on the opposite sides of the support column 14, increasing the rigidity and strength of the node 132. As shown, the wheel node 132 can selectively rotate relative to the metal axis 134 from the first position in which the wheel 138 is located above the ground (as shown in Fig.29), in the second Assumption, wherein the wheel 138 brought into contact with the ground for lifting the support post 14 and the support 42 from the ground, to be able to move the station 10.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the three support legs 14 comprises a wheel assembly 132 attached thereto. However, in other embodiments, only one or two support legs 14 may be provided with a wheel assembly. In such embodiments, for transporting or moving the mobile fuel dispensing station 10, the support legs 14 not provided with a wheel assembly 132 can be lifted from the ground and towed by a truck or the like to the desired location, with the mobile fuel dispensing station 10 being in contact with the ground only via tires 138 wheel assembly 132.

Wheel assembly 132 is an important aspect of the present invention since it allows the station 10 to be easily moved after it is mounted. For example, if necessary, it can be moved from one place to another, or in the redistribution of a parking lot or similar structure to orient station 10, if necessary, in accordance with changes in traffic routes and in other similar cases. It is understood that the possibility of turning or changing the position of station 10 inside the parking lot increases the flexibility of the mobile fuel dispensing station 10. Such flexibility is simply not possible in known stations that are permanently fixed to the ground.

The proposed mobile fuel dispensing station 10 may also contain a number of additional components providing various safety aspects. For example, a fuel dispensing station may include a lightning rod system with one or more rod lightning rods 144 to prevent or minimize damage to the station due to a lightning strike. Rod lightning rods 144 are preferably mounted on one of the support posts 14 or panels 18 of station 10, extending substantially vertically from them, to ground, to direct lightning strike energy down the structure to the ground, preferably through a ground rod (not shown).

As mentioned above, the proposed mobile fuel dispensing station 10 may also include an electronic control system for remote control of stock, supply, sales, video transmission, vehicle identification, emergency control and customer service. The electronic control system is connected via satellite, optical fiber or similar means and connected to the head office of the control center, providing service and real-time information from a remote location. It is important that the control system is electrically connected to the sensors 86 for inventory management and fueling columns 52 and is configured to selectively allow fuel dispensing from station 10 and monitoring fuel dispensing.

It is understood that this control system is designed to provide ongoing monitoring of numerous parameters of fuel tanks 28, 34 (such as the type of fuel in the tanks and the remaining fuel level), as well as the station as a whole. In this regard, the mobile fuel dispensing station 10 comprises a video camera 146 for monitoring customer activity around the station 10. The inventory control sensor 86 transmits a signal of the level of fuel remaining in the tanks. In addition, the station contains a credit card terminal or payment terminals at each gas station 52, so that the buyer can pay for the purchase of fuel with a credit card, debit card or similar means, including a specialized card containing vehicle data or identification data . The mobile fuel dispensing station 10 may further comprise a telecommunication communication device (not shown) for directly connecting the client to a customer service representative. A telecommunication communication device may include a microphone and a loudspeaker, and a push-button switch can directly connect the client with a customer service representative located in the control center to solve a technical problem or obtain information related to a payment, or for a similar purpose. The specified communication device may be located on the gas station 52, the rack 14 of the station 10 or in another place that is easily accessible to customers.

This interconnected network of sensors, cameras and terminals for working with credit cards contains a control system operating through a set of control circuits that can store and transmit data about the fuel dispensing station 10. In particular, the control system provides ongoing monitoring of the fuel distribution means, as described above, saves and transfers this data. It is important that these sensors, cameras and terminals consume very little power and can be powered by an alternative energy source, such as a solar panel 22. The control system also monitors the generation and use of electricity, and if the energy from the alternative energy source does not satisfy current needs then increases it or instead uses energy from a fossil fuel power generator 106. Station 10 further comprises a satellite dish 148, which wirelessly transmits data collected by various sensors, payment devices and cameras to a remote control center, as explained below. It is important that, if necessary, even satellite dish 148 and its associated wireless technology can be powered by a local alternative energy source or fossil fuel power generator 106. By collecting and storing parameters related to the station, as well as by wirelessly transmitting data to the remote control center, it is possible to control the mobile fuel dispensing station 10 from the remote control center depending on the collected parameters, as explained below. It is clear that it is possible to control station 10 from a remote control center, maintenance personnel may be physically absent at station 10 or present only in a minimal amount, which can further reduce costs.

Turning now to FIGS. 32-35, another important aspect of the present invention is shown, which is the ability to add or exclude components from the above-described main mobile fuel dispensing station to create a mobile fuel dispensing station of any desired size, as well as providing the ability to work with a large number of different types fuel dispensed from a fuel dispensing station. As noted above, the proposed main mobile fuel dispensing station 10 preferably comprises three support legs 14 mounted in a triangular configuration, so that the two legs are located essentially on a straight line along one longitudinal side of the station 10, and the remaining third rack is located in the longitudinal midpoint of station 10 along the opposite longitudinal side. If necessary, in additional fuel tanks 28, 34 or in additional space for working components, it is possible to add to the station 10 additional primary tank units 24, auxiliary tank units 26 or hardware units 34 by tightly fastening such units to the main station 10 with mounting brackets 32. In some options when adding additional container nodes 24, 26, 34, at least one of the existing support racks 14 can be used to maintain the weight of such nodes.

FIGS. 32-35 show a mobile fuel dispensing station 200 comprising three tanks and installed in an area corresponding to 6 car parking spaces. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 33, station 200 is similar to the main station 10 described above, but contains an additional main container assembly 24 and two additional auxiliary container assemblies 26. The additional main container assembly 24 is firmly attached to one of the other main container assemblies 24 using fixed mountings staples 32 discussed above. In addition, additional auxiliary container nodes 26 are also firmly attached to the additional main container nodes 24 and adjacent hardware nodes 36 in the manner described above. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 32, the three-tank module 200 uses two of the support legs 24 of the main station 10. The additional stand 14 is firmly attached to the added main tank 28 in the manner described above to provide additional support for the station 200. As shown, four stands 14 (two high racks and two short racks) support three main reservoir units 24, four additional container units 26 and two hardware units 28 in the raised position. The connecting elements 20 near the ground, as described above, are used to attach the support posts 14 to each other to provide additional rigidity and support. As shown in FIG. 35, there is also a third solar panel 22 that generates additional electricity to power the station 200.

It is clear that the design of the container nodes 24, 26, 36 and the main station 10 as a whole provides the possibility of easily “completing” together additional container nodes in order to create a mobile fuel dispensing station of any required size. In particular, the additional container nodes / modules themselves can be considered as a secondary working platform, which can be rigidly attached to the first working platform in order to create a larger station capable of offering an additional type of fuel. Indeed, this design, if necessary, allows you to combine additional container nodes 24, 26, 36 (secondary working platform) with the first working platform due to the joint use of one or more support racks 14, thereby increasing the fuel storage capacity and the number of fueling sites.

An example of a larger mobile fuel dispensing station is shown in FIGS. 36 and 37. In particular, FIGS. 36 and 37 show a mobile fuel dispensing station 300 with six main container assemblies 24, eight auxiliary container assemblies 26, and four hardware container assemblies 36. As shown, additional container nodes are added to the above-described main mobile fuel dispensing station 10, and each added group of container nodes together with another group uses at least one common op polar rack 14. It is understood that after installation or during installation of the fuel-cell unit / station 300 may be oriented in substantially any direction, depending on the available space, the directions of parking places etc.

The fact that the main reservoirs 28, auxiliary reservoirs 34 and apparatus 36 are made in the form of essentially rectangular container assemblies 24, 26, 36 comprising a frame 30 and mounting brackets 32 is an important aspect of the present invention. It is understood that these container assemblies 24, 26, 36 can be manufactured and assembled in whole or in part prior to final assembly at a given fuel distribution point. In addition, as shown in FIG. 38, all components of the main mobile fuel dispensing module 10 can fit into one standard freight tractor 400 with a trailer. Similarly, all components can fit in a single shipping container for shipping by sea around the world. In this regard, each of the container nodes is made in accordance with industry standards for the preparation and transportation of goods. In particular, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main station 10, intended for transportation, contains:

2 to 20 foot main container assemblies 24,

2 to 4 foot auxiliary container units 26,

2 to 4 foot hardware container assemblies 36,

1 - 20 '× 4'3 "× 8' container 402 (for transporting all remaining components, for example, gas stations, hoses, pipelines, racks, central platform, lamps, modular panels, etc.),

1 - 4-foot container 404 (for transportation of additional components).

Accordingly, this solution provides the possibility of at least partial assembly of each mobile fuel dispensing station 10 at the plant or place of manufacture, followed by transportation using one standard 40-foot freight container for long-term transportation around the world. After the container arrives at its place, the main container assemblies 24, auxiliary container assemblies 26 and hardware container assemblies 36 can be joined together with mounting brackets 32, racks 14 and connections between equipment, including pipelines, hoses, electrical wiring, etc. going between the components for ensure the functioning of the station 10. In contrast to the known gas stations, the completion of which requires weeks, months or even years, the proposed mobile fuel dispensing station 10 can be assembled on those operating in 2-3 days. It is clear that the more components are assembled in advance before arriving at the installation site, the faster the station can be permanently mounted. Accordingly, the fact that the modules / nodes of the mobile fuel dispensing station 10 are made in accordance with industry standards for the preparation and transportation of goods, makes it possible to build a mobile gas station 10 upon request anywhere in the world.

If you need to use larger gas stations, you can combine many container nodes 24, 26, 36 in the above way. For example, if you need to use (100) the main mobile fuel dispensing stations 10, you will need (200) 20-foot main container nodes 24, (800) 4-foot hardware container assemblies 26, 36 (with the necessary equipment already installed), 200 long racks, 100 short racks, 100 central platforms 16, 2200 4 '× 8' modular panels 18, 200 4 '× 4' modular panels 18 and 400 1 '× 4' modular panels 18. When moving 100 heavy fuel-stations 10 to 100 different installation locations will require a truck with 400 seats installed. It is clear that for dual stations, two trucks 400 will be required, etc.

The ability to quickly and easily transport and build a mobile fuel dispensing station is an important aspect of the present invention, as discussed above. For the construction of station 10, its components are placed in separate modules, such as the container nodes 24, 26, 36, 402, 404 described above. These modules are then transported to a predetermined installation location where they are unloaded. The container assemblies / modules 24, 26, 36 are then detachably connected together using the frame assemblies 30 to form a work platform 12, after which the work platform 12 is lifted onto a support structure comprising a plurality of struts 14. The support structure is provided with a wheel assembly 132 that allows it to be moved or rotated station 10 as described above. Additional components, such as an alternative energy source, a hydrocarbon purifier, armored panels and a central platform 16 can be attached to station 10, as described above. It is important that inside one of the modules of the working platform 12, during or before the final installation of station 10, it is possible to assemble an apparatus for compressing natural gas and related equipment, such as a compressor, etc. for compressing natural gas so that it can be used by vehicles, as discussed below for one embodiment of the invention, for supplying compressed natural gas to compatible vehicles.

As described above, the proposed mobile fuel dispensing station 10 may be one station 10 in an interconnected network of stations, the current control of which is performed by the control center 500. It will be appreciated that data, images, and other information collected by various sensors, cameras, and gas stations 52 at each station 10 can be transmitted to the remote control center 500 using a satellite dish 148 associated with each such station 10. As shown in FIG. 39, the control center 500 is equipped with at least one person remote personnel that provides ongoing monitoring by a plurality of mobile modules / stations 10 using a computer interface 502 or the like. Each mobile fuel dispensing station 10 is connected to the control center 500 via a wireless connection, such as satellite dish 148. In this regard, the control center 500 can simultaneously monitor multiple mobile stations 10 and coordinate fuel delivery at low fuel levels, approve or reject credit operations or debit cards, and alert service personnel or police if camcorders 146 detect suspicious behavior or malicious acts. In addition, from the control center 500, it is possible to automatically shut down the system in case of emergency. In this regard, satellite dish 148 also provides the station with the ability to receive data and messages from external sources, such as a control center 500.

As described above, the mobile fuel dispensing station 10 has a number of distinct advantages over the known refueling stations. It is important, as noted above, that a mobile fuel dispensing station is performed, at least in part, at an object outside the installation site and assembled at the installation site using nuts and bolts. In this regard, a mobile fuel dispensing station can be easily and quickly mounted at the installation site in a significantly shorter time relative to known refueling stations. In case of termination of the station, it can be quickly and easily dismantled, leaving almost no traces of its location in this place. In addition, thanks to the modular design, the mobile fuel dispensing station can be easily and quickly moved from one location to another. Additionally, due to the autonomy of the module, as nothing is underground and the work is provided with an alternative energy source, such as a solar panel, or using wind energy, a minimum number of pipes and electrical wiring is required, and complex construction work is not required for installation. Indeed, since the station is independent and does not use mechanical, hydraulic and other pumps to dispense fuel, it requires only a minimal amount of energy to operate, which makes it possible to use solar panels or other sources of alternative energy.

Another important aspect of the present invention is the ability of a mobile fuel dispensing module to function as a standalone unit. As noted above, the operation of this module is almost completely provided by a solar, wind or other alternative energy source, and in the general case, the module is not connected to the main power supply network. In this regard, it can be quickly and easily collected at remote locations to meet fuel requirements. Naturally, if necessary, you can additionally connect to the main power supply network without going beyond the broader aspects of this invention.

Although it has been described above that the proposed mobile fuel dispensing station provides storage and distribution of gasoline for the public, however, this invention is not limited to the storage and distribution of gasoline only. It is contemplated that the tanks of a mobile fuel distribution station can store and dispense any type of fuel, including, but not limited to, fossil fuels, biofuels, hydrogen and methanol, regardless of whether it is a liquid or gas, including, but not limited to, liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas. Additionally, in particular in the broader aspects of the present invention, in which petrol stations of a plurality of modules are contemplated, one petrol station can store and dispense various types of fuel, such as gasoline, hydrogen, methanol, as well as electricity, etc. In this embodiment of the invention, the buyer can simply select the type of fuel required by his vehicle, and the specified fuel will be released from the corresponding fuel tank. However, other auxiliary container units may contain equipment such as generators, air pumps, battery modules, solar panels, fire fighting equipment, electronic equipment or equipment to perform other processes or tasks. As described above, each of the container assemblies can be mounted with one other assembly in various configurations to form a flexible and modular refueling station, thereby providing flexibility not previously known in the art.

It is important, as described above, that the proposed mobile fuel dispensing station eliminates many environmental problems associated with known fueling stations. Since this station can be quickly and easily assembled at the site of operation, complex approvals for construction or construction plans are not required. In addition, the proposed station does not require excavation or disturbance of the underlying soil, since the tanks are raised above the surface of the earth, and the station is supported by supporting posts and supports. In the case when the need for the station has disappeared, the need has decreased or the object has been abandoned by the owner, the station can be dismantled in the same way as it was built. It is clear that there is no need to dig out tanks, concrete does not remain in the ground, as is the case with well-known refueling stations. Accordingly, this station can be easily dismantled without leaving any signs that it ever existed at all. In addition, due to the elevated design of the mobile fuel dispensing station, the risk of fuel leakage into the soil due to splashing or fuel leakage in the tank is significantly reduced. For this reason, an object is easier to sell and with significantly less restrictions.

In addition to the fact that the proposed fuel dispensing station physically occupies minimal space, such a station has a very small environmental impact compared to the known fueling stations. It is clear that placing fuel tanks in an elevated position leads to the fact that they are beyond the reach of customers, but they have easy access for inspection and maintenance. This is a significant difference from known stations containing reservoirs buried in the ground, since any inspection and maintenance of such reservoirs often requires shutting down the entire station and digging out the reservoirs. Thus, raising the tanks to a safe position above the ground is a more environmentally friendly solution and facilitates maintenance and repair.

In addition, as described above, the location of the tanks above the dispensers and the use of gravity to dispense fuel completely eliminate the need for pumps. Since pumps are not needed to distribute fuel from tanks, very little investment will be required in hydraulic and electrical installations. Indeed, due to the use of gravity as a driving force for refueling with liquid fuels, much less energy is used compared to the known refueling stations, which use mechanical pumps with significant energy consumption. Accordingly, the proposed mobile fuel dispensing station is much more efficient and saves a large amount of energy. In addition, due to the location of reservoirs above the ground, the likelihood of corrosion is less likely, and even with leaks, they are much easier to detect than in the case of reservoirs buried in the ground. In essence, the likelihood of contamination of the subsoil is almost eliminated.

In addition, this station uses an alternative energy source, such as a solar panel or a wind turbine (or a combination of both devices) and a battery module to power components such as lighting fixtures, credit / debit card terminals, etc. There is only a small fossil fuel electric generator to provide backup power, and in many cases the station can be completely disconnected from the power supply network. In addition, due to the formation of the station so that it is possible to add such additional tank container units, large refueling stations of almost any size and configuration can be installed inexpensively, with little effort and reduced material consumption.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the use of separate container assemblies for accommodating a main tank, auxiliary tank and equipment, in another embodiment, one container can be used to accommodate a main tank or tanks, auxiliary tank or tanks, and any equipment necessary for the module to operate. assembly defined by the outer structure of the frame. In addition, although the terms “main container assembly”, “auxiliary container assembly”, and “hardware container assembly” are used in this description, these nodes can similarly be considered “modules”. In any case, it is provided that these nodes / modules can be combined and selected so as to provide any necessary modification in accordance with the requirements of the customer. In particular, the proposed mobile fuel dispensing module may contain any number of main container assemblies, any number of auxiliary container assemblies and any number of hardware container assemblies, depending on the specific projected and actual fuel requirements at a particular point. It is clear that the modular properties of the nodes, if necessary, allow them to be easily connected and disconnected from the station, so that the base station can be expanded or reduced depending on the need for fueling and equipment.

Given the design of the mobile fuel dispensing module described above, the rectangular frame structure 30 of the main tank assembly 24, the auxiliary tank assembly 26, and the hardware assembly 36 provides not only an elevated structure for installing and placing fuel tanks and other equipment necessary for the module to operate, but also provides a number of additional advantages. In particular, the rectangular shape and design of the nodes / containers 24, 26, 36 provides easy storage, folding, transportation and assembly of these nodes. Indeed, the modular nature of the nodes allows you to install almost any equipment, tanks or other components in them either at the installation site, or preferably before arrival at the installation site. It is clear that this design flexibility and the assembly of most of the components inside the units prior to shipment minimizes installation time. In addition, the nodes themselves are composed of modules, so broken or faulty equipment or virtually the entire node 24, 26, 36 can be quickly and easily removed from the station, so that any downtime is minimized. Additionally, each node can be equipped with specific equipment and components necessary for the operation of the module, depending on the type of fuel offered. In addition, additional nodes 24, 26, 36 can be added to expand the station to meet the increasing demand for fuel or to work with a new or alternative type of fuel (including the addition of the node (s) containing tanks and any equipment for fuel processing necessary for any given type of fuel, as explained in detail below).

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a mobile fuel dispensing station 600 for supplying compressed natural gas (LNG) to vehicles is provided. As shown in FIG. 40, station 600 is substantially similar in design to station 300 shown in FIGS. 33-35, but has some significant differences. In particular, station 600 generally comprises a substantially rectangular work platform 12, a plurality of racks 14 supporting the work platform 12 in an elevated position above the ground, and a central platform 16 (not shown) containing means for interacting with customers of station 10. The work platform 12 is covered by a multitude of modular panels 18, the purpose of which is both to provide visual shelter and to protect the main functional components of station 10 located inside the work platform 12, as described above. In this embodiment, preferably four racks support the working platform 12 in an elevated position, although it is also possible to use a support structure with more than four racks without going beyond the wider aspects of the present invention. Like the station 200 shown in FIGS. 33-35, the mobile fuel distribution station 600 further comprises at least one alternative energy source, such as one or more solar panels 22, supported in an elevated position by the uprights 14. The solar panels 14 are tiltable and 360 ° rotation and provide the accumulation and conversion of sunlight into electricity to power the mobile fuel distribution station 600.

However, unlike station 200, station 600 contains two LNG container nodes 602 and one large hardware node 604 mounted between them. Detailed views of LNG container assemblies 602 are well shown in FIGS. 41-43. As shown, each LNG container assembly 602 comprises two substantially cylindrical compressed natural gas fuel tanks 606 located side by side and mounted inside a substantially rectangular frame 30. Preferably, the frame 30 is similar or substantially similar to the frame 30 discussed above with respect to the main container Node 24. Alternatively, the container nodes of the LNG 602 may be enclosed by walls (not shown). Preferably, the reservoir 606 is cylindrical in cross section, although it is naturally possible to use reservoirs with other shapes and other types without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

It is important that the tank 606 and the frame 30 surrounding the tank 606 are made with mounting brackets 32 for fastening various container assemblies together, for fastening the racks 14 to the container assemblies, as described above, so that the tanks can be supported in a raised position, and for mounting modular panels 18, as also described above. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least some of the mounting brackets 32 are integrally formed with the LNG tanks 606 by welding or by other means providing direct attachment to them. As shown in Fig.6-8, each longitudinal side of the main tank 28 preferably contains four pairs of mounting brackets 32, and each side contains two pairs of mounting brackets 32, although it is possible to use more or fewer mounting brackets located in any configuration, without going beyond the broader aspects of the present invention.

As further shown in FIG. 40, LNG container assemblies 602 are rigidly attached to opposite sides of large hardware container assembly 604 with mounting brackets 32. As shown, hardware container assembly 604 includes a low pressure gas intake 608, a natural gas compression device, such as a gas compressor 610 slow filling, communicating with the intake hole 608 for low pressure gas, and process equipment 612 for further changing and maintaining natural gas at a given constant The temperature, so that it is suitable for use in vehicles. During operation, natural gas is supplied from a tanker truck or, preferably, directly from a natural gas main gas pipeline (for example, from a gas main available on the streets of the city) to a low pressure gas inlet 608. The resulting gas is then passed through a pipeline to a slow-filling gas compressor 610, which compresses natural gas to a predetermined pressure value. The compressed gas is then passed through processing equipment 612 and, ultimately, to the LNG tanks 606, in which it is stored and maintained at a pressure of approximately 3600 psi. It is understood that compressed natural gas stored in reservoirs 606 can be dispensed at the request of module customers through a refueling column (not shown).

As is then shown in FIG. 40, station 600 may also include auxiliary container assemblies 26 with an auxiliary fuel tank 34 providing additional fuel or other fuel capacity. Station 600 may further comprise hardware container assemblies 36, such as described above, to accommodate other equipment necessary for the module to function properly, such as control circuits, a fossil fuel generator, and the like.

It is important that although station 600 is structurally designed to dispense compressed natural gas for vehicles, station 600 can be modified to dispense other fuels in addition to LNG. In particular, the main container assemblies 24 with the main fuel tank 28, designed to store other types of fuel, such as diesel fuel, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, methanol, etc., can be rigidly attached to the sides of station 600 (moreover, if necessary, it is possible to add more racks 14 to provide additional support, as described above). Thus, station 600 can be modified to operate with various fuels in addition to LNG.

Another embodiment of the invention provides for the release of secondary hydrocarbons, preferably hydrogen, for vehicles compatible with them. In this description, secondary hydrocarbon is understood to mean any substance purified or obtained from an upward stream of primary hydrocarbon feedstock containing, without limitation, gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, etc. As shown in FIG. 44, the mobile fuel dispensing station 700 in accordance with this embodiment is similar to the station 600 shown in FIG. 40, but with some significant differences in the nodes of the main tank and the main equipment room. In particular, station 700 generally comprises a substantially rectangular working platform 12, a plurality of support legs 14 supporting the working platform 12 in a raised position above the ground, and a central platform 16 (not shown) containing means for interacting with customers of station 10. Working the platform 12 is closed by a plurality of modular panels 18, the purpose of which is to visually shelter and protect the main functional components of the station 10 inside the working platform 12, as described above. In this embodiment, preferably four racks support the working platform 12 in an elevated position, although it is also possible to use a support structure with more than four racks without going beyond the wider aspects of the present invention. Like the station 600 shown in FIG. 40, the mobile fuel dispenser station 700 further comprises at least one alternative energy source, such as one or more solar panels 22, supported in a raised position by struts 14. The solar panels 14 are tiltable and rotatable 360 ° and provide the accumulation and conversion of sunlight into electricity to power the mobile fuel dispensing station 700.

As shown in FIG. 44, station 700 on said work platform 12 comprises a first primary container assembly 702 with a primary hydrocarbon reservoir 704 and a second primary container assembly 706 with a secondary hydrocarbon reservoir 708. Preferably, the construction of the container assemblies 702, 706 is similar to the construction of the main container assembly 24 described above. A large hardware container assembly 710 is mounted between the first main container assembly 702 and the second main container assembly 706 and is rigidly attached to them by mounting brackets 32, as described above. As shown, a large hardware container assembly 710 accommodates a hydrocarbon purification apparatus 712 that selectively receives primary hydrocarbon feeds from a reservoir 704, as well as cracking and purification to produce secondary hydrocarbon feed storage in a reservoir 708. The hydrocarbon purification apparatus may include a pump, filters, etc. d. In the process, the primary hydrocarbon feed stored in the reservoir 704 is directed through an apparatus 712 located inside the large hardware container assembly 710, cracked, refined, and stored as secondary hydrocarbon feed in the reservoir 708. It is understood that the primary hydrocarbon feed may contain, but without limitation, gasoline, natural gas, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the primary hydrocarbon feed is natural gas, and the secondary "hydrocarbon" is hydrogen suitable for use in a vehicle. It is understood that the purified hydrogen stored in reservoir 708 can then be released at the request of the module customers through a refueling column (not shown) located on a central platform (not shown). As further shown in FIG. 44, station 700 may also include auxiliary container assemblies 26 with an auxiliary fuel tank 34 to provide additional capacity for fuel or other fuels. Station 700 may further comprise hardware container assemblies 36, such as those described above, containing other equipment necessary for the module to function properly, such as control circuits, a fossil fuel generator, and the like.

It is important that although station 700 is designed to dispense hydrogen gas or other secondary hydrocarbons for vehicles, station 700 can be modified to operate with other fuels in addition to LNG. In particular, the main container assemblies 24 with the main fuel tank 28 for storing other types of fuel, such as diesel fuel, gasoline, methanol, liquefied petroleum gas, etc., can be rigidly attached to the sides of station 700 (and, if necessary, it is possible to add more racks 14 to provide additional support, as described above). Thus, station 700 can be modified to operate with various fuels in addition to hydrogen.

Although this invention has been illustrated and described with detailed embodiments thereof, various modifications and equivalent replacements of its components will be apparent to those skilled in the art within the scope of the claimed legal protection. In addition, depending on the specific situation or material, the above information can be adapted without changing the essence of the invention. Thus, the claimed invention is not limited to the above private options for its implementation and includes all possible options within the scope of the requested legal protection.

Claims (18)

1. Mobile fueling station, containing:
fuel tank;
a support structure for maintaining said fuel tank in a raised position at a predetermined distance above the ground; and
a driving mechanism associated with the specified supporting structure; wherein said driving mechanism is configured to selectively actuate to lift said support structure a predetermined distance above said surface of the earth and thereby facilitate the movement of said fuel station. 2. Mobile fueling station according to claim 1, in which:
the specified supporting structure is a multitude of racks. 3. The mobile fueling station of claim 2, wherein:
said driving mechanism is a wheel assembly attached to one or more of said struts. 4. The mobile fueling station of claim 2, wherein:
said driving mechanism is a wheel assembly attached to each of said struts, said wheel assembly being selectively actuated to lift said struts and facilitate the movement of said fueling station. 5. Mobile fueling station according to claim 4, in which:
said wheel assembly is selectively positioned between a first position and a second position;
moreover, being in said first position, said wheeled unit holds the weight of said refueling station and lifts said refueling station to facilitate said movement of said refueling station;
moreover, being in said second position, said wheeled unit is removed so that the weight of said refueling station is held by said supporting structure. 6. The mobile fueling station of claim 5, wherein:
the specified set of racks consists of only three rigid racks. 7. The mobile fueling station of claim 6, wherein:
said racks are located beneath said fuel tank in a substantially triangular configuration. 8. The mobile fueling station of claim 1, further comprising:
a control system for selectively permitting fuel dispensing and monitoring fuel dispensing from said fueling station. 9. The mobile fueling station of claim 8, wherein:
said control system is intended to monitor at least one parameter of said fuel tank and to control said fuel station from a remote location depending on said at least one parameter. 10. The mobile fueling station of claim 2, further comprising:
a central platform operably connected to said support structure, said central platform comprising a pipeline for transmitting fuel dispensed from said fuel tank. 11. The mobile fueling station of claim 10, wherein:
at least two of said racks carry the entire weight of said central platform. 12. The mobile fueling station of claim 4, further comprising:
a central platform operably connected to at least two of said struts, said two of said struts carrying the entire weight of said central platform such that the introduction of said wheeled unit selectively enables said central platform and said fuel station to be moved. 13. The mobile fueling station of claim 1, further comprising:
a working platform, and the specified working platform is supported at a specified predetermined distance above the surface of the earth using the specified supporting structure. 14. The mobile fueling station of claim 12, wherein:
the specified working platform accommodates the specified fuel tank. 15. A mobile fueling station according to claim 1, further comprising:
an alternative energy source, wherein said alternative energy source is either a solar generator or a wind generator;
moreover, the specified alternative energy source is supported by the specified supporting structure in a raised position and in direct connection with the specified fuel tank. 16. The mobile fueling station of claim 1, further comprising:
a hydrocarbon purification apparatus for selectively receiving primary hydrocarbon feed for cracking and purification to produce a secondary hydrocarbon feed. 17. The mobile fueling station of claim 16, wherein:
said primary hydrocarbon feed is natural gas obtained from said fuel reservoir,
moreover, the specified secondary hydrocarbon feedstock is hydrogen gas, suitable for use in a vehicle. 18. The mobile fueling station of claim 1, further comprising:
an apparatus for compressing natural gas so that it is suitable for use in a vehicle.

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