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WO2014085752A1 - Procédé de mesure de niveau de carburant alimentée par batterie - Google Patents

Procédé de mesure de niveau de carburant alimentée par batterie Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014085752A1
WO2014085752A1 PCT/US2013/072471 US2013072471W WO2014085752A1 WO 2014085752 A1 WO2014085752 A1 WO 2014085752A1 US 2013072471 W US2013072471 W US 2013072471W WO 2014085752 A1 WO2014085752 A1 WO 2014085752A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fuel level
processor
data
wireless
level measurement
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/072471
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark Daniel Leasure
Russell Lee Sanders
Matthew Jay Srnec
Mark Alan Johnson
Original Assignee
Thermo King Corporation
Robertshaw Controls Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thermo King Corporation, Robertshaw Controls Company filed Critical Thermo King Corporation
Publication of WO2014085752A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014085752A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/30—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats
    • G01F23/32—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats using rotatable arms or other pivotable transmission elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/80—Arrangements for signal processing
    • G01F23/802—Particular electronic circuits for digital processing equipment
    • G01F23/804—Particular electronic circuits for digital processing equipment containing circuits handling parameters other than liquid level

Definitions

  • the embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to a device and method for measuring a fuel level in a fuel tank of a transport refrigeration system (“TRS").
  • TRS transport refrigeration system
  • An embodiment of a method for producing a sealed wireless fuel level measurement device includes providing a housing; placing logic board inside the housing, wherein the logic board includes a memory, a processor, the temperature sensor, and a wireless network interface; and completely sealing the logic board that is inside the housing by covering an opening of the housing with a layer of a potting material.
  • the embodiments described herein are directed to a transport fuel level measurement device and system. References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration of the embodiments in which the methods and systems described herein may be practiced.
  • the term “reefer” generally refers to, for example, a temperature controlled trailer, container, or other type of transport unit, etc.
  • transport refrigeration system refers to a refrigeration system for controlling the refrigeration of an in internal space of the reefer.
  • wireless refers to a communication system that is configured to transmit data via a wireless connection over a short distance, such as, for example, between different points of a reefer that is in transport.
  • the housing's 130 second compartment 136 is configured to receive and contain the logic board 138.
  • the second compartment 136 is separated from the first compartment 134, such that the second compartment 136 can contain the logic board 138 and be sealed completely and separately from the first compartment 134.
  • the sealing of the second compartment 136 can be performed by providing the layer of potting material 132 over the logic board 138. The result provides a completely sealed logic board 138 contained in a sealed compartment 136 of the casing 128 that protects the logic board 138 from the elements.
  • Sensor reading is processed along with earlier logged readings.
  • Ambient temperature is extremely cold, sensor has been in operation for over 3 years but the battery is generally in good condition, and vehicle is in motion over a rough road.
  • the fuel level sensor described herein improves upon existing wireless transport fuel sensors in the market by using exception-based level reporting and by accommodating motion and stationary states of operation even when subjected to external sources of vibration, mechanical shock, and/or transitional liquids and harmonic events.
  • This fuel level sensor described herein can provide timely, high accuracy reporting while utilizing computer-readable instructions to conserve battery power.
  • the method and device described herein can improves upon existing float based mechanical assemblies that are highly subject to vibration, liquid transitions and mechanical shock where such conditions can cause erroneous reporting of the fuel level.
  • the fuel level sensor also can use an on-board temperature measurement to adjustment for fuel tank volume prior to reporting the overall fuel level. Further, the method and system described herein improves upon other liquid level sensor technology by logging sensor data for later transmission when the conditions have the receiver out of range or ambient temperatures require battery conservation.
  • the method 300 includes determining 312 whether the raw data is within expected range. If the raw data is within expected range, then the processor 200 receives 314 the raw data; if not, then an out of range condition is set 316.
  • the method 300 can include the processor 200 receiving the raw data and then converting the raw data to derived data.
  • Derived data includes, for example, fuel level (which can be read from the raw data after a scaling) and/or fuel volume (which can be calculated using the raw data and/or fuel level). Then, the method 300 includes determining 312 whether the derived data (e.g., fuel level and/or fuel volume) is within expected range. If derived data is not within expected range, then an out of range condition is set 316. A looping (or continuously monitoring) health check is performed for the sensor 318, and if the health check fails, an out of range condition is set 320.
  • derived data e.g., fuel level and/or fuel volume
  • the processor 200 receives the raw data from the potentiometer, and accesses 317 the memory 201 for data retrieval of battery data and temperature data. Then the processor 200 determines 322 whether the fuel level in the fuel tank has changed greater than a normal rate, and if it has changed greater than the normal rate, then a fast reporting to a TRS controller is triggered 324; and if not, then a normal reporting rate 326 is set by the processor.
  • the determining step 322 can include an algorithm which includes a leaky integrator read from the memory 201.
  • the term normal rate is used herein to mean what is expected based on one or more factors, such as the processor 200 determined expected rate based on one or more data according to computer-readable instructions being executed by the processor 200.
  • a simple fuel level display 146 that is basically a dial with a needle, can be provided at the potentiometer 122 so that the needle moves based on the position of the floater 116.
  • the floater 116 is floated by a fuel contained in the fuel tank.
  • the floater 116 is connected to the arm 118 of the floater assembly 112, and the displacement of the floater 116 due to the level of the fuel rotates the arm 118 about a pivot 148 at a gear mechanism 120 of the floater assembly 112.
  • the gear mechanism 120 is connected to the potentiometer 122 of the fuel level sensor 114, by for example, a magnetic connection so that the fuel level sensor 114 can be quickly and easily be connected and disconnected from the floater assembly 112.
  • FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a front side of an embodiment of a fuel level sensor 114 of a fuel level measurement device 108.
  • the front side of the fuel level sensor 114 would face away from a fuel tank when the fuel level sensor 114 is connected to the fuel tank.
  • the fuel level sensor 114 has a substantially cylindrical shape in general.
  • the analog display 146 having a needle dial 150 is disposed at (or substantially near) the center of the fuel level sensor 114.
  • a beveled view angle portion 152 is angled from a first surface portion 154 of the housing 130 of the fuel level sensor 114 towards the analog display 146. The beveled view angle portion 152 can enhance the visibility of the analog display 146.
  • a light-emitting diode (LED) 156 is provided to be visible on the surface portion 154.
  • the LED 156 can be connected to the processor on the logic board 138 for displaying an information regarding an operation and/or condition of the fuel level sensor 114.
  • the housing 130 can include a recess for the LED 156 for enhancing viewability of the LED 156 when lit.
  • FIG. 4 shows and embodiment of a backside (view from the rear) of an embodiment of a fuel level sensor 114. The backside would face towards the fuel tank when the fuel level sensor 114 is connected to the fuel tank.
  • the embodiment of the fuel level sensor 114 shows a first compartment 134 and a second compartment 136 separated by a wall portion 140, wherein the first compartment 134 is disposed near the center of a substantially cylindrically shaped housing 130, with the second compartment 136 forming a ring-shaped compartment which surrounds the first compartment 134. Accordingly, the logic board contained in the second chamber 136 can be substantially ring-shaped to match the shape of the second compartment 136.
  • the wall portion 140 is configured to receive a gear mechanism of a floater assembly.
  • the wall portion 140 can include an interface fitting structure 141 (e.g. crush ribs) configured to fit tightly with most conventional types of floater assembly.
  • the first compartment 134 contains a potentiometer 122, which has wire(s) 144 extending from it. The wire(s) 144 navigate through the wall portion 140 via matching groove(s) towards a logic board contained in the second compartment 136.
  • the second compartment 136 is completely sealed with a layer of potting material 132.
  • a fuel level sensor 114 can be added to an existing resistive fuel gauge and mechanical fuel float assembly, such that the combination provides the resistive fuel gauge to be embedded into a sealed casing with the fuel level measurement device digital component in order to provide a rugged fuel measurement device.
  • the embodiments of the fuel level measurement device 108 described herein can provide one or more of the following features: Communication of fuel level in a fuel tank to a remote controller is performed wirelessly (wires can degrade over time); also no external wire connectors are needed (like wires, external connectors that connect various electrical components can wear out, be damages, rust, oxidize, etc.); and electronics of the fuel level sensor are completely sealed and protected from the elements.
  • Advantages of the above embodiments include, but are not limited to, an improvement in reliability of fuel level sensing technology for reefers due to elimination of exposed wires that are subject to damage during transport of the reefer; improvement in the serviceability of the fuel level sensing technology, because wired fuel sensor systems are time consuming to troubleshoot and can be costly to repair, while embodiments of the wireless fuel level measurement device can provide fast and easy installation and/or replacement of the fuel level measurement device to the fuel tank of the transport; and viewability of an analog display.
  • wires provide power to the electronic fuel level measurement devices and/or the wires are conduits of data from the fuel level measurement device to a TRS controller, the wires have been found to be subject to normal wear and tear which disables the fuel sensor system.
  • a wireless fuel level measurement device and system has no exposed wires that can be damaged by normal wear and tear. Further, the wireless fuel level measurement device can be easily and quickly replaced, if there is a case of failure.
  • a wireless fuel level measurement device comprising:
  • a memory which stores computer-readable instructions for: calculating a fuel level
  • extrinsic data is data about conditions external to the wireless fuel level measurement device
  • intrinsic data is data about conditions about the wireless fuel level measurement device
  • a processor in communication with the memory, which executes the computer-readable instructions
  • a wireless network interface in communication with the processor for communicating the fuel level to a remote controller
  • a temperature sensor configured to communicate temperature data to the processor; and a battery that powers the processor, the memory, the temperature sensor, and the wireless network interface;
  • the processor receives one or more of the extrinsic data and the intrinsic data and adjusts the operation of fuel level measurement performed by the processor, and the processor that writes to the memory the data of the fuel level.
  • the wireless fuel level measurement device further comprising: a sealed casing that encases the processor, the memory, the wireless network interface, and the battery.
  • the sealed casing includes: a housing, and a potting material, wherein the processor, the memory, the wireless network interface, and the battery are disposed in the housing, and the potting material seals the housing to encase the processor, the memory, the wireless network interface, and the battery inside the sealed casing.
  • the wireless fuel level measurement device according to any of the aspects 1-7, wherein the intrinsic data includes a condition of the processor detecting a system fault.
  • adjusting the operation of fuel level measurement performed by the processor includes the processor changing a frequency of generating an electronic report for communicating the fuel level to the remote controller.
  • adjusting the operation of fuel level measurement performed by the processor includes the processor changing a wireless transmission rate and a reception rate with the remote controller in order to conserve the battery.
  • adjusting the operation of fuel level measurement performed by the processor includes the processor changing the temperature sensor operation in order to conserve the battery.
  • the wireless fuel level measurement device according to any of the aspects 1-11, further comprising a potentiometer connected to the processor for communicating the raw fuel level data.
  • a fuel level measurement system comprising:
  • the floater configured to be floated by a fuel in a fuel tank
  • the fuel level measurement system further comprising: the remote controller that stores the fuel level communicated from the wireless network interface.
  • a method of adjusting an operation of a battery powered device comprising:
  • the raw fuel level data includes a rapid change in a fuel level in a fuel tank; and the adjusting operation includes increasing a frequency of generating an electronic report about the fuel level.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif, un système et un procédé destinés à communiquer sans fil le niveau de carburant d'un réservoir de carburant à une commande TRS. L'électronique du capteur de niveau de carburant, qui comprend un capteur de température servant à mesurer la température ambiante, est entièrement scellée et protégée des éléments. Le capteur de niveau de carburant peut se connecter et se déconnecter rapidement avec un ensemble flotteur mécanique et/ou un réservoir de carburant.
PCT/US2013/072471 2012-11-30 2013-11-29 Procédé de mesure de niveau de carburant alimentée par batterie WO2014085752A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201261732131P 2012-11-30 2012-11-30
US61/732,131 2012-11-30
US201361787757P 2013-03-15 2013-03-15
US61/787,757 2013-03-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014085752A1 true WO2014085752A1 (fr) 2014-06-05

Family

ID=50828509

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2013/072471 WO2014085752A1 (fr) 2012-11-30 2013-11-29 Procédé de mesure de niveau de carburant alimentée par batterie

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2014085752A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090064777A1 (en) * 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 Oscar Horacio Mundo Apparatus for measuring and/or controlling liquid levels
US20110140877A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-06-16 James Wilson Gilchrist Fuel monitoring apparatus and methods
US20120192646A1 (en) * 2010-01-20 2012-08-02 Envicor, Llc Storage tank assembly and system for storing waste cooking oil
US20120232777A1 (en) * 2009-10-21 2012-09-13 Add Electronic monitoring system enabling the calculation of actual fuel consumption and co2 emissions for a moving, stopped or operational aircraft, with or without fuel theft exclusion
US20120259560A1 (en) * 2011-04-11 2012-10-11 Schmitt Industries, Inc. Event monitoring and detection in liquid level monitoring system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090064777A1 (en) * 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 Oscar Horacio Mundo Apparatus for measuring and/or controlling liquid levels
US20110140877A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-06-16 James Wilson Gilchrist Fuel monitoring apparatus and methods
US20120232777A1 (en) * 2009-10-21 2012-09-13 Add Electronic monitoring system enabling the calculation of actual fuel consumption and co2 emissions for a moving, stopped or operational aircraft, with or without fuel theft exclusion
US20120192646A1 (en) * 2010-01-20 2012-08-02 Envicor, Llc Storage tank assembly and system for storing waste cooking oil
US20120259560A1 (en) * 2011-04-11 2012-10-11 Schmitt Industries, Inc. Event monitoring and detection in liquid level monitoring system

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