WO2011051949A1 - Fuel tank monitoring system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

Real-time remote administering fuel supply to and from storage tanks that comprises continuously collecting raw data related to fuel parameters, at a rate substantially exceeding the rate of data time change, and associating collecting times with the data; calculating volumes of the fuel from the collected data; checking whether there is an event in a time interval based on checking if calculated volumes in the time interval satisfy predefined sets of inequalities; calculating a difference value of calculated volume at event end time minus calculated volume at event start time; comparing the difference to predefined first and second thresholds, determining the potential event to be a filling event if the difference is positive and larger than the first threshold, or an emptying event if the difference is negative and absolutely larger than the second threshold, and registering the filling or emptying event.

Description

FUEL TANK MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fluid storage tanks. In particular, the invention relates to monitoring the state of stationary fuel storage tanks and related electromechanical equipment fueled from these tanks.

BACKGROUND Stationary fuel storage tanks are commonly installed at factories, construction sites, warehouses, cellular transceiver stations and other such locations. In many cases, the stored diesel fuel is used as primary or backup electrical power supply means to a motor-generator pair (GenSet). In other cases, the tank may serve as a distribution point for fueling vehicles and other types of mobile machinery.

Stationary fuel storage tanks may be managed locally by on-site staff. Alternatively, remote site management may be used to monitor a plurality of storage tanks optionally stored in a plurality of locations. Management may include accurate measurements of fuel levels within a tank, tracking filling and dispensing events, coordinating efficient refilling schedules and identifying fuel leakage and theft, as well as condition monitoring of connected electromechanical equipment. Remote management typically relieves at least part of the need to occupy on-site personnel, thus being economically justifiable.

Systems for remote management of fuel tanks, however, may require complex electronic and mechanical equipment. Purchase, installation and maintenance of such equipment may be expensive. A compromise in equipment quality or data transmission rates may result in a system that is not sufficiently accurate or reliable. European patent application No. 2144044 to Lindcom ApS describes a system for remote transmission of information of at least one parameter indicative of a fluid contained in at least one reservoir to a remote user location outside the reservoir. The sensor means mentioned in the application are to be submersible in a fluid encapsulated in a housing along with at least part of a transmitter / receiver. The submersible housing and its components are to have a density that is higher than that of the fluid within the reservoir.

US patent No. 7,512,488 to Humphrey describes a system for delivering propane or other consumable liquid to remote customer tanks, using remote monitoring data to optimally schedule deliveries, improve safety, and other applications. Data is aggregated through a communication channel in a central station. In the patent, data is sampled on a daily basis, rather than a sample rate which may enable monitoring of more complicated events such as fuel leakage from the tank.

European Patent No. 1045228 to IMATEL SISTEMAS describes a system for measuring the contents of tanks using radio transmission. In this patent, the transmission channel is intermittent, based on changes in measurements and other parameters.

European Patent No. 1215471 to SENSILE TECHNOLOGIES describes a liquid level sensing system comprising a pressure sensor adapted to be immersed in the bottom of a liquid-filled tank and a communication unit for transmitting information from the sensor to a remote server. A broader system for acquiring data from a plurality of tanks, analyzing the data, identifying events, and generating responses to the events is not mentioned.

International patent application No. 03/091672 to titled "Remote

Measurement System" to DAT AC CONTROL LTD. describes a system having a magnetically-coupled sensor for providing a visual indication of a fluid level within a tank to a measurement unit. The measurement unit is capable of receiving data from the sensor and filtering excess data prior to transmitting it over public switched telephone networks. US Patent No. 7298278 to Robertshaw Controls Company titled "Automatic delivery/drain detection using a level monitoring system" describes a system and method for monitoring a level of product in a tank to detect delivery and drain operations. Operation consists of sampling and processing data at adaptable rates, a first rate for determining that a delivery or drainage event has begun and a second rate for determining that the event has ended.

The need remains for a real-time, simple, cost-effective, reliable solution for remote management of fuel tanks and related electromechanical equipment. Embodiments described hereinbelow address this need.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

According to one aspect, an online real-time fluid administration system is provided, the system comprising:

a Central Server System (CSS);

one or more remote terminal units (RTU) comprising a clock, an RTU power supply, at least one data logger, and a modem, situated remote to the CSS,

cellular communication channels continuously linking on-line the

RTUs to the CSS;

storage tanks comprising fluid, and

tank sensors, each tank sensor operationally connected and proximal to a RTU, operationally connected and installed in or proximal to one of the storage tanks,

the system configured to allow:

tank data representing values of a parameter of fluid in a tank to be acquired by the proximal RTU from a tank sensor connected thereof, and stored in the logger in association with the time at which the tank data is acquired; logger stored data to be continually transmitted by the RTU modem, in association with the time at which the transmitted data is acquired, to the CSS which is continuously linked thereto, and

transmitted tank data from the RTU to be converted in the CSS to real-time tank fluid parameter value reports and/or to be used to determine and report tank events related to the acquired tank data, wherein:

the tank fluid parameters are selected from one or more of the group comprising: fluid volume, temperature or level in the tank, tank filling or emptying (dispensing) start and end times thereof, amounts filled and dispensed respectively thereof,

the tank events are selected from one of the group comprising: tank filling or emptying, and anomalous events: fluid leakage or slow drain from the tank, low fluid volume in the tank, high tank temperature, excessive tank emptying, excessively rapid tank emptying,

unauthorized tank emptying, RTU power supply failure or glitch and communication interruption;

the tank data from the tank sensor is sampled at a first rate and raw digital data is transmitted from the RTU at a second rate, the first and second rates substantially exceeding rates of time changes in the tank data at the time of acquiring the tank data from the tank sensor, the second rate being lower than the first rate, and the first and second rate being fixed before the time of acquiring the tank data from the tank sensor.

In some preferred embodiments wherein the fluid is fuel, one or more of the RTU's may further be operationally connected to equipment sensors installed in electromechanical equipment (EME) proximal to the RTUs, the EME comprising electromechanical motors,

and the system is typically further configured in those preferred embodiments to allow:

EME data representing values of a parameter of the EME to be acquired by the proximal RTU from an equipment sensor operationally connected thereof, and stored in the logger in association with the time at which the EME data is acquired, and transmitted EME data to be converted in the CSS to real-time EME parameter values and/or to be used to determine and report EME anomalous events related to the acquired EME data,

wherein:

the EME parameters are selected from one or more of the group comprising: EME fuel use, EME fuel use rate, EME fuel use efficiency, EME voltages, EME currents, motor instantaneous power, motor on/off operating times, motor temperatures and motor oil pressure,

the EME anomalous events are selected from one of the group comprising: excessive EME fuel consumption rate, low EME fuel use efficiency, unbalanced phase voltages, low power, low voltage, high phase current, low motor oil pressure, high motor temperature.

Such systems synergistically administer the tanks and EMEs, for example some anomalies related to the tanks may also indicate problems with EMEs, and vice versa.

The system may further be configured to make the reports available to remote site operators, the reports further selected from a group comprising alarms alerting to events and values calculated from the raw digital data, on a scheduled basis and/or on-demand via internet connection to the CSS;

wherein alarms to anomalous events are indicated in real-time on a web page and tracked by the CSS, and optionally reportable real-time to the site operators by SMS and/or e-mail.

In some embodiments, the CSS is continuously connected to the RTU which continually communicates with the CSS on the continuously open communication link by means allowing multiple distinguishable

communications to be conducted with multiple RTUs in parallel, the

conduction in parallel comprising applying appropriate modulation to the communication. The communication channels may each operate according to a standard, each standard selected for example from the group comprising: "General Packet Radio Service" (GPRS) and "Global System for Mobile Communication" (GSM) cellular network (GPRS/GSM) ,and the RTUs further comprise each an antenna and SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card for transmission and reception by GPRS/GSM.

In some embodiments, at least one sensor is operationally connected to a RTU via a transducer.

The systems may further comprise:

tank instrumentation operationally connected and installed proximal to the tanks,

the RTU's further comprising: one or more digital and communication input circuits configured for continually sampling data from sensors, relay contacts and one or more output circuits for implementing control instructions from the CSS, the control instructions comprising relay activation and data acquisition commands to said tank instrumentation, and

the loggers each further comprising means to store data acquired from a sensor operationally connected thereof, from the last point in time or before the logger stored data was transmitted to the CSS.

Some embodiments further comprise:

EME instrumentation operationally connected and installed in or proximal to the EME,

the RTU's further comprising: one or more digital and communication input circuits configured for continually sampling data from sensors, relay contacts and one or more output circuits for implementing control instructions from the CSS, the control instructions comprising relay activation and data acquisition commands to said EME instrumentation, and the loggers each comprising means to store data acquired from a sensor operationally connected thereof, from the last point in time or before the logger stored data was transmitted to the CSS. The RTU power supply is for example one or more power sources selected from a group comprising on-site mains power, a battery or onsite generator, wind or solar-generated power source and combinations thereof.

Preferably, tank sensors operationally connected and installed in or proximal to a fluid storage tank are selected from one or more of the group comprising: pressure sensor, fluid temperature sensor, strain sensor and level sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is capable of measuring pressure at a known depth in the tank, and the level sensor is selected from a group comprising: ultrasound, float, capacitive, resistive, microwave, and magnetic.

In some embodiments, the systems comprise both pressure and temperature sensors, the pressure sensor providing pressure data and the temperature sensor providing temperature data, wherein digital pressure and temperature data are stored in the logger in association with the time at which the tank data are acquired, and transmitted as associated pairs to the CSS, the CSS being capable of calculating the level and/ or volume of a fluid column in the tank, above the pressure sensor.

Preferably, the fluid temperature and pressure sensors are installed in the tanks.

In some embodiments, the CSS is further configured to allow:

checking whether first calculated volumes or levels associated with a first time interval satisfy a predefined set of inequalities Θ;

declaring the start of said first time interval as the start time of a potential event, if the first calculated volumes or levels satisfy the predefined set of inequalities Θ ;

checking whether second calculated volumes or levels associated with a second time interval satisfy a predefined set of inequalities Ω; to declare the start of said second time interval as the end time of a potential event, if the second calculated volumes or levels satisfy the predefined set of inequalities Ω;

calculating a difference value of calculated volume or value associated with the end time minus a calculated volume or value, respectively, associated with the start time;

comparing said difference to predefined first and second thresholds, and

determining the potential event to be a filling event if the difference is positive and larger than the first threshold, or an emptying event if the difference is negative and absolutely larger than the second threshold, and

registering the filling or emptying event.

The CSS is preferably further configured to allow one or more of:

reporting the calculated volumes and/or levels as a function of time, reporting the filling and emptying events, reporting the start and end time of said events and the calculated differences.

In even more preferred embodiments, further configured to allow determining one-step volume, level or pressure perturbations, summing said one-step perturbations over a third time interval, and comparing said sum to a predefined third threshold , and declaring a leak from the tank when said sum exceeds said third threshold.

In some embodiments, the RTU's further comprise: input circuits;

the fluid tanks comprising fuel tanks;

at least one fuel tank supplying fuel to a combustion motor, wherein an input circuit of RTUs operationally connected to fuel tanks supplying fuel to combustion motors are capable of signaling ON and OFF times of the motor operation, and the RTU capable of continually sampling and storing the circuit's signal, and continually transmitting accumulated circuit data to the CSS, the CSS being capable of storing the transmitted circuit data and calculating: fuel consumed by the motor over intervals during which the motor has been operating by subtracting from the volume value at the end of the interval the volume value at its beginning, and

sum total of fillings that took place over said interval and emptying i.e. fuel dispensed other than to the motor, that took place over the interval, divided by the actual operating time of the motor over said interval, and reporting the result in fuel volume units per operating hour.

The combustion motor may be the prime mover of an electricity generator comprising a controller and or transducers operationally connected to the RTU, wherein the system is configured to allow electrical parameters of the generator to be inputted to the RTU either via appropriate transducers and/or read from the generator controller by means of a communication cable, the CSS or controller being capable of calculating the energy generated by the generator over any specified time interval based on said electrical parameters, and the CSS being capable of calculating over said specified interval the ratio of the amount of energy produced over the interval divided by the amount of fuel consumed by the motor over the interval.

Some embodiments are configured to make the reports available to remote site operators, the reports further selected from a group comprising alarms alerting to events and values calculated from the raw digital data, on a scheduled basis and/or on-demand via internet connection to the CSS, the CSS configured to register the start and end times of the alarms and to track the alarm from the start time until the end time.

The CSS may be configured to allow the operators to select time periods during which fuel dispensing is not permitted and set in the CSS thresholds related to the acquired data, to determine alarms, the thresholds comprising: low tank fluid volume, high tank fuel temperature, excessive tank emptying amounts, excessive rates for emptying of tank, excessive tank fuel use, low motor oil pressure, high EME temperatures, high EME phase currents, low EME phase voltages, and unbalanced EME phase voltages. The CSS may further be configured to allow proprietary access to the CSS via an internet web site to continually or periodically view displays, the reports selected from one or more of a group comprising: statistical evaluation of the values, alarms, daily summaries of events, and to set thresholds and time intervals during which fuel dispensing (emptying) is not authorized.

Preferably, the CSS is capable of storing data obtained from the RTUs for extended terms.

In some embodiments, the extended term is at least one year.

In some embodiments, the CSS further comprises a data base for each EME comprising past EME data, the CSS configured to allow access to said data and use of the data in on-going condition monitoring of the operation of the EME.

Some preferred embodiments are further configured to allow: automatic responses to the events to be communicated back to an RTU, which in turn is capable of performing at least one of the actions selected from a group comprising: generating noisy or silent alarms proximal to the tank,

disconnecting fluid supply from a least one tank to at least one dispensing pump or machinery, disconnecting electricity from at least one dispensing pump coupled to at least one tank, shut down at least one GenSet coupled to at least one tank, activate at least one onsite camera or video proximal to at least one tank and/or at least one said Genset.

In some embodiments, the responses are selected by an operator or manager of a site comprising at least one tank and/or or EME coupled thereof.

In some embodiments the RTU further comprises at least one analog to digital (A/D) converter, and at least part of the tank data from the sensor is analog. In some embodiments, the EME comprises at least one generator.

According to another aspect, a method of real-time remote administering of fuel supply to and from storage tanks for containing fuel is provided, the administering comprising:

continuously collecting raw data related to fuel parameters selected from one or more of the group comprising: fuel level, fuel temperature, fuel volume and fuel pressure in each tank, the collecting being at a rate substantially exceeding the rate of time change in the data at the time of collecting the data, and associating collecting times with the data;

calculating levels or volumes of the fuel from the collected data;

checking whether first calculated volumes or levels associated with a first time interval satisfy a predefined set of inequalities Θ;

declaring the start of said first time interval as the start time of a potential event, if the first calculated volumes or levels satisfy the predefined set of inequalities Θ;

checking whether second calculated volumes or levels associated with a second time interval satisfy a predefined set of inequalities Ω;

to declare the start of said second time interval as the end time of a potential event, if the second calculated volumes or levels satisfy the predefined set of inequalities Ω;

calculating a difference value of calculated volume or value associated with the end time minus a calculated volume or value, respectively, associated with the start time;

comparing said difference to predefined first and second thresholds, and

determining the potential event to be a filling event if the difference is positive and larger than the first threshold, or an emptying event if the difference is negative and absolutely larger than the second threshold, and

registering the filling or emptying event.

In some preferred embodiments, the method further comprises reporting: the calculated volumes and/or levels as a function of time,

the filling and emptying events;

the start and end time of said events, and

the calculated differences. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining one- step volume, level or pressure perturbations summing said one-step perturbations over a third time interval, and comparing said sum to a predefined third threshold, and

declaring a leak from the tank when said sum exceeds said third threshold.

Preferably, the method further comprises real-time remote administering of electromechanical equipment (EME) configured to receive fuel from said tanks, the EME comprising electromechanical motors,

the further administering comprising:

continuously collecting raw data related to fuel use and power of the EME (EME data), the collecting being at a rate substantially exceeding the rate of time change in the data at the time of collecting the data, and associating collecting times with the data;

calculating fuel use efficiency, power and/or fuel use rate from the collected EME data;

comparing fuel use efficiency, power and/or fuel use to predefined reference values, and

determining an EME anomalous event selected from one or more of the group comprising: excessive EME fuel consumption rate, and low EME fuel use efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

With specific reference now to the drawing in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention; the description taken with the drawing making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 A illustrates a fuel tank capable of communicating with a dedicated terminal unit (RTU);

Figure 1 B illustrates a fuel tank coupled to an electromechanical system

(GenSet);

Figure 2 illustrates three RTUs in communication with a central server system (CSS);

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the functional components of an RTU;

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a CSS and a display terminal 40 communicating via a communication channel;

Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of an algorithm for event analysis;

and

Figures 6A - 6E illustrate different data display options.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of a system and method for remote management of liquid storage reservoirs such as stationery fuel tanks are disclosed hereinbelow. The system may be used for example and without limitation for managing a set of stationery fuel tanks belonging to a single company. Management may include monitoring fuel tank levels, scheduling fuel tank refilling routes for tanks with depleted supplies, identifying events such as refueling (filling) of tank, dispensing from tank (emptying), fuel leakage or fuel theft, and generating automatic responses to such events. SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Reference is now made to Figure 1a illustrating a basic embodiment of a fuel tank 10 coupled with at least one sensor 12 capable of communicating with a dedicated terminal unit 20. Terminal unit 20 will be referred to herein as Remote Terminal Unit (RTU). RTU 20 is typically capable of receiving information acquired by sensor 12 and communicating with a central station (not shown) via wired or wireless connection means 22.

Sensor 12 may be a representative of a sensor subsystem capable of acquiring information about the state of the tank or its contents, for example and without limitation sampling the fuel level or volume in the tank at a given point in time. Sensor subsystem 12 may comprise for example and without limitation one or more of mechanical float type devices, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, or utilize ultrasound or microwave technologies for fluid level determination.

In a preferred embodiment, a sensor subsystem may comprise an impermeable tube, impermeable envelopment or pipe housing containing a pressure sensing element in contact with the fluid inside the tank, pressure transducer and a temperature sensing device. The sensing element is typically located near or at the bottom of the housing. The housing is typically submerged within the fluid in the tank such that its bottom end is in proximity of the tank's bottom and its upper end is securely fastened at the top of the tank. Cables can be stretched in the housing from the sensors located at the bottom of the housing to the top, and may exit the housing from its upper end and terminate at the RTU. Alternatively, wireless communication can be used to transfer data obtained by sensors to the RTU.

Reference is now made to Figure 1 b illustrating a basic embodiment of fuel tank 10 coupled to an electromechanical equipment (EME) or electromechanical system such as a diesel motor-generator set 14 (GenSet) comprising a motor 16 and a generator 18. Fuel is typically fed via a dedicated fuel line to Genset 14. Optionally, Genset 14 or EME may include elements such as a constant engine speed regulator, controller or governor, cooling and exhaust systems, lubrication systems, transducers or the like. In this embodiment, sensors and transducers located in or on fuel tank 10, motor 16 and generator 18 carry data and/or electrical signals to and from RTU 20.

Reference is now made to Figure 2 illustrating three RTUs 20A, 20B,

20C in communication with a central server system (CSS) 30. RTUs are optionally located at different physical sites, geographically apart from each other. CSS 30 is capable of receiving data from a plurality of RTUs, storing the data in a central data store, processing the data, generating statistics, and other such activities which will be described in detail hereinbelow.

Reference is now made to Figure 3 illustrating a schematic block diagram of the functional components of an RTU 20. Analog input from sensors is entered into input circuitry 24, passing through an analog to digital converter 26 and stored in digitized and binary form at data logger 28. Data is typically retained in data logger 28 until transmitted via communication unit 22. Optionally data can be stored for an extended time in the logger. Alternatively, data may be erased from the logger after a copy of the data is transmitted to the CSS, preferably after confirmation that the data was accurately stored in the CSS. Discrete input data, such as the contacts state of relay, open or closed, is fed directly to the data logger. Data transmission can be automatic and triggered according to programmed commands from an administrative unit (not shown), located in the RTU or optionally located remotely on the CSS.

RTU's are typically operationally connected to equipment sensors installed in electromechanical equipment (EME) having electromechanical motors, or installed in GenSets proximal to the RTUs. Value pparameters related to the EME or GenSet may be acquired by the proximal RTU from an equipment sensor operationally connected thereof, and stored in the logger in association with the time at which the EME or GenSet data is acquired.

Preferably, the data inputted into RTU 20 is sampled at a rate that is substantially higher than the change rate characterizing the process or processes being monitored by the sensors. Typically, the rates are fixed before the time of acquiring data from the sensors.

Part or all of the sampled data may be transmitted to CSS 30 at a rate at least equal to or less than the sampling rate but also substantially higher than the change rate characterizing the process or processes. Because the rate of arrival of the samples in CSS 30 is relatively high when compared to the monitored processes, CSS 30 can treat received data as a substantially accurate real-time reading of progress of the processes. CSS 30 can then emulate the states and dynamics of processes taking place within the tank, such as start, in-process, end of events such as filling, emptying, low volume, high temperature and instance of the start of abnormally fast changing dynamics characteristic of a major fuel theft or massive leak, as well as other situations demanding prompt attention, and enables reliable tracking of situations with slow dynamics such as slow fuel tank leakage.

The sample rate of the inputted data and transmission rate from RTU

20 to CSS 30 may be constant, for example and without limitation a sample rate of one sample per second and a transmission rate of one transmission per 30 seconds. Data logger 28 and communication unit 22 may be used to transmit part or all of the sampled data at a constant transmission pace or in burst-like bulk transmissions. Alternatively, the sample rate and transmission rate may vary, and optionally be configurable for example according to commands received from the CSS. In some embodiments, the RTU may comprise certain computational capabilities thus enabling some parallelization of processing resources.

In preferred embodiments, the processing of sampled data by the

RTUs is minimal or nil, thus allowing minimal reliance of the CSS on the need for remote processing.

The communication channel between an RTU 20 and a CSS 30 may be a bi-directional channel that is continuously open. Continual data transmission from the RTU to the CSS over a continuously open channel at a rate as described above may be implemented or, alternately, the request for data transmission may be continually initiated at the CSS, and the data requested are transmitted as per command. The CSS may send control commands to other devices which may be connected to RTU 20. CSS 30 may also institute programmable changes in RTU 20, for example and without limitation calibration of some or all of the sensors, data logger clock checking / resetting at every communication, thresholds for events or selection of variables to be sampled.

In various embodiments communication unit 22 may contain a modem equipped with a subscriber identity module (SIM) card for data communication with CSS 30 by general packet radio service (GPRS) over the cellular global system for mobile communications (GSM) or, in short, GPRS/GSM. It should be clear to the reader that this communication method is only one of several available and its use in a preferred embodiment does not restrict the scope of the invention.

Reference is made to Figure 4, illustrating a schematic block diagram of CSS 30 and a display terminal 40 communicating via a communication channel 50. CSS 30 typically comprises a server 32, a data storage unit 34 and a communication unit 36 capable of continuous, simultaneous communication with a plurality of RTUs and with at least one display terminal 40. Data storage units 34 are typically arranged such that separate files are used to store data received from different RTUs. Data storage units may further include separate files for defined client groups of RTUs, client groups such as "RTU operators", "RTU administrators" or other client groups which suit requirements. Data files may contain measurements transmitted from the RTU, resultant calculations, alarms and reports.

A human operator 60 may log into a display terminal 40 comprising a display unit 42 used to present data to the user. Display unit 42 may be for example and without limitation, one or more of computer screens, laptops, PDAs, cellular phone screens, printed sheets, and integrated LCD screens (e.g. TFT, touch screens). Display terminal 40 may be wired locally to CSS 30, or alternatively situated at a remote location, in which case communication channel 50 may be for example the internet. Human operator 60 may then view data obtained from a plurality of RTUs. An access control model may be applied, in which a human operator is requested to insert credentials and gain access to data about specific RTUs reporting to him. Operator 60 can immediately select a specific RTU site to view real-time graphical presentations and of past 24 hour operation or view the real-time summary file page on which all sites are summarized.

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION Embodiments of a system for remote management of liquid storage reservoirs such as stationery fuel tanks comprise a Central Server System (CSS) linked by communication channel to one or more remotely situated terminal units (RTU) containing data loggers. Data loggers typically store sampled digital data values as functions of time, sampled at rates sufficiently exceeding rates of the time changes in the variables being logged. Each such RTU continually transmits to the CSS, via the communication channel. The transmission rate is typically at a frequency equal to or less than the data sampling rate such that the data received at the CSS can be treated as a substantially real-time reading of the process.

· Data is being continually acquired from sensors and transducers that are connected to the RTU's and are installed in, at or in close proximity to a fluid storage tank where they measure fluid parameters and other variables;

• Data is transmitted by the RTUs to the CSS continually and then utilized in algorithms in the CSS to calculate the fluid volume in the tank, determine tank filling and emptying (dispensing) events, their start and end times, the amounts filled and dispensed respectively, and irregular events, including, but not restricted to, detection of fluid leakage or slow drain, low fluid volume, high tank temperature, excessive emptying event, abnormal emptying rate, unauthorized emptying event and communication interruption. In a preferred system, the fluid is fuel. One or more RTU's are connected to sensors installed in or in proximity to electromechanical equipment, for purposes of condition monitoring of electrical and mechanical operating parameters. Values obtained from the sensors are logged by the RTU's and transmitted to the CSS where they are used to determine and track fuel use efficiency of the equipment, irregular operating conditions and developing potential maintenance problems.

The systems also make available to the remote site operators reports on operating data, calculations derived from them and alarms, on a scheduled basis and on-demand via internet connection to the CSS; alarms of anomalies are indicated substantially in real time on the web page and tracked by the CSS and can optionally be promptly reported to the site operator by SMS and e-mail.

RTUs continual communication on a continuously open communication link with CSS may be done by means of "General Packet Radio Service" (GPRS) on a "Global System for Mobile Communication" (GSM) cellular network (hereinafter GPRS/GSM) or by any other means by which continuous communication can be maintained and over which multiple distinguishable communications can be conducted in parallel from and to all the RTU's such as, but not restricted to, radio, microwave and the like with appropriate modulation schemes. For the sake of enabling communication, RTU's are each typically equipped with modem, antenna and SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card for transmission and reception by GPRS/GSM.

RTU's may comprise several analog, digital and communication, such as RS282, input circuits for continually sampling data from sensor, sensor transducer instrumentation and relay contacts at the remote site at a rate at least equal to that of the continual communication to the CSS and with means to store such data from at least the last point in time at which such stored data were downloaded to the CSS. RTUs typically comprise several output circuits for implementing control instructions from the CSS such as relay activation and data acquisition from onsite instrumentation. RTU's can be powered by either on site mains' power, battery or onsite generated power derived from a GenSet or EME , the sun and/or wind, or by any combination of these power sources. The sensor and transducers of an RTU typically include one pressure sensor and one temperature sensor which measure respectively the pressure at a known depth in the tank and the fluid temperature, or a level sensor such as, but not restricted to, ultrasound or magnetic flood types, from which data are acquired, stored, and transmitted to the CSS at the RTU's next transmission instant. For each such tank the volume data calculation may further be converted to volume at a fixed reference temperature such as but not limited to 15 degrees Celsius.

Typically, the CSS acquires and stores acquired sensor and transducer data stored at each RTU and, for the case of an RTU with pressure and temperature sensors, for each pressure temperature data pair acquired by the CSS the CSS first calculates, using known formulae and fluid properties (i.e. density), the level of the fluid column above the pressure sensor.

In some embodiments, the CSS at each data sample time uses the calculated level or measured level as the case may be, to calculate the volume of the fluid in the tank. In an embodiment the volume calculation may be made at a fixed reference temperature such as but not limited to 15 degrees Celsius. Volume calculation may be performed using tank dimension, shape and calibration data previously stored in the CSS. This data can be used to discern filling (i.e. fluid added to tank) and dispensing or emptying (i.e. fluid removed from tank) events, their start, end and amount and for displaying volume as a function of time. This calculation may be done by means of a forward looking perturbation algorithmic methodology checking at each sample time if near future volume calculations stay outside of a predefined perturbation envelope constructed emanating from the volume of said sample time and if so to declare such sample time as the start of a potential event, and to track it at each sample time until the volume value stabilizes by remaining within a second predefined perturbation envelope for a specified time interval and declaring the time of entry into the stabilization envelope as the end point of the potential event and thereupon comparing the difference between the volume value at the end time and that at the start time and comparing this to predefined thresholds for determining if the potential event is a filling or emptying event to be registered as such or a non-event to be ignored.

Reference is now made to Figure 5 illustrating a block diagram 80 of an algorithm for event analysis. In this diagram, boxes numbered 81 - 85 represent analysis steps, and arrows represent optional flow paths from one analysis box to another.

The dynamics of the algorithm for event analysis are generic to other analyses used, in whole or in part, in the invention (e.g. low volume, high temperature, communication interruption, volume quantization for graphics) and are characterized by detection of start time (start), tracking (in-process) and termination (end).

The algorithm variables are described herein:

j - a time index, capable of receiving ascending non-negative values, for example j=0, 1 , 2... etc.

h - a positive integer

Vsubj - the value at the discrete sample time j of the variable being tested

The algorithm is described herein:

A (Box 81), B (Box 82) and C (Box 83) - state variables taking on the binary values of either 1 or 0.

Asubj, Bsubj and Csubj indicate the binary state of the variables A, B, and C respectively at time j.

The symbol means "satisfies".

p - a specified value for the variable,

λ - a specified value for the variable.

FfVsubj, ...,VsubG+h)] - is a multi-dimensional vector function (h+1 dimensions) of future values of volume Vsubj over the time interval [tsub(j), .-- , tsub(j+h)] G[Vsubj, ...,Vsub(j+q)] - is a multi-dimensional vector function (q+1 dimensions) of future values of volume Vsubj over the time interval [tsubG), ... , tsubQ+q)]

The Greek letters Θ and Ω represent sets of inequalities / constraints for the values of a set of the variable sampled at specified sample times.

Dsubj (Box 84) is the value of the sampled variable at the beginning of the potential event which is being carried forward to the end of it.

The algorithm is described herein:

Box 81 - "start" detection at sample time j ( or tsubj) of a potential event:

IF F[Vsubj, ....Vsubfl+h)] Θ, h>0

AND Bsubj=0, AND Csubjio

Then Asubj=1 , otherwise 0 Box 82 - "in-process" at time j

IF [AND(OR(Asub(j-1)=1 ,Bsub(j-1)=1),Csubj=0)]

Then Bsubj=1 , otherwise 0

Box 83 - "end' at time j

IF G[Vsubj, VsubG=q)] C Ω, q>0

AND[OR(BsubG-1)=1 ,AsubG-1 )=1)]

Then Csubj=1 , otherwise 0

Box 84 - the value Dsubj of the volume of the potential event at start time j is stored until "end" time is indicated

IF Asubj=1 , Then Dsubj=Vsubj

IF Asubj=0 AND[OR(Bsubj=1 ,Csubj=1)]Then Dsubj=DsubG-1 ) IF[AND(Asubj=0,Bsubj=0,Csubj=0)] Then Dsubj=0 Box 85 - at the "end" time of the potential event the determination of its value Esubj and type is made, and to calculate the appropriate event volume value.

filling; Esubj>p

emptying; EsubjoA

a non-event event if neither of these conditions is met

IF Csubj=1 , Then Esubj=Vsubj-Dsubj, otherwise 0 IF Esubj>p , p>0, a fill event at time j is registered, IF Esubj<-A, λ>0, an emptying event at time j is registered.

Each box is synchronized by the indicated clock input and all boxes 81 , 82, 83, 84 and 85 also receive the volume value Vsubj as an input. The positive state of box 81 , at time j (Asubj) is confirmed if the m-dimensional vector function F of future values of volume Vsubj over the time interval [tsub(j), ... , tsub(j+h)], where h is a positive integer, satisfies inequalities as defined in the set symbolized by Θ, and if time j is neither an "in-process" nor an "end" time.

The rules for tracking the potential event are defined in box 82. The "end" of the potential event is determined in box 83; if the n-dimensional vector function G of future values of volume over the time interval [tsub(j), tsub(j+q)], where q is a positive integer, is such the G satisfies inequalities as defined in the set symbolized Ω, and if either Bsub(j-1)=1 or Asub(j-1)=1. Clearly, the function F and G and the sets Θ and Ω must be consistently defined. In box 84 the value of the volume at the start time is stored and in box 85 at end time a determination of whether the potential event is a valid event, and if so its value is registered and declared, i.e. filling; Esubj>p , emptying; EsubjoA, or a non-event event if neither of these conditions is met.

The logic of a formula for determining Positive One-Step VolumePerturbation is enclosed herein. In this formula,

i - represents a time index, i=0, 1 , 2... etc.

Vsubi - represents the fuel volume in tank at discrete sample time i α = a positive number less than the volume change resulting from a positive one-step A/D jump.

β = a positive number less than the volume change resulting from a positive two-step A/D jump and greater than a one-step jump.

a and β may be functions of Vsubi.

Ssubi = 1 (0) if sample time i is (not) a start time for a potential filling or emptying event.

Tsubi = 1 (0) if sample time i is (not) an in-process time of a potential filling or emptying event.

Usubi = 1 (0) if sample time i is (not) an end time for a potential filling or emptying event.

Then, the logic formula for a positive one-step volume perturbation is as follows: IF (AND (a < Vsub(i+1 ) - Vsubi < β, Vsub(i+2) - Vsub(i+1 ) < a, Ssubi =

0, Tsubi = 0, Usubi = 0) then

sample time i is a one-step positive perturbation, otherwise not.

In some embodiments, one-step volume or pressure perturbations, or both, of digital A/D resolution size, positive (negative) perturbations having positive (negative) value, may be summed up over various time intervals and such sums may be compared to predefined thresholds, which are functions of tank size and fluid volume, for the purpose of detecting leaks and slow draining of fluid from the tank. In some embodiments, as indicated in the above one-step positive perturbation formula if at time tsubi an filling or emptying event is not taking place, i.e. tsubi is neither a start, in-process nor end time, a one step positive (negative) perturbation is defined to be a one step positive (negative) change in the A/D output from time tsubi to time tsub(i+1) that does not increase (decrease) in value at step tsub(i+2). A positive (negative) perturbation is assigned the value +1 (-1). Such perturbations may be summed up over various time intervals and such sums may be compared to predefined thresholds, which are functions of tank size and fluid volume, for the purpose of detecting leaks and slow draining of fluid from the tank. The above logic formula is presented for detecting a 1 step positive volume perturbation. The negative form of the formula will be clear to the skilled observer.

In some embodiments, one or more of the RTU's monitors a fuel tank supplying fuel to a combustion motor, and such an RTU has connected to one of its input terminals a circuit which signals the ON and OFF times of motor operation and whose signal is continually sampled and stored at the RTU. Accumulated data is typically continually transmitted to and stored in the CSS in which the calculation of the fuel consumed by the motor over intervals during which the motor has been operating is made by subtracting from the volume value at the end of the interval the volume value at its beginning and the sum total of fillings that took place over the said interval and adding the negative sum total of the emptying events that took place over the interval, then dividing the resultant amount by the actual operating time of the motor over said interval, the result being in liters per operating hour.

In some embodiments, the combustion motor is the prime mover of an electricity generator electrical parameters of which are inputted to the RTU either via appropriate transducers and/or read from the generator controller by means of a communication cable, with a data interface such as RS232, connecting the RTU and the controller. The electrical parameters include at least those necessary for the CSS to calculate the energy generated by the generator over any specified interval (e.g. voltages, currents, power factors) and/or a controller calculated value of such energy which is read by the RTU; which the CSS uses to calculate over any such specified interval the ratio of the amount of energy produced over the interval divided by the amount of fuel consumed by the motor over the interval, e.g. in KWH/Liter.

In some embodiments, RTU's may include expanded computer capacity enabling such RTU to calculate some or all of the functions specified herein before the results of which are transmitted to CSS in manners specified herein. Embodiments of the system may be able to detect tank events such as but not limited to tank filling or emptying. Embodiments are typically further capable of detecting anomalous events in the tank such as fluid leakage or slow drain from the tank, low fluid volume in the tank, high tank temperature, excessive tank emptying, excessively rapid tank emptying, unauthorized tank emptying, RTU power supply failure or glitch and communication interruption.

Embodiments may include alarms such as low fluid (e.g. fuel) volume, high fluid (e.g. fuel) temperature, excessive emptying amount, unauthorized emptying, excessively fast emptying rate, excessive fuel use (e.g. in liters/ operating hour and/or in KWH/liter), low motor oil pressure, high motor temperature, high generator temperature, high phase current, low phase voltage, unbalanced phase voltages, overloaded generator, on battery, power outage, power low, slow fuel drain, communication interruption. By means of a reduced version (i.e. boxes 81 , 82, and 83) of the event analysis algorithm illustrated in Figure 5 The start time of each alarm situation is typically registered at the CSS and the alarm situation is tracked until the alarm situation has ended, and the end time is registered. A human operator can, where appropriate, select and record at the CSS alarm thresholds for alarms.

Typically, a remote site operator has proprietary access to the CSS via an internet web site to continually or periodically view displays of present realtime and past remote site operating data, fluid (e.g. fuel) consumption statistics data, present alarms, past alarms, to receive daily site summaries and make changes in thresholds and system settings.

In preferred embodiments, data obtained from RTUs over time is stored by the CSS in a data store for an extended term (e.g. exceeding one year). The data store may be a database constructed at the CSS, for each remote site installation with RTU monitored motor-generator pair, containing past operating data of the motor-generator pair and for use in on-going condition monitoring of said motor-generator operation. DATA DISPLAY

A software application is typically used to analyze data stored at the CSS and for different purposes, and display the analysis results in various formats to a user. Display format types discussed hereinbelow should not be looked at as binding or restrictive in any way.

Substantially-real-time "summary" screens may include:

• Presenting real-time summary of fuel tank activity, such as current volume, volume change over a period of time, filling and emptying events over a period of time, GenSet fuel use rate, GenSet energy production efficiency and number of active alarms, 24 hour graphs of these changing values may be presented for example to the right, respectively, of each of the variables mentioned above, along with the graph for the GenSet showing on/off operating times. Generating "real-time" periodic reports, for example, activity reports for a period of 24 hours, presented in graphical or tabular form;

^• Presenting data measurements and resultant calculations;

^• Presenting events occurring at the RTU, including emptying and filling events, times and amounts, alarms, their duration and present status; and

^• Presenting states of various relay inputs and GenSet operational variables, such as but not limited to on/off time graph, voltages, currents, instantaneous power, electrical energy produced, GenSet fuel use and energy production efficiency, 24 hour graphs of these changing values may be presented for example to the right, respectively, of each of the variables mentioned above,

• Retrieving archived reports according to day, time, alarm severity or the like.

A sample "fuel report" screenshot is demonstrated in Figure 6A, showing a representation of fuel level 102, fuel volume 104 and fuel temperature 106. Figure 6B further shows a representation of GenSet use of fuel in the previous 24 hours 108. Data is presented in a summary form and in graphic form. The summary form may include data such as "last recorded parameter value", and the graphic form shows the change in the parameter over time, for example change in the fuel volume over time.

A Tilling events" screen may present filling events in tabulation and in bar-graph forms. Data for the events may include event times and filling amounts. An "events" screenshot is demonstrated in Figure 6C for a specific fuel tank, showing a representation of tank filling events 112 and a representation of tank emptying events 1 14. In this screenshot, no filling events occurred, and a tracking of emptying events is presented in bar graph 1 14.

A 24-hour "alarm report" screen may include data about alarms:

• Alarm time of occurrence, respective event start time, end time, or continuing status;

· Alarm type, which may vary and include alarm types for low fuel volume, high tank temperature, excessive emptying event, excessive GenSet fuel use, low GenSet energy production efficiency, fuel drain (leakage or deliberate slow draining), on battery, power outage / power low and communication interruption.

A "configuration" screen may enable an operator to define thresholds and settings for various alarms and reports. This is demonstrated in Figure 6D, where boxes 122, 124, 126 and 128 are used for defining the minimum fuel volume 122, minimum fuel level in centimeters 124, maximum fuel temperature 126 and minimal emptying volume 128 for which alarms should be generated.

• A particular example is demonstrated via the "real-time fuel report" where thresholds for events such as low fuel volume, high tank temperature, excessive emptying amount, and excessive GenSet fuel use are selectable. An operator may select the time of day for daily generation of scheduled 24-hour reports, define specific dates and times unauthorized emptying (i.e. dispensing) periods.

A substantially real-time "GenSet report" screen may be included when the system comprises both a tank and GenSet type machinery. The format for this page may be somewhat similar to that of "substantially-real-time fuel report" screen, and may display elements such as but not limited to:

• Present (i.e. time of report) values for motor temperature, generator temperature, generator temperature, power being generated, phase voltages, phase currents and 24 hour graphs of these variables.

• 24 hour energy production and the calculated KWH/liter efficiency rates may be tabulated. This is demonstrated in Figure 6E, showing power and energy consumption, currents and voltages.

• Alarms for low oil pressure, high motor temperature, high phase current, low phase voltage, unbalanced phase voltages, overloaded generator, and low GenSet efficiency.

• Thresholds for GenSet alarms may be defined via the configuration screen, typically with the exception of the unbalanced voltages, which is factory set.

Display methods may vary to suit requirements, according to scale. Some displays may be targeted to suit requirements of a human operator located physically at a site containing the liquid storage tank, and some displays may be intended for a human operator managing a set of stationery fuel tanks belonging to a single fuel company. Management may include monitoring fuel tank levels, scheduling fuel tank refilling routes for tanks with depleted supplies, identifying events such as fuel leakage or fuel theft, and generating automatic responses to such events.

Automatic responses to the events may be communicated back to an

RTU, which in turn can generate noisy or silent alarms at the site, disconnect fuel supply to a dispensing pump or machinery, disconnect electricity from a dispensing pump, shut down a GenSet, activate an onsite camera or video or any other responses as defined by a site operator or multi-site manager.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

In the claims, the word "comprise", and variations thereof such as "comprises", "comprising" and the like indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components.

Claims

1. An online real-time fluid administration system comprising:

a Central Server System (CSS);

one or more remote terminal units (RTU) comprising a clock, an RTU power supply, at least one data logger, and a modem, situated remote to the CSS,

cellular communication channels continuously linking on-line the RTUs to the CSS;

storage tanks comprising fluid, and

tank sensors, each tank sensor operationally connected and proximal to a RTU, operationally connected and installed in or proximal to one of the storage tanks,

the system configured to allow:

tank data representing values of a parameter of fluid in a tank to be acquired by the proximal RTU from a tank sensor connected thereof, and stored in the logger in association with the time at which the tank data is acquired;

logger stored data to be continually transmitted by the RTU modem, in association with the time at which the transmitted data is acquired, to the CSS which is continuously linked thereto, and

transmitted tank data from the RTU to be converted in the CSS to real-time tank fluid parameter value reports and/or to be used to determine and report tank events related to the acquired tank data, wherein:

the tank fluid parameters are selected from one or more of the group comprising: fluid volume, temperature or level in the tank, tank filling or emptying (dispensing) start and end times thereof, amounts filled and dispensed respectively thereof, the tank events are selected from one of the group comprising: tank filling or emptying, and anomalous events: fluid leakage or slow drain from the tank, low fluid volume in the tank, high tank temperature, excessive tank emptying, excessively rapid tank emptying,

unauthorized tank emptying, RTU power supply failure or glitch and communication interruption;

the tank data from the tank sensor is sampled at a first rate and raw digital data is transmitted from the RTU at a second rate, the first and second rates substantially exceeding rates of time changes in the tank data at the time of acquiring the tank data from the tank sensor, the second rate being lower than the first rate, and the first and second rate being fixed before the time of acquiring the tank data from the tank sensor.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid is fuel, and one or more of the RTU's are further operationally connected to equipment sensors installed in electromechanical equipment (EME) proximal to the RTUs, the EME comprising electromechanical motors,

the system further configured to allow:

EME data representing values of a parameter of the EME to be acquired by the proximal RTU from an equipment sensor operationally connected thereof, and stored in the logger in association with the time at which the EME data is acquired, and transmitted EME data to be converted in the CSS to real-time EME parameter values and/or to be used to determine and report EME anomalous events related to the acquired EME data,

wherein:

the EME parameters are selected from one or more of the group comprising: EME fuel use, EME fuel use rate, EME fuel use efficiency, EME voltages, EME currents, motor instantaneous power, motor on/off operating times, motor temperatures and motor oil pressure,

the EME anomalous events are selected from one of the group comprising: excessive EME fuel consumption rate, low EME fuel use efficiency, unbalanced phase voltages, low power, low voltage, high phase current, low motor oil pressure, high motor temperature.

3. The system of claims 1 or 2, configured to make the reports available to remote site operators, the reports further selected from a group comprising alarms alerting to events and values calculated from the raw digital data, on a scheduled basis and/or on-demand via internet connection to the CSS;

wherein alarms to anomalous events are indicated in real-time on a web page and tracked by the CSS, and optionally reportable real-time to the site operators by SMS and/or e-mail.

4. The system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the CSS is continuously connected to the RTU which continually communicates with the CSS on the continuously open communication link by means allowing multiple distinguishable communications to be conducted with multiple RTUs in parallel, the conduction in parallel comprising applying appropriate modulation to the communication.

5 The system of claim 3, wherein the communication channels each operate according to a standard selected from the group comprising: "General Packet Radio Service" (GPRS) and "Global System for Mobile Communication" (GSM) cellular network (GPRS/GSM) ,and the RTUs further comprise each an antenna and SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card for transmission and reception by GPRS/GSM.

6 The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one sensor is operationally connected to a RTU via a transducer.

7 The system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

tank instrumentation operationally connected and installed proximal to the tanks,

the RTU's further comprising: one or more digital and communication input circuits configured for continually sampling data from sensors, relay contacts and one or more output circuits for implementing control instructions from the CSS, the control instructions comprising relay activation and data acquisition commands to said tank instrumentation, and the loggers each further comprising means to store data acquired from a sensor operationally connected thereof, from the last point in time or before the logger stored data was transmitted to the CSS.

8 The system of claim 2 or 6, further comprising:

EME instrumentation operationally connected and installed in or proximal to the EME,

the RTU's further comprising: one or more digital and communication input circuits configured for continually sampling data from sensors, relay contacts and one or more output circuits for implementing control instructions from the CSS, the control instructions comprising relay activation and data acquisition commands to said EME instrumentation, and

the loggers each comprising means to store data acquired from a sensor operationally connected thereof, from the last point in time or before the logger stored data was transmitted to the CSS.

9. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the RTU power supply is one or more power sources selected from a group comprising on-site mains power, a battery or onsite generator, wind or solar-generated power source and combinations thereof.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein tank sensors operationally connected and installed in or proximal to a fluid storage tank are selected from one or more of the group comprising: pressure sensor, fluid temperature sensor, strain sensor and level sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is capable of measuring pressure at a known depth in the tank, and the level sensor is selected from a group comprising: ultrasound, float, capacitive, resistive, microwave, and magnetic.

1 1. The system of claim 10, comprising both pressure and temperature sensors, the pressure sensor providing pressure data and the temperature sensor providing temperature data, wherein digital pressure and temperature data are stored in the logger in association with the time at which the tank data are acquired, and transmitted as associated pairs to the CSS, the CSS being capable of calculating the level and/ or volume of a fluid column in the tank, above the pressure sensor.

12. The system of claim 10 or 1 1 , in which the fluid temperature and pressure sensors are installed in the tanks.

13. The system of claim 1 1 , the CSS further configured to allow:

checking whether first calculated volumes or levels associated with a first time interval satisfy a predefined set of inequalities Θ;

declaring the start of said first time interval as the start time of a potential event, if the first calculated volumes or levels satisfy the predefined set of inequalities Θ ;

checking whether second calculated volumes or levels associated with a second time interval satisfy a predefined set of inequalities Ω;

to declare the start of said second time interval as the end time of a potential event, if the second calculated volumes or levels satisfy the predefined set of inequalities Ω;

calculating a difference value of calculated volume or value associated with the end time minus a calculated volume or value, respectively, associated with the start time;

comparing said difference to predefined first and second thresholds, and

determining the potential event to be a filling event if the difference is positive and larger than the first threshold, or an emptying event if the difference is negative and absolutely larger than the second threshold, and

registering the filling or emptying event.

14. The system of claim 13, the CSS further configured to allow one or more of: reporting the calculated volumes and/or levels as a function of time, reporting the filling and emptying events, reporting the start and end time of said events and the calculated differences.

15. The system of claim13, further configured to allow determining one-step volume, level or pressure perturbations, summing said one-step perturbations over a third time interval, and comparing said sum to a predefined third threshold , and

declaring a leak from the tank when said sum exceeds said third threshold.

16. The system of claim 13 further comprising:

the RTU's further comprising input circuits;

the fluid tanks comprising fuel tanks;

at least one fuel tank supplying fuel to a combustion motor, wherein an input circuit of RTUs operationally connected to fuel tanks supplying fuel to combustion motors are capable of signaling ON and OFF times of the motor operation, and the RTU capable of continually sampling and storing the circuit's signal, and continually transmitting accumulated circuit data to the CSS, the CSS being capable of storing the transmitted circuit data and calculating:

fuel consumed by the motor over intervals during which the motor has been operating by subtracting from the volume value at the end of the interval the volume value at its beginning, and

sum total of fillings that took place over said interval and emptying i.e. fuel dispensed other than to the motor, that took place over the interval, divided by the actual operating time of the motor over said interval, and reporting the result in fuel volume units per operating hour.

17. The system of claim 16, in which the combustion motor is the prime mover of an electricity generator comprising a controller and or transducers operationally connected to the RTU, wherein the system is configured to allow electrical parameters of the generator to be inputted to the RTU either via appropriate transducers and/or read from the generator controller by means of a communication cable, the CSS or controller being capable of calculating the energy generated by the generator over any specified time interval based on said electrical parameters, and the CSS being capable of calculating over said specified interval the ratio of the amount of energy produced over the interval divided by the amount of fuel consumed by the motor over the interval.

18. The system of claim 13, configured to make the reports available to remote site operators, the reports further selected from a group comprising alarms alerting to events and values calculated from the raw digital data, on a scheduled basis and/or on-demand via internet connection to the CSS, the CSS configured to register the start and end times of the alarms and to track the alarm from the start time until the end time.

19. The system of claim 3, wherein the CSS is configured to allow the operators to select time periods during which fuel dispensing is not permitted and set in the CSS thresholds related to the acquired data, to determine alarms, the thresholds comprising: low tank fluid volume, high tank fuel temperature, excessive tank emptying amounts, excessive rates for emptying of tank, excessive tank fuel use, low motor oil pressure, high EME

temperatures, high EME phase currents, low EME phase voltages, and unbalanced EME phase voltages.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the CSS is further configured to allow proprietary access to the CSS via an internet web site to continually or periodically view displays, the reports selected from one or more of a group comprising: statistical evaluation of the values, alarms, daily summaries of events, and to set thresholds and time intervals during which fuel dispensing (emptying) is not authorized.

21. The system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the CSS is capable of storing data obtained from the RTUs for extended terms.

22. The system of claim 21 , wherein the extended term is at least one year.

23. The system of claim 2, the CSS further comprising a data base for each EME comprising past EME data, the CSS configured to allow access to said data and use of the data in on-going condition monitoring of the operation of the EME.

24. The system of claim 1 or 2, further configured to allow: automatic responses to the events to be communicated back to an RTU, which in turn is capable of performing at least one of the actions selected from a group comprising: generating noisy or silent alarms proximal to the tank, disconnecting fluid supply from a least one tank to at least one dispensing pump or machinery, disconnecting electricity from at least one dispensing pump coupled to at least one tank, shut down at least one GenSet coupled to at least one tank, activate at least one onsite camera or video proximal to at least one tank and/or at least one said Genset.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the responses are selected by an operator or manager of a site comprising at least one tank and/or or EME coupled thereof.

26. The system of claim 1 , wherein the RTU further comprises at least one analog to digital (A/D) converter, and at least part of the tank data from the sensor is analog.

27. The system of claim 2, wherein the RTU further comprises at least one analog to digital (A/D) converter, and at least part of the tank data from the sensor is analog.

28. The system of claim 2, wherein the EME comprises at least one generator.

29. A method of real-time remote administering of fuel supply to and from storage tanks for containing fuel, the administering comprising:

continuously collecting raw data related to fuel parameters selected from one or more of the group comprising: fuel level, fuel temperature, fuel volume and fuel pressure in each tank, the collecting being at a rate substantially exceeding the rate of time change in the data at the time of collecting the data, and associating collecting times with the data;

calculating levels or volumes of the fuel from the collected data;

checking whether first calculated volumes or levels associated with a first time interval satisfy a predefined set of inequalities Θ;

declaring the start of said first time interval as the start time of a potential event, if the first calculated volumes or levels satisfy the predefined set of inequalities Θ;

checking whether second calculated volumes or levels associated with a second time interval satisfy a predefined set of inequalities Ω; to declare the start of said second time interval as the end time of a potential event, if the second calculated volumes or levels satisfy the predefined set of inequalities n;

calculating a difference value of calculated volume or value associated with the end time minus a calculated volume or value, respectively, associated with the start time;

comparing said difference to predefined first and second thresholds, and

determining the potential event to be a filling event if the difference is positive and larger than the first threshold, or an emptying event if the difference is negative and absolutely larger than the second threshold, and

registering the filling or emptying event.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising reporting:

the calculated volumes and/or levels as a function of time,

the filling and emptying events;

the start and end time of said events, and

the calculated differences.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising determining one-step volume, level or pressure perturbations summing said one-step perturbations over a third time interval, and comparing said sum to a predefined third threshold, and

declaring a leak from the tank when said sum exceeds said third threshold.

32. The method of any one of claims 29, 30 or 31 , further comprising real-time remote administering of electromechanical equipment (EME) configured to receive fuel from said tanks, the EME comprising electromechanical motors, the further administering comprising:

continuously collecting raw data related to fuel use and power of the EME (EME data), the collecting being at a rate substantially exceeding the rate of time change in the data at the time of collecting the data, and associating collecting times with the data; calculating fuel use efficiency, power and/or fuel use rate from the collected EME data;

comparing fuel use efficiency, power and/or fuel use to predefined reference values, and

determining an EME anomalous event selected from one or more of the group comprising: excessive EME fuel consumption rate, and low EME fuel use efficiency.