Systems and methods for monitoring energy distribution

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring energy distribution, by operating a large number of first sending devices (12) allocated to a large number of bonded warehouses (18), such that at least one batch ID label and a first quantity label are sent to the data storage device (10) of the system when energy media are transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse (18) to a transport medium (20) by means of the corresponding first sending device (12), and by operating a large number of second sending devices (14) allocated to a large number of energy transfer stations (24), such that at least one second batch ID label and a second quantity label are sent to the data storage device (10) when energy media are transferred from the corresponding transport medium (20) to the assigned energy transfer station (24) by means of the corresponding second sending device (14), and by determining and / or verifying, at least considering the first batch ID label and the second batch ID label and the first quantity label and the second quantity label stored in the data storage device (10), which of the large number of bonded warehouses (18) the second quantity of the energy media transferred to the energy transfer station (24) originates from.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system for monitoring energy distribution. Furthermore, this invention relates to a method for monitoring energy distribution. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, energy media, such as fuel, are intermediately stored in numerous bonded warehouses before being distributed to a large number of energy transfer stations, particularly refueling stations and / or gas stations. It is desirable that energy distribution from numerous bonded warehouses to numerous energy transfer stations ensure that each energy transfer station, designed to provide at least one climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly energy medium to intermediate and / or end consumers, is also supplied solely by at least one bonded warehouse that intermediately stores the corresponding climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly energy medium. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a system for monitoring energy distribution having the features of claim 1 and a method for monitoring energy distribution having the features of claim 8.

[0004] Advantages of the invention This invention provides an advantageous possibility for ensuring that, for each of a large number of energy transfer stations, the energy medium supplied there actually originates from a specific bonded warehouse within a large number of bonded warehouses used for intermediate storage of the corresponding energy medium. Therefore, this invention makes it impossible to "mix" energy medium with undesirable properties into one of the large number of energy transfer stations. Thus, this invention helps ensure that intermediate consumers and / or end consumers at each energy transfer station do indeed obtain energy medium with the properties they desire. In particular, this invention ensures for intermediate consumers and / or end consumers interested in purchasing climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly energy medium that the energy medium they extract or purchase actually also possesses the desired climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly properties. Therefore, this invention also helps incentivize intermediate and end consumers to purchase particularly climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly energy medium.

[0005] Bonded warehouses have a first sending device, and energy transfer stations, such as gas stations, have a second sending device. This also applies to a large number of bonded warehouses and / or a large number of gas stations.

[0006] In one advantageous embodiment of this system, a plurality of first transmitting devices are additionally designed and / or programmed such that, when a first quantity of energy medium is transferred from an associated bonded warehouse to a corresponding transport medium, information regarding the source of the transferred energy medium, the acquisition of the transferred energy medium, the composition of the transferred energy medium, and / or the climate and / or environmental burden arising from the acquisition and / or consumption of the transferred energy medium can also be transmitted to a data storage device by means of the corresponding first transmitting devices. A data analysis and evaluation device is additionally designed and / or programmed such that, taking into account at least the energy medium information stored in the data storage device, when at least a portion of the energy medium provided at the corresponding energy transfer station is transferred from that energy transfer station to an intermediate or final consumer, information regarding the climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly nature of the energy medium transferred to the intermediate or final consumer can be determined and output. The embodiment of the system described herein thus enables intermediate or final consumers to be reliably informed of the climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly nature of the energy medium they purchase. Intermediate and / or end consumers can therefore benefit from increased attention to the climate-friendliness and / or environmental friendliness of energy media when purchasing them.

[0007] For example, the energy medium information sent and stored may include the CO2 footprint of the transferred energy medium, sustainability documentation, flux of the energy medium transferred to the end consumer, the proportion of renewable energy medium components in the transferred energy medium, and / or the source of that proportion. This enables the data analysis and evaluation device to reliably (in the “provable” sense) and accurately determine the climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly information output by the data analysis and evaluation device regarding the energy medium transferred / sold to intermediate or end consumers.

[0008] Preferably, the sending device can transmit sustainability certificates to a data storage device. This is particularly preferably applicable to each sending device. The sustainability certificate data is updated along the supply chain from the energy medium from the bonded warehouse to the energy transfer station. Thus, for example, the CO2 footprint of the energy medium throughout the entire supply chain can be accumulated.

[0009] Advantageously, the energy medium information sent and stored is consistent with the energy medium information that can be sent to a legal database. Operators distributing energy media will then send the corresponding energy medium information (e.g., fuel) to the legal database. This information is particularly preferably consistent with current sustainability documentation.

[0010] Preferably, a plurality of second transmitting devices are additionally designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the corresponding second transmitting devices, each time at least a portion of the energy medium provided at the assigned energy transfer station is transferred from the assigned energy transfer station to any intermediate or final consumer, at least one partial quantity label of the transferred portion of the energy medium can be sent to the data storage device. The data analysis and evaluation device is additionally designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the data analysis and evaluation device, the actual liquid level of the corresponding energy transfer station can be determined, taking into account the second quantity label and the partial quantity label stored on the data storage device for the same energy transfer station. In the embodiment of the system described herein, the data analysis and evaluation device thus immediately identifies the situation of at least one energy transfer station “mixed in” by recognizing that the partial quantity label stored for the corresponding energy transfer station exceeds the stored second quantity label, or in other words, the actual liquid level of the corresponding energy transfer station becomes negative. Similarly, the data analysis and evaluation device can also recognize that there is no balance between the addition of energy to the corresponding energy transfer station and the extraction from the corresponding energy transfer station.

[0011] Preferably, a plurality of first transmitting devices are additionally designed and / or programmed such that when a first quantity of energy medium is transferred from an assigned bonded warehouse to a corresponding transport medium, the current first transfer time can also be transmitted to a data storage device via the corresponding first transmitting device. Similarly, a plurality of second transmitting devices are additionally designed and / or programmed such that when a second quantity of energy medium is transferred from a corresponding transport medium to an assigned energy transfer station, the current second transfer time can also be transmitted to the data storage device via the corresponding second transmitting device. The data analysis and evaluation device is additionally designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the data analysis and evaluation device, taking into account both the first and second transfer times stored in the data storage device, it can determine and / or verify which of the numerous bonded warehouses the second quantity of energy medium transferred to the energy transfer station originates from. Particularly in the embodiment of the system described herein, when the second quantity of energy medium transferred to the energy transfer station is clearly not from the desired bonded warehouse, the data analysis and evaluation device can reliably identify this situation based on the first and second transfer times.

[0012] As an advantageous further extension, the system may additionally include a plurality of third transmitting devices, which may or have been distributed to a plurality of transport media such that at least one third transmitting device may or has been arranged in and / or at each transport media. By means of these third transmitting devices, at least once a third batch ID (Batch-ID) and / or third quantity label of the third quantity of energy media transported via the assigned transport media can be sent to a data storage device between the transfer of the first quantity of energy media from the corresponding bonded warehouse to the assigned transport media and the subsequent transfer of energy media from the assigned transport media to the corresponding energy transfer station. The data analysis and evaluation device is additionally designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the data analysis and evaluation device, taking into account the third batch ID and / or third quantity label stored on the data storage device, it is possible to determine and / or verify which of the numerous bonded warehouses the second quantity of energy media transferred to the corresponding energy transfer station originates from. Therefore, the embodiment of the system described herein also includes monitoring of energy distribution during the transport of the corresponding energy media via a plurality of transport media. This also makes it difficult for energy media with adverse properties to "mix in" with at least one energy transfer station.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, a number of first transmitting devices can be designed and / or programmed such that, when the first quantity of energy medium is transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse to the corresponding transport medium, the corresponding first transmitting devices can also send a remaining load indication of another energy medium present on the corresponding transport medium prior to the transfer of the first quantity of energy medium to the data storage device. This makes it difficult for another energy medium already loaded on the corresponding transport medium prior to the transfer of the first quantity of energy medium to "mix in".

[0014] The aforementioned advantages are also ensured in the implementation of the corresponding method for monitoring energy distribution. It should be explicitly stated that the method for monitoring energy distribution can be further extended based on the above-described implementation of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of one implementation of a system for monitoring energy distribution; and Figure 2 : A flowchart for explaining one implementation of a method for monitoring energy distribution. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating one implementation of a system for monitoring energy distribution is shown.

[0017] exist Figure 1 The schematically illustrated system includes at least one data storage device 10, a large number of first (data) transmission devices / communication points 12, a large number of second (data) transmission devices / communication points 14, and a data analysis and evaluation device 16. The large number of first transmission devices 12 can be distributed / are distributed across a large number of bonded warehouses 18 such that at least one first transmission device 12 can be arranged / has been arranged in each bonded warehouse 18. Each bonded warehouse 18 can be understood as a storage location for energy media. The corresponding energy media can be intermediately stored at the bonded warehouse 18 provided for this purpose. The bonded warehouse 18 is therefore used to release at least one energy media to the market. At least one of the bonded warehouses 18 can in particular be a so-called tank farm. Figure 1 The illustration shows only one bonded warehouse 18 with a first sending device 12, for better clarity only.

[0018] Advantageously, data transfer occurs from the bonded warehouse 18 to the statutory database 50, for example, to Nabisy (Nachhaltige-Biomasse-System, Sustainable Biomass System). That is, the energy medium supplier sends energy medium information of the energy medium being transferred or placed on the market to the statutory database 50. This energy medium information preferably corresponds fully or partially to the sustainability certificate of the transferred energy medium.

[0019] The corresponding energy medium can be understood as an energy carrier, such as, in particular, a fuel or energy product. As at least one fuel, examples include hydrogen (H2), compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), kerosene, gasoline, diesel, marine fuel, biodiesel, engine oil, palm oil, hydrogenated / hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO), and / or paraffin fuels. However, the examples of fuels listed herein that can be used as energy media should not be construed as exhaustive. Electricity can also be a corresponding energy medium.

[0020] Each first transmitting device 12 is designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the corresponding first transmitting device 12, during the transfer of energy media from the assigned bonded warehouse 18 to one of the transport media 20 in a large number of transport media 20, data 22 can be transmitted / sent to the data storage device 10, such that the transmitted data 22 can be stored / stored on the data storage device 10. (Hereinafter, the bonded warehouse 18 equipped with the corresponding first transmitting device 12 is referred to as the assigned bonded warehouse 18.) Data 22 includes at least one batch ID mark and a first quantity mark regarding the first quantity of energy media transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse 18 to the corresponding transport media 20. The first batch ID mark can be understood as an identification mark regarding the energy media transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse 18 to the corresponding transport media 20, for example, particularly the batch ID of the energy media transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse 18 to the corresponding transport media 20.

[0021] A number of second transmitting devices 14 can be allocated / distributed to a number of energy transfer stations 24 such that at least one second transmitting device 14 can be arranged / has been arranged in each of the energy transfer stations 24. Each energy transfer station 24 can be understood as a site where at least one energy medium provided there can be transferred / sold to at least one intermediate consumer and / or end consumer. For example, at least one energy transfer station in the energy transfer stations 24 can be a sales station for at least one energy medium provided there. At least one energy transfer station in the energy transfer stations 24 can be, in particular, a refueling port and / or a stationary or mobile refueling station. Figure 1 The illustration of exactly three energy transfer stations 24 given in the diagram is merely illustrative for explanation purposes.

[0022] Each second transmitting device 14 is designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the corresponding second transmitting device 14, during the transfer of energy media from the corresponding transport medium 20 to the assigned energy transfer station 24, data 26 can be transmitted / sent to the data storage device 10 such that the transmitted data 26 can be stored / stored on the data storage device 10. (The energy transfer station 24 equipped with the corresponding second transmitting device 14 is referred to hereinafter as the assigned energy transfer station 24.) The data 26 transmitted to the data storage device 10 by the corresponding second transmitting device 14 includes at least one second batch ID label and a second quantity label regarding the second quantity of energy media transferred from the corresponding transport medium 20 to the assigned energy transfer station 24. The second batch ID label can be understood as an identification label regarding the energy media transferred from the corresponding transport medium 20 to the assigned energy transfer station 24, such as, in particular, a batch ID (from the corresponding bonded warehouse 18 and / or assigned to an intermediate warehouse), or a batch ID of the energy media transferred from the corresponding transport medium 20 to the assigned energy transfer station 24, which is a combination of at least two batch IDs.

[0023] Preferably, the data 26 transmitted by the corresponding second transmitting device 14 to the data storage device 10 also includes the delivery time of the energy medium transferred to the associated energy transfer station 24, such as a gas station. The delivery time of the energy medium can, for example, be used to protect against tampering with the data, especially with proof of sustainability.

[0024] The data analysis and evaluation device 16 is designed and / or programmed such that, with at least considering the first batch ID labels and second batch ID labels stored on the data storage device 10, it can determine / have determined and / or verify / have verified which of the numerous bonded warehouses 18 the second quantity of the energy medium transferred to the corresponding energy transfer station 24 originates from. For example, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can be designed and / or programmed to compare the identity labels of the first batch ID labels and the second batch ID labels with each other, and to compare the first quantity label and the second quantity label with each other. For example, if the identity labels of the first batch ID labels and the second batch ID labels are inconsistent with each other and / or the second quantity label is greater than the first quantity label, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can reliably identify that an attempt has been made to "mix in" the energy medium to the corresponding energy transfer station 24. Therefore, with the system described herein, it is possible to quickly and reliably identify that energy medium that does not originate from the declared / desired bonded warehouse 18, i.e., energy medium that may have less desirable characteristics, has been "mixed in" to the corresponding energy transfer station 24.

[0025] Specifically, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can be designed and / or programmed to output a corresponding warning message I1 to at least one person entrusted with monitoring the energy distribution from a large number of bonded warehouses 18 to a large number of energy transfer stations 24 when it is identified that the second quantity of energy medium transferred to the corresponding energy transfer station 24 does not (completely) originate from the declared / desired bonded warehouse 18. The system described herein ensures in this way that the energy medium supplied to the large number of energy transfer stations 24 actually also originates from the corresponding declared / desired bonded warehouse 18, and thus also ensures, through provably secure, that it possesses its desired characteristics. Therefore, the system described herein is responsible for enabling intermediate consumers and / or end consumers to better trust that the energy medium supplied at each energy transfer station 24 is indeed supplied to the corresponding energy transfer station 24 in a reliable manner in accordance with the desired energy distribution and accordingly possesses the respective desired characteristics. Therefore, the system described herein also increases the willingness of intermediate and / or end consumers to pay more for climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly energy media, because intermediate and / or end consumers can rely on the reliable compliance of their desired energy allocation at the corresponding energy transfer station 24.

[0026] Preferably, a number of first transmitting devices 12 are additionally designed and / or programmed such that, during the first transfer of energy medium from the associated bonded warehouse 18 to the corresponding transport medium 20, the data 22 transmitted to the data storage device 10 via the corresponding first transmitting devices 12 also includes so-called energy medium information. Particularly preferably, the energy medium information here includes a sustainability certificate or portions thereof. Where necessary, the energy medium information should be understood as information regarding the source of the transferred energy medium, the acquisition of the transferred energy medium, the composition of the transferred energy medium, and / or the climate and / or environmental burden arising from the acquisition and / or consumption of the transferred energy medium. Then, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 is preferably additionally designed and / or programmed such that, with the aid of the data analysis and evaluation device 16, taking into account at least the energy medium information stored on the data storage device 10, when at least a portion of the energy medium provided at the corresponding energy transfer station 24 is transferred from the corresponding energy transfer station 24 to the intermediate consumer or end consumer, information I2 regarding the climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly nature of the energy medium transferred / sold to the intermediate consumer or end consumer can be determined / has been determined and can be output / has been output.

[0027] Therefore, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can, with the aid of output information I2, specifically incentivize intermediate or end consumers to extract / purchase particularly climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly energy media each time at least a portion of the energy media provided at the corresponding energy transfer station 24 is transferred from the corresponding energy transfer station 24 to the corresponding intermediate or end consumer. The implementation of the system described herein in this way helps to promote the extraction / sale of climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly energy media while preventing intermediate and / or end consumers from extracting / purchasing energy media with climate-damaging and / or environmentally damaging characteristics.

[0028] The energy medium information sent and stored may include, for example, the CO2 footprint of the transferred energy medium, such as, in particular, sustainability certification, the proportion of renewable energy medium components in the transferred energy medium, and / or the source of that proportion. Furthermore, the energy medium information may include a transfer timestamp and the quantity of the transferred energy medium. Therefore, the information I2 output to the corresponding intermediate or end consumer may specifically include the CO2 footprint of the transferred / sold energy medium, the proportion of renewable energy medium components in the transferred / sold energy medium, and / or the source of that proportion. In this way, a strong incentive is provided to the corresponding intermediate or end consumer to extract / purchase energy medium from an ideal source with a good CO2 footprint and a relatively high proportion of renewable energy medium components.

[0029] As in Figure 1 As illustrated schematically, at least one of the energy transfer stations 24 may also include multiple energy medium warehouses 28, such as multiple storage tanks / underground storage tanks. The energy medium provided by each of these energy medium warehouses can be output to the corresponding intermediate or final consumer via its own extraction device 30. In this way, different energy media can also be provided at the same energy transfer station 24, wherein the total number of different energy media provided at the same energy transfer station 24 is preferably less than or equal to the total number of energy medium warehouses 28 of the corresponding energy transfer station 24. The energy medium warehouses 28 of the same energy transfer station 24 can be understood, for example, as different storage tanks. The number of energy medium warehouses 28 at each energy transfer station 24 can be varied among the energy transfer stations 24. For example, each could use a refueling nozzle as the extraction device 30.

[0030] In the transfer of energy media from the corresponding transport medium 20 to the assigned energy transfer station 24, the data 26 transmitted by means of the corresponding second transmitting device 14 may also include an energy media warehouse ID label for the corresponding energy media warehouse 28, into which a second quantity of energy media transferred to the assigned energy transfer station 24 is injected. The corresponding energy media warehouse ID label may specifically be the tank ID of the corresponding energy media warehouse 28, which is constructed as a storage tank. Therefore, intermediate or final consumers operating one of the multiple dispensing devices 30 (e.g., refueling pumps at a gas station) of the corresponding energy transfer station 24 may also be transmitted with information I2 regarding the climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly nature of the transferred / sold energy media, taking into account which energy media warehouse 28 the transferred / sold energy media was retrieved from by means of the corresponding dispensing device 30.

[0031] Optionally, a number of second transmitting devices 14 may also be designed and / or programmed such that, with the aid of the corresponding second transmitting devices 14, each time at least a portion of the energy medium provided at the assigned energy transfer station 24 is transferred from the assigned energy transfer station 24 to / sold to any intermediate or final consumer, additional data 32 may be transmitted to / sent to the data storage device 10, such that the transmitted data 32 may be stored on / stored on the data storage device 10. Such data 32 may, for example, be a quantity label of the transferred energy medium, or it may be the delivery or receipt time of the transferred energy medium.

[0032] As in Figure 1 As can also be seen, in an alternative embodiment, the system may also have a large number of third (data) transmitting devices / communication points 34, which are thus allocable / allocated to a large number of extraction devices 30 and / or energy medium warehouses 28 of the energy transfer station 24, such that at least one third transmitting device 34 can be / has been arranged in each extraction device 30 and / or at or on the corresponding associated energy medium warehouse 28 of the energy transfer station 24. If necessary, data 32 can be transmitted from the corresponding third transmitting device 34 of the extraction device 30 that transfers at least a portion of the energy medium provided at the associated energy transfer station 24 to the data storage device 10. The data 32 includes at least one partial quantity label regarding the partial quantity of energy medium transferred / sold; preferably, this is compared with the flow rate of energy medium through the extraction device 30. Optionally, data 32 may also include an energy medium warehouse ID label, such as, in particular, a tank ID, which indicates from which energy medium warehouse 28 the energy medium being transferred / sold was taken; thus, for example, the data on sustainability certification can be traced.

[0033] Advantageously, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can be additionally designed and / or programmed such that, considering the second quantity label and partial quantity label stored on the data storage device 10 for the same energy transfer station 24, the actual liquid level of the corresponding energy transfer station 24 / or each energy medium reservoir 28 of the energy transfer station can be determined / determined. Therefore, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can also identify when a larger quantity of energy medium is taken from the energy transfer station 24 / or the energy medium reservoir 28 of the energy transfer station than was previously input into that energy transfer station 24 / corresponding energy medium reservoir 28, i.e., the flow rate is no longer consistent. In this way, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can also reliably identify the "mixing" of energy medium that deviates from the data 22, 26, 32, and 38.

[0034] At least one energy transfer station 24, or at least one energy medium reservoir 28, may also be equipped with an energy medium level sensor, such as, in particular, a fuel level sensor. Whenever the level of the assigned energy transfer station 24 / assigned energy medium reservoir 28 experiences a significant increase or decrease, the corresponding energy medium level sensor can always send a trigger signal. In this way, it can also be ensured that each filling and removal from the corresponding energy transfer station 24 / assigned energy medium reservoir 28 can be monitored using the data storage device 10; the corresponding flow rate of the energy medium must be consistent.

[0035] Preferably, when the energy medium level sensor detects a significant change (increase or decrease) in the amount of energy medium in the corresponding energy medium reservoir 28, the second transmitting device 14 transmits data 26, 32 to the data storage device 10. Preferably, if the amount of energy medium increases, a quantity comparison is performed: - The amount of energy medium obtained by the energy medium level sensor is compared with the amount of energy medium stored in the energy medium information applied when the first energy medium is transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse 18 to the corresponding transport medium 20.

[0036] - and / or, the amount of energy medium obtained by the energy medium level sensor is compared with the amount of energy medium stored in the energy medium information applied during the energy medium transfer from the transport medium to the assigned energy transfer station 24.

[0037] - and / or, the amount of energy medium determined by the energy medium level sensor is compared with the amount or a portion thereof of the energy medium stored in the energy medium information applied during the energy medium transfer from the associated energy transfer station 24 to the extraction device 30.

[0038] For the last scenario, the applicable condition is that the energy medium information stored on the data storage device 10 is compared with the energy medium level sensor of the energy transfer station 24 regarding the amount of energy medium provided at least partially at the corresponding energy transfer station 24 when the energy medium is transferred from the corresponding energy transfer station 24 to the intermediate or final consumer. Here, data 26 sent from the second transmitting device 14 to the data storage device 10 is compared with additional data 32 relating to the energy medium provided from the assigned energy transfer station 24 to the intermediate or final consumer; this comparison must be reasonable in terms of quantity balance (flow rate) and medium type within the time period between level change timestamps.

[0039] Systems for monitoring energy distribution preferably utilize available data, or energy medium information, such as quantity markings and timestamps, to rationalize the following: the transport of energy mediums is uninterrupted, i.e., no energy is mixed in or removed. For this purpose, sustainability certificates with corresponding energy medium information are advantageously utilized. Such data can be shipper's shipping documents, consignee's receipt notices, timestamps, and sensor data. Sustainability certificates are particularly preferably maintained from the bonded warehouse to the end consumer and calculated accordingly when different energy mediums are mixed.

[0040] The transport medium 20 can be understood, for example, as a mobile medium, such as, in particular, trucks, ships and / or trains, and / or power transmission lines, by which the transport of energy media from the associated bonded warehouse 18 to the corresponding transport medium 20 to at least one desired energy transfer station 24 can be realized. At least one transport medium 20 can be, for example, a truck. As an advantageous further extension, the system can also additionally have a large number of fourth (data) transmitting devices / communication points 36, which are so distributable / allocated to a large number of transport media 20 that at least one fourth transmitting device 36 can be arranged / has been arranged in each transport medium 20.

[0041] Where necessary, each fourth transmitting device 36 is designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the corresponding fourth transmitting device 36, data 38 can be transmitted / sent to the data storage device 10 at least once between the energy medium transfer from the corresponding bonded warehouse 18 to the assigned transport medium 20 and the subsequent energy medium transfer from the assigned transport medium 20 to the corresponding energy transfer station 24, so that the transmitted data 38 can be stored / stored on the data storage device 10. (The transport medium 20 equipped with its own fourth transmitting device 36 is referred to below as the assigned transport medium 20.) The data 38 sent and stored may include, for example, a third batch ID label, a third quantity label regarding the third quantity of energy medium transported via the assigned transport medium 20, a quantity delivery time, a delivery document, and / or pump information regarding at least one pump of the assigned transport medium 20. The third batch ID label can be understood as an identification label regarding the energy medium transported via the assigned transport medium 20, such as, in particular, a batch ID of the energy medium transported via the assigned transport medium 20.

[0042] The data analysis and evaluation device 16 is preferably additionally designed and / or programmed such that, with the aid of the data analysis and evaluation device 16, and in addition to considering the data 38, it is possible to determine and / or verify which of the numerous bonded warehouses 18 the second quantity of energy medium transferred to the corresponding energy transfer station originates from. For example, if the identification label of the third batch ID label is inconsistent with at least one of the identification labels of the first batch ID label and the second batch ID label and / or if the second quantity label is greater than the third quantity label, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can reliably identify in this case an attempt to "mix" energy medium into the corresponding energy transfer station 24. Therefore, even during the transportation of the corresponding energy medium from the corresponding bonded warehouse 18 to the corresponding energy transfer station 24, the transmission and storage of the data 38 can ensure that high reliability is maintained while adhering to the desired quality and / or climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly characteristics of the energy medium provided at the corresponding energy transfer station 24.

[0043] Furthermore, if the third quantity is greater than the first quantity, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can identify that, prior to the transfer (immediate) of the first quantity of the energy medium from the corresponding bonded warehouse 18 to the corresponding transport medium 20, there was already a remaining quantity of another energy medium on the corresponding transport medium 20. Therefore, this "mixing attempt" by "mixing" the first quantity of the energy medium with the remaining quantity of another energy medium can also be verified by the data analysis and evaluation device 16.

[0044] Alternatively or supplementarily, a number of first transmitting devices 12 may also be designed and / or programmed such that, when the first quantity of energy medium is transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse 18 to the corresponding transport medium 20, a remaining load quantity label of another remaining quantity of energy medium present on the corresponding transport medium 20 prior to the transfer of the first quantity of energy medium can be sent / sent to the data storage device 10 as part of data 22, by means of the corresponding first transmitting device 12. In this case, an attempt to "mix in" through "dilution" can also be identified by means of the data analysis and evaluation device 16. Optionally, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can also identify when the remaining load quantity label sent and stored as a remaining load quantity label is inconsistent with the difference between the third quantity of energy medium and the first quantity of energy medium.

[0045] As an optional further extension, a number of first transmitting devices 12 and a number of second transmitting devices 14 can be additionally designed and / or programmed such that, not only when the first quantity of energy medium is transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse 18 to the corresponding transport medium 20, but also when the second quantity of energy medium is transferred from the corresponding transport medium 20 to the assigned energy transfer station 24, the current first or second transfer time, as part of data 22 or 32, can be transmitted / sent to the data storage device 10 by means of the corresponding first or second transmitting device 12 or 14. If necessary, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 is preferably designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the data analysis and evaluation device 16, taking into account the first and second transfer times stored on the data storage device 10, it is also possible to determine / have determined and / or verify / verify: which of the numerous bonded warehouses 18 the second quantity of energy medium transferred to the energy transfer station 24 originates from. For example, if the time difference between the second handover time and the first handover time is consistently high, the data analysis and evaluation device 16 can output the following message as a warning message I1: An investigation should be conducted into the possible causes of the relatively high time difference. The first handover time and the second handover time can be determined using timestamps, respectively. Data 32 and 38 may also optionally include additional handover times or transport times determined using timestamps.

[0046] As in Figure 1The diagram illustrates that a single transport medium 20 can supply multiple energy transfer stations 24, particularly with different types of energy media. However, this does not preclude reliable monitoring of energy distribution using the system described herein. Optionally, data 22 may also include the destination address of at least one energy transfer station 24 to be supplied via a corresponding transport medium 20. A delivery note for transport can be created at the corresponding bonded warehouse 18, including the destination address of the corresponding energy medium and its batch ID. The delivery note may also be sent to the data storage device 10 as part of data 38. Furthermore, data 22 may also include transport data and control system data in the form of electronic transport documents, such as freight documents supported by EDV.

[0047] Possibly, the transport medium 20 can intermediately store the corresponding energy medium in at least one fixed or mobile (not shown) intermediate warehouse among a large number of bonded warehouses 18 and a large number of energy transfer stations 24. If necessary, each intermediate warehouse can be equipped with at least one fifth (data) transmitting device, corresponding to the transmitting devices 12, 14, 34 and 36 previously labeled, to transmit corresponding data about the intermediately stored energy medium to the data storage device 10, which can then be analyzed and evaluated together by the data analysis and evaluation device 16.

[0048] The term "batch ID," which has been used several times previously, can be understood as a unique batch ID assigned to the corresponding energy medium at the bonded warehouse 18 used for intermediate storage of energy medium.

[0049] Figure 2 A flowchart is shown to explain one implementation of a method for monitoring energy distribution.

[0050] A large number of first-transmission devices are distributed across a large number of bonded warehouses, such that at least one first-transmission device is arranged in and / or at each bonded warehouse. In method step S1 of the method described herein, the first-transmission device is operated such that, by means of the corresponding first-transmission device, when transferring energy medium from the assigned bonded warehouse to one of the numerous transport media, at least one batch ID mark and a first quantity mark regarding the first amount of energy medium transferred to the corresponding transport media are sent to a data storage device. The batch ID mark and the first quantity mark are then stored in the data storage device.

[0051] A large number of second transmitting devices are thus distributed to a large number of energy transfer stations, such that at least one second transmitting device is arranged in and / or at each energy transfer station. As a method step S2, the second transmitting devices are operated such that, by means of the corresponding second transmitting device, when energy media are transferred from the corresponding transport medium to the assigned energy transfer station, at least one second batch ID label and a second quantity label regarding the second amount of energy media transferred to the assigned energy transfer station are sent to a data storage device. The second batch ID label and the second quantity label are also stored in the data storage device.

[0052] In subsequent method step S3, considering at least the first batch ID labels and the second batch ID labels stored on the data storage device, as well as the first quantity label and the second quantity label, it is determined or verified which bonded warehouse among the large number of bonded warehouses the second quantity of energy medium transferred to the energy transfer station originates from. The possibilities for implementing method step S3 have been explained above. Therefore, implementing the method described herein also provides the advantages listed above.

[0053] Optionally, method step S4 can be performed at least once between method steps S1 and S2, that is, between the transfer of the first quantity of energy medium from the corresponding bonded warehouse to the assigned transport medium and the subsequent transfer of the second quantity of energy medium from the assigned transport medium to the corresponding energy transfer station. A large number of third transmitting devices are distributed across a large number of transport media such that at least one third transmitting device is arranged in and / or at each transport medium. In method step S4, the third transmitting devices are operated such that, by means of the corresponding third transmitting device, at least one third batch ID label and / or a third quantity label relating to the third quantity of energy medium transported via the assigned transport medium is sent to a data storage device. The sent third batch ID label and / or third quantity label is stored in the data storage device. Accordingly, the third batch ID label and / or third quantity label stored in the data storage device can also be considered concurrently when performing method step S3.

[0054] As an advantageous further extension, the method may also include (optionally) a method step S5, which is performed when at least a portion of the energy medium provided by the corresponding energy transfer station is transferred from the energy transfer station to an intermediate or final consumer. However, this is contingent upon performing method step S1, i.e., when the first quantity of energy medium is transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse to the corresponding transport medium, information regarding the source of the transferred energy medium, its acquisition, its composition, and / or the climate and / or environmental burden arising from its acquisition and / or consumption, is also transmitted to a data storage device using a corresponding first transmitting device. In method step S5, considering at least the energy medium information stored on the data storage device, information regarding the climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly nature of the energy medium transferred to the intermediate or final consumer is determined and output.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring energy distribution, having: A large number of first transmitting devices (12) are distributed to a large number of bonded warehouses (18) such that at least one of the first transmitting devices (12) can be or has been arranged in each of the bonded warehouses (18), by means of the first transmitting devices, when energy medium is transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse (18) to one of the transport media (20) in a large number of transport media (20), at least one batch ID mark and a first quantity mark of the first quantity of energy medium transferred to the corresponding transport media (20) can be sent to the data storage device (10) of the system. A large number of second transmitting devices (14) are distributed, either in this way or in this way, to a large number of energy transfer stations (24), such that at least one second transmitting device (14) can be or has been arranged in each of the energy transfer stations (24), by means of which, during the transfer of energy media from the corresponding transport medium (20) to the assigned energy transfer station (24), at least one second batch ID mark and a second quantity mark of the second quantity of the energy media transferred to the assigned energy transfer station (24) can be sent to the data storage device (10); and The data analysis and evaluation device (16) can, with at least considering the first batch ID label and the second batch ID label and the first quantity label and the second quantity label stored on the data storage device (10), determine and / or verify which of the numerous bonded warehouses (18) the second quantity of the energy medium transferred to the corresponding energy transfer station (24) originates from.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, A number of first transmitting devices (12) are additionally designed and / or programmed such that when the first quantity of energy medium is transferred from the associated bonded warehouse (18) to the corresponding transport medium (20), information about the source of the transferred energy medium, the acquisition of the transferred energy medium, the composition of the transferred energy medium, and / or the climate and / or environmental burdens that occur when the transferred energy medium is acquired and / or consumed is also transmitted to the data storage device (10) by means of the corresponding first transmitting devices (12).

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The data analysis and evaluation device (16) is additionally designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the data analysis and evaluation device (16), when at least the energy medium information stored on the data storage device (10) is transferred from the corresponding energy transfer station (24) to the intermediate consumer or the final consumer, information (I2) regarding the climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly nature of the energy medium transferred to the intermediate consumer or the final consumer can be determined and output, taking into account at least the energy medium information stored on the data storage device (10).

4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The energy medium information sent and stored includes the CO2 footprint of the transferred energy medium, the proportion of the regenerable energy medium component in the transferred energy medium, and / or the source of the proportion of the regenerable energy medium component in the transferred energy medium.

5. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The energy medium information that is sent and stored includes proof of the sustainability of the energy medium being transferred.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The energy medium information that is sent and stored is consistent with the energy medium information that can be sent to the legal database (50).

7. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The energy medium information that is sent and stored includes the delivery time of the energy medium that is transferred.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A number of second transmitting devices (14) are additionally designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the corresponding second transmitting devices (14), each time at least a portion of the energy medium provided at the associated energy transfer station (24) is transferred from the associated energy transfer station (24) to any intermediate or final consumer, at least one partial quantity label of the transferred portion of the energy medium can be sent to the data storage device (10), and wherein the data analysis and evaluation device (16) is additionally designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the data analysis and evaluation device (16), the actual liquid level of the corresponding energy transfer station (24) can be determined, taking into account the second quantity label and partial quantity label stored on the data storage device (10) for the same energy transfer station (24).

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A number of first transmitting devices (12) are additionally designed and / or programmed such that, when the first quantity of the energy medium is transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse (18) to the corresponding transport medium (20), the current first transfer time can also be transmitted to the data storage device (10) by means of the corresponding first transmitting device (12). A number of second transmitting devices (14) are additionally designed and / or programmed such that, when the second quantity of the energy medium is transferred from the corresponding transport medium (20) to the assigned energy transfer station (24), the current first transfer time can also be transmitted to the data storage device (10) by means of the corresponding first transmitting device (12). The corresponding second transmitting device (14) can also transmit the current second transfer time to the data storage device (10), and wherein the data analysis and evaluation device (16) is additionally designed and / or programmed such that, with the aid of the data analysis and evaluation device (16), taking into account the first transfer time and the second transfer time stored on the data storage device (10), it is possible to determine and / or verify which of the numerous bonded warehouses (18) the second amount of energy medium transferred to the energy transfer station (24) originates from.

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system additionally includes a large number of third transmitting devices (36), which can or have been distributed to a large number of transport media (20) such that at least one third transmitting device (36) can be or has been arranged in each transport media (20), by means of which, between the transfer of the first quantity of energy medium from the corresponding bonded warehouse (18) to the assigned transport media (20) and the subsequent transfer of the second quantity of energy medium from the assigned transport media (20) to the corresponding energy transfer station (24), at least once the energy medium can be transferred with respect to the energy medium via the assigned transport media (20). At least one third batch ID label and / or third quantity label of the energy medium transported by the transport medium (20) is sent to the data storage device (10), and wherein the data analysis and evaluation device (16) is additionally designed and / or programmed such that, by means of the data analysis and evaluation device (16), taking into account the third batch ID label and / or third quantity label stored on the data storage device (10), it is possible to determine and / or verify which of the numerous bonded warehouses (18) the second quantity of the energy medium transferred to the corresponding energy transfer station (24) originates from.

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A number of first transmitting devices (12) are additionally designed and / or programmed such that when the first quantity of the energy medium is transferred from the associated bonded warehouse (18) to the corresponding transport medium (20), the remaining load of another energy medium present on the corresponding transport medium (20) prior to the transfer of the first quantity of the energy medium can also be sent to the data storage device (10) by means of the corresponding first transmitting device (12).

12. A method for monitoring energy distribution, comprising the following steps: A large number of first transmitting devices (12) are distributed to a large number of bonded warehouses (18) such that at least one first transmitting device (12) is arranged in and / or at each of the bonded warehouses (18), and the first transmitting devices are operated such that, by means of the corresponding first transmitting device (12), when energy medium is transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse (18) to one of the transport media (20) in a large number of transport media (20), at least one batch ID mark and a first quantity mark of the first quantity of energy medium transferred to the corresponding transport media (20) are sent to the data storage device (10) (S1). A large number of second transmitting devices (14) are distributed to a large number of energy transfer stations (24) such that at least one second transmitting device (14) is arranged in and / or at each of the energy transfer stations (24), and the second transmitting device is operated such that, by means of the corresponding second transmitting device (14), when energy medium is transferred from the corresponding transport medium (20) to the assigned energy transfer station (24), at least one second batch ID mark and a second quantity mark of the second quantity of energy medium transferred to the assigned energy transfer station (24) are sent to the data storage device (10) (S2); and Determine and / or verify, taking into account at least the first batch ID label and the second batch ID label and the first quantity label and the second quantity label stored on the data storage device (10): which of the numerous bonded warehouses (18) the second quantity of the energy medium transferred to the energy transfer station (24) originates from (S3).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, When the first quantity of energy medium is transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse (18) to the corresponding transport medium (20), information about the source of the transferred energy medium, the acquisition of the transferred energy medium, the composition of the transferred energy medium, and / or the climate burden and / or environmental burden that occurs when acquiring and / or consuming the transferred energy medium is also sent to the data storage device (10) by means of the corresponding first sending device (12).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, When the first quantity of energy medium is transferred from the assigned bonded warehouse (18) to the corresponding transport medium (20), the energy medium information about the delivery time of the transferred energy medium is also sent to the data storage device (10) by means of the corresponding first sending device (12).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, Taking into account at least the energy medium information stored on the data storage device (10), when at least a portion of the energy medium to be provided at the corresponding energy transfer station (24) is transferred from the corresponding energy transfer station (24) to the intermediate consumer or the final consumer, information on the climate-friendly and / or environmentally friendly nature of the energy medium transferred to the intermediate consumer or the final consumer is determined and output (I2) (S5).

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, Taking into account at least the energy medium information stored on the data storage device (10), when at least a portion of the energy medium provided at the corresponding energy transfer station (24) is transferred from the corresponding energy transfer station (24) to the intermediate consumer or the final consumer, the portion is compared with the energy medium level sensor of the energy transfer station (24).

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein, A large number of third sending devices (36) are distributed to a large number of transport media (20) such that at least one of the third sending devices (36) is arranged in and / or at each of the transport media (20), and the third sending devices are operated such that, by means of the corresponding third sending device (36), between the transfer of the first quantity of energy medium from the corresponding bonded warehouse (18) to the energy medium of the assigned transport media (20) and the subsequent transfer of the second quantity of energy medium from the assigned transport media (20) to the corresponding energy transfer station (24), at least once a third batch ID mark and / or third quantity mark of the third quantity of energy medium transported by means of the assigned transport media (20) is sent to the data storage device (10) (S4), and wherein, taking into account the third batch ID mark and / or the third quantity mark stored on the data storage device (10), it is determined or verified which of the large number of bonded warehouses (18) the second quantity of energy medium transferred to the energy transfer station (24) originates from.

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