Bunker Fuel Monitoring Network for Real-Time Delivery Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bunkering operations at sea face challenges with inaccurate and unreliable fuel measurement reporting due to limitations in real-time monitoring and verification, especially in environments with limited or no broadband wireless or satellite connectivity, leading to potential malpractices and legal disputes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a data capture device, a monitoring unit with a processor and memory, and a private local area network with wireless transceivers for real-time data transmission and electronic signature verification between authorized users on both the supplying and receiving vessels, enabling accurate and efficient monitoring and verification of bunker fuel delivery processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional manual vessel sounding or dipping techniques are used to determine fuel amount, then the process is simple to implement, but the measurement precision is low and requires labor-intensive manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sounding/dipping techniques with electronic sensors and automated measurement systems. Flowmeters, level sensors, and temperature/pressure sensors automatically measure fuel quantity and properties, eliminating manual operations while providing precise digital readings for calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computing device as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensors (flowmeters, level sensors, temperature sensors) and automatically performs the complex calculations to determine fuel quantity. This intermediary processes the raw sensor data and generates accurate measurements without requiring manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If mass flowmeters are used to directly measure fuel mass, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and requires additional electronic control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement system with multi-functional components. The same sensor network and computing device used for primary measurement also perform secondary functions such as monitoring temperature, pressure, fuel properties, and generating multiple types of reports (delivery notes, invoices, analysis reports). This reduces overall system complexity by consolidating functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the measurement, calculation, data storage, and report generation functions into a single integrated computing device. Rather than having separate systems for each function, the patent combines them into one unified system that processes all measurement data and generates all required documentation automatically.
3Device complexity
If paper-based documentation and manual signing processes are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the loss of time for document exchange and verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical paper-based documentation and manual signing processes with electronic documentation and digital signatures. The computing device automatically generates electronic delivery notes, invoices, and analysis reports, and uses electronic signature capture to obtain authorized signatures, eliminating the need for physical document printing, signing, and manual exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic communication system as an intermediary that automatically transmits documentation between the first marine vessel and the second marine vessel. The system handles document generation, transmission, signature capture, and storage electronically, eliminating manual document handling and significantly reducing verification time.
4Reliability
If broadband wireless or satellite communications are used for real-time data transmission, then communication reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases and costs rise in marine environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication selectively rather than continuously. The system transmits data in real-time during active bunkering operations when communication is most critical, and reduces or suspends communication when operations are paused or completed. This partial usage maintains reliability during critical periods while reducing overall energy consumption.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for monitoring and verifying a delivery process during which a fluid is delivered, via a bunker line, from a supplying marine vessel to a receiving marine vessel in accordance with a set of preestablished contractual terms is disclosed. The system comprises a data capture device. In one embodiment, the data capture device is a measurement apparatus configured to measure one or more parameters related to the delivery process, such as a mass flow rate of the fluid through the bunker line or a density or a temperature of the fluid. The system further comprises a monitoring unit operably connected to the measurement apparatus to receive the measured parameters. The monitoring unit comprises a processor and a memory, the processor being configured to generate an electronic record comprising the parameter and to store the electronic record and/or the parameter in the memory. Advantageously, the system further comprises a private communications network comprising a wireless router connected to the monitoring unit, a wireless access point connected to the router and configured to provide a point-to-point wireless link between the supplying marine vessel and the receiving marine vessel, and a wireless client device of the wireless access point, the client device being located on the receiving marine vessel. The client device is configured to provide wireless access to the access point by one or more wireless communication devices of one or more authorised second users on the receiving marine vessel via the point-to-point wireless link. The processor is further configured to generate a dashboard, accessible to the first and second users having access to the private communications network, the dashboard being configured to present the electronic record to the first and second users and to accept an electronic signature of each of the first and second users to indicate, respectively, whether the first and second users have each positively verified the electronic record with respect to said preestablished contractual terms. The delivery process is verified when both the first and second users have provided their electronic signatures.