U.S. patent application number 13/890218 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-14 for holding tank monitoring system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Logimesh IP, LLC. Invention is credited to William J. Gillette, II.
Application Number | 20130304385 13/890218 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49547580 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130304385 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gillette, II; William J. |
November 14, 2013 |
HOLDING TANK MONITORING SYSTEM
Abstract
A holding tank monitoring system includes a sensor that is
preferably located near the input of a holding tank and measures
characteristics of the fluid entering the holding tank over time to
predict the expected remaining production in the well.
Inventors: |
Gillette, II; William J.;
(Fort Collins, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Logimesh IP, LLC |
Cheyenne |
WY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49547580 |
Appl. No.: |
13/890218 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61644093 |
May 8, 2012 |
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61785430 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61785802 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61785877 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61785910 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61785931 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61785959 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61785005 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61786043 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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61786057 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02D 2041/288 20130101;
H02J 50/00 20160201; F02D 41/1497 20130101; H01M 10/052 20130101;
F02D 45/00 20130101; G01M 15/12 20130101; H02J 7/35 20130101; F02F
7/006 20130101; H01M 2/1686 20130101; Y10T 137/0324 20150401; H01L
35/10 20130101; H01M 2/145 20130101; Y02T 10/40 20130101; F02D
2200/021 20130101; H02J 7/0042 20130101; F02F 7/0068 20130101; B65D
25/38 20130101; G06Q 10/06 20130101; E21B 47/007 20200501; H01M
2/1653 20130101; G01M 15/102 20130101; F02B 77/085 20130101; G01N
33/0075 20130101; G01J 5/025 20130101; F02D 41/22 20130101; H02J
7/00 20130101; G06G 7/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/6 |
International
Class: |
E21B 49/08 20060101
E21B049/08 |
Claims
1. A holding tank monitoring system comprising: a sensor device
configured to receive total dissolved solids (TDS) data of a stored
fluid from a TDS sensor in real-time, wherein the TDS sensor is
located near an input of a holding tank storing the stored fluid;
wherein the TDS sensor data is used to determine water production
of a natural resource well; and wherein predictive analysis is used
to determine expected remaining production of the well based in
part on the water production.
2. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the TDS
sensor is an electrical conductivity meter.
3. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 2, wherein the
electrical conductivity meter is configured to measure a salt
solution percentage of the stored fluid.
4. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the
stored fluid is water by-product produced by a fracking well.
5. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 1, further
comprising a central server configured to receive the TDS data from
the sensor device.
6. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the TDS
data is transmitted to the central server in real-time.
7. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the TDS
data is transmitted to the central server in batch format.
8. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the
sensor device is configured to filter the TDS data into a reduced
subset of TDS data.
9. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 8, wherein the
sensor device is configured to transmit the reduced subset of TDS
data to at least one of the coordinator or the central server.
10. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 9, wherein the
reduced subset of TDS data is transmitted to the at least one of
the coordinator or the central server in real-time.
11. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the
sensor device is configured to transmit the TDS data to a
coordinator, wherein the coordinator is in communication with the
central server.
12. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 11, wherein the
coordinator is configured to filter the TDS data into a reduced
subset of TDS data.
13. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 12, wherein the
coordinator is configured to transmit the reduced subset of TDS
data to the central server.
14. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the
reduced subset of TDS data is transmitted to the central server in
real-time.
15. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 13, wherein the
reduced subset of TDS data is transmitted to the central server in
batch format.
16. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the
sensor device comprises: a controller operatively coupled to the
TDS sensor, wherein the controller is configured to receive the TDS
data from the TDS sensor; and a wireless communication device
coupled to the controller, wherein the wireless communication
device is configured to communicate with the central server.
17. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 16, wherein the
sensor device further comprises: a processor in communication with
the TDS sensor and the wireless communication device; and a memory
in communication with the processor and storing instructions
executable by the processor for: receiving the TDS data from the
TDS sensor; and transmitting at least a portion of the TDS data to
another sensor device via the wireless communication device.
18. The holding tank monitoring system of claims 1-17, wherein the
sensor device further comprises a power source for powering the
sensor device.
19. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 18, wherein the
power source comprises one or more of a battery and a
capacitor.
20. The holding tank monitoring system of claim 19, wherein the
power source comprises a battery, and the sensor device further
comprises an energy harvester coupled to the power source for
recharging the battery.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to the following
applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/644,093
filed May 8, 2012 and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE
ASSET MONITORING"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/785,430 filed Mar. 14, 2013 and entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS
FOR REMOTE ASSET MONITORING"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/785,802 filed Mar. 14, 2013 and entitled "VALVE COVER FOR
POWERING ENGINE MONITORING SYSTEM"; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/785,877 filed Mar. 14, 2013 and entitled "SYSTEM
AND METHOD FOR LOGISTICALLY SETTING TANKER TRUCK ROUTES"; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/785,910 filed Mar. 14, 2013
and entitled "REMOTE VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND MONITORING SYSTEM";
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/785,931 filed Mar. 14,
2013 and entitled "METHOD OF EFFICIENT BY-PRODUCT DISPOSAL BASED ON
BY-PRODUCT QUALITY"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/785,959 filed Mar. 14, 2013 and entitled "REMOTE AIR MONITORING
ARRAY SYSTEM"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/786,005
filed Mar. 14, 2013 and entitled "REMOTE MONITORING UNIT WITH
VARIOUS SENSORS"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/786,043 filed Mar. 14, 2013 and entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
REMOTELY MONITORING TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLID LEVELS"; U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/786,057 filed Mar. 14, 2013 and entitled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREDICTING A NATURAL RESOURCE WELL
LIFESPAN," the respective disclosures of each of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems
and methods for measuring the characteristics over time of fluid
entering a tank from an oil well to predict the expected remaining
life of the well.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As used herein, an "asset" may refer to any system, device,
and/or machine, such as an engine or compressor, a conduit through
which gas or liquid flows, an exhaust pipe, manifold, exhaust
stack, liquid collection tank, or any device or machine suitable
for one or more devices according to the invention to measure
operating parameters.
[0004] For example, in the oil and gas market, gathering and
delivering natural gas from field wells to another location for
further processing requires natural gas compression via a
compression package comprising of a reciprocating natural gas fired
engine with a direct drive coupling to a reciprocating compressor.
One typical system used in these applications is a 1,600 horsepower
rotating internal combustion engine (e.g., a Caterpillar G3516,
V-16 cylinder format) that is fueled by the actual field well gas
(methane) that it is compressing. The engine is direct-coupled to a
multi-cylinder reciprocating compressor (e.g., a Dresser-Rand 6
cylinder) therefore, if the engine RPM is 1,200 per minute, then
the compressor RPM is also 1,200 per minute.
[0005] Natural gas wells require that the relatively low pressure
gas extracted be compressed and piped to a facility for further
processing and distribution to the respective markets. It is not
unusual for a gas compression package to compress 5-10 psi natural
gas from a well up to 6,000 psi for further distribution through
transmission and distribution pipelines.
[0006] Ownership of the natural gas compression equipment is
typically either by: (1) an owner/operator, wherein the equipment
is owned directly by the gas producer (who is the well owner), or
(2) a leasing company, which is an equipment leasing or rental
company is contracted by the gas producer to perform the gas
compression function. In the latter case, the lease is most
typically price-based on the horsepower rating of the leased
equipment. For example, a 4,000 HP gas compression package may be
priced at $30,000 per month of service at the gas pad. A 1,600 HP
unit might cost $18,000 per month for service. The gas compression
packages are typically skid-mounted as they must be mobile so they
can be moved in and out of service.
[0007] Immediately after a hydraulic fracturing (fracking) event,
natural gas generally flows from the well at the highest flow rate.
Over time, the gas flow transitions to a lower rate that may be
steady for several years. Inevitably, the well will need to be
stimulated, such as by fracking, to increase productivity again.
Each well may be re-fracked several times over the well's life.
[0008] As of this writing, a new trend in the market is for gas
producers to no longer pay for compression services on a time-based
contract. Instead, the producers are switching to a "flow
contract," which is a performance-based method of paying for the
gas compression package service. In essence, the producer is
passing (sharing) risk to the equipment leasing/rental company. In
return, they allow the company to share in the proceeds of the gas
value on a performance basis. Under this "flow contract" business
model, the leasing/rental company is paid for the amount of gas
that is actually gathered, compressed and delivered to the
transmission and distribution pipeline. Thus, the company receives
payment from the producer for the amount of gas that passes through
the compressor, but this amount is measured by the producer's flow
meter, which is also called an EFM. Unless the leasing/rental
company has a means to audit the owner's EFM data, it must accept
the value provided by the producer. Thus, the leasing/rental
company usually spends approximately $4,000-$6,000 for an EFM
(hardware and installation) that is positioned upstream and in
series with the owner's EFM. Hence, the data of the owner's EFM can
be audited.
[0009] Consequently, the leasing/rental company must pay for the
re-installation of its EFM every time the producer's equipment is
relocated to a different well. Due to the inherent mobile nature of
the producer's equipment, the frequency of re-installation could be
up to once per year. Hence, the company must bear the expense of
$2,000-$3,000 each time the producer moves its equipment, which can
amount to about $50K-$75K over the life of the equipment. A system,
device or method according to the invention can replace the EFM
audit meters.
[0010] Machinery, such as internal combustion engines and
compressors, have one or more inherent vibrational signatures and
temperature signatures. When measured over a period, a specific
vibration profile or temperature profile, or a combination of one
or more of the vibration profiles and temperature profiles, can
indicate the operational state of the machine. Among the vibrations
signatures that may be measured are ignition detonation, valve
action, crankshaft vibrations, and bearing noise.
[0011] Furthermore, by outfitting one or more individual cylinders
of an internal combustion engine or gas compressor with a device
that can detect and store vibrational and/or temperature
measurements, one can deduce the revolutions per minute (RPM) of
reciprocating machinery. As an example, if a 16-cylinder internal
combustion engine (e.g., a Caterpillar model G3516B) exhibits a
very specific vibration frequency and amplitude that frequency and
amplitude can be associated with the spark detonation during engine
operation, and one can calculate the RPM of the crankshaft by
computing the time lapse between firings of the cylinders. Hence,
by monitoring the vibration signature of one (1) or more cylinders,
performing frequency domain processing and reviewing the resulting
fast Fourier transform (FFT) signature of the vibration wave form,
the RPM of the engine can be calculated.
[0012] In order to create a meaningful FFT vibrational signature,
several seconds or more of sampling data can be collected in any
suitable manner, such as by using an accelerometer, and then
applying an algorithm using a processor, which could be a
microprocessor that includes the accelerometer. As an example, an
engine running at 1,200 RPMs makes 20 crankshaft revolutions per
second. For a 16-cylinder engine, this equates to each cylinder
detonating about every 0.8 seconds. By sampling the engine
vibrations for 1 second, the resulting database would contain 20-23
revolutions worth of data, which is equal to 368 cylinder
detonations. Further, there may be set maximum or minimum
parameters for various vibration signals that if measured may lead
to a response, such as a signal to stop or slow down the
machine.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Both the foregoing summary and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the invention.
[0014] A preferably autonomously-powered device is disclosed that
collects energy from ambient sources in its environment, such as
heat, solar or vibrational energy, and uses the energy to create
electricity to power the device and/or other structures or
equipment. The device monitors the function of one or more parts of
one or more machines, such as an engine or compressor and/or one or
more structures, such as the volumetric flow through a pipe or the
volume of fluid in a tank, and/or one or more properties of a
material, such as a gas, liquid or solid.
[0015] By outfitting one or more, and preferably all, of the valve
covers of an engine with an autonomously-powered device wherein
each device contains an accelerometer, the overall total vibration
of the engine can be established. Further, the unique and
independent vibration signature for each moving component
associated with each engine cylinder and associated valve train
(e.g., the valve lifters, rocker arms, springs, bearings) can be
established. Using this technique, time-stamped vibration data can
be compiled and used to determine the location of the vibration
relative to the overall engine geometry and the amount of
vibration.
[0016] Collecting vibration data from each cylinder simultaneously
or at different times provides event based, time-related data that
may be used for further analysis.
[0017] As an example, if a bearing on the top end valve train of
cylinder number 12 (assuming the engine has at least twelve
cylinders) was beginning to wear due to fatigue, loss of adequate
lubrication, or for any other reason, the reaction forces of the
valve assembly (which includes the rocker arms, springs, and
lifters) would likely create additional vibration due to
out-of-tolerance clearances resulting in excessive movement. This
"new" vibrational FFT signature, when compared to a baseline FFT
that was established during a prior calibration of the cylinder,
would potentially be cause for further investigation. With
scheduled data samplings (the timing of which can be of any
suitable interval) performed by the end node sensor (such as every
5-60 seconds) for one or more components associated with each
cylinder, a histogram can be generated that illustrates vibrational
sample data over time. The same may be done for any other data,
such as temperature, the composition of fuel and the composition of
exhaust gas, and any or all of the various measured values may be
combined in any manner to track and predict machine health.
[0018] By setting upper and/or lower limit values to the meaningful
attribute data being monitored, e.g. frequency, amplitude,
high-temperature threshold, low-temperature threshold, or another
parameter, condition alarms/alerts can be generated when the data
exceeds or drops below a limit. This condition might be indicative
of a worsening of, for example, bearing wear which could lead to an
imminent equipment failure.
[0019] The value of being able to closely monitor the state of, for
example, vibration in this example enables either a user or the
system to take evasive or corrective action, such as dispatching a
service technician, shutting down the equipment, or lowering engine
RPM, thereby averting a potential costly failure. The cost
avoidance is not only associated with the cost of replacing all or
part of the equipment, but also the value of the lost production
during equipment downtime during repairs. Further, when the
improper vibration location is identified, the service technician
has a starting point from which to investigate potential part
replacement and/or repair. Furthermore, if the data, such as
vibrational data, is gathered at frequent intervals (for example,
every 5-60 seconds), the RPM of the machine, such as an engine, can
be plotted to better understand the operation performance of that
particular engine as a function of time. Coupled with other engine
variables, such as individual cylinder-based engine exhaust
temperature, the collected data can be studied to correlate the
relationship between the variables for each engine and a database
can be established for hundreds or thousands of engines, which can
serve as a predictive tool for measurements received from other
engines. The same is true for machines or devices other than
engines.
[0020] The shorter the interval between data measurements (frequent
measurements), the more likely the plotted data can be used to
predict behavior that may lead to impending equipment failure. By
creating a histogram (charted data values over time) of the
collected data, and applying data trend modeling algorithms,
systems and methods of the invention can predict certain
characteristics that could lead to imminent failure if left
unchecked, such as bearing seizer leading to a broken or bent
valve.
[0021] A device or system according to the invention has the
ability to enter into a learning mode by plotting data over time in
order to establish the standard operating parameters of the
machine. To initiate the learning mode, the device or system is
activated to capture data from the machine over a specified time
period (e.g., 10 seconds-60 minutes). The captured data can then be
analyzed to determine the normal operating condition of a
particular machine or device.
[0022] The learning mode, which is preferably part of the normal
operation of a system or method according to embodiments of the
invention, can be engaged under a variety of situations such as one
or more of: during startup, half-normal operating speed (e.g., 600
RPM for an engine), full-operating speed (e.g., 1,200 RPM for an
engine) with no load, or operating speed with various load states.
When in the learning mode the device or system records and
calibrates parameters such as temperatures and vibrational signals
under proper working parameters for baseline measurements.
Calibration establishes upper and lower calibration settings, which
form the standard operating parameter foundries. Ambient
environmental factors also can be recorded as part of the data set,
which can be calculated into the standard operating parameters. The
standard operating parameters may be unique for each machine and
for each cylinder (if the machine has cylinders).
[0023] In one embodiment, the data is collected and transmitted to
an intermediary device called a coordinator, which then transmits
the data to a gateway, and or another repository via wireless or
wired communications.
[0024] Computational analysis can be performed by the device or
system, such as by an integrated microprocessor that may be
integral to the device, the device or system, such as by the
coordinator, the gateway or another part of the system.
[0025] The analysis may include identifying the standard operating
parameters ("SOP") and comparing the newly measured data to the SOP
to ascertain whether an intervention or escalation procedure, or
preemptive or preventative maintenance should be undertaken. The
learning mode is preferably re-conducted after any engine transport
and/or significant mechanical work (e.g., upper valve train
overhaul) is conducted on the machine in order to re-calibrate and
establish the SOP.
[0026] In another embodiment, currently, in many cases, a gas flow
meter is used in the downstream leg of a compressor to determine
the flow of gas being delivered by the compressor. The accuracy of
this meter is based upon proper calibration and upkeep of the
system. Often, the entities supplying equipment to pump the natural
gas are paid based upon the amount of gas pumped. Therefore, the
economic value of the natural gas being gathered, compressed and
delivered for distribution is dependent on the accuracy of the
EFMs. Gas losses due to leaks not attributable to pumping equipment
and errors in EFM calibration can lead to a loss of revenue.
Devices and methods according to aspects of the invention can
accurately measure the amount of gas being delivered.
[0027] In the case when the machine is a multi-cylinder,
reciprocating gas compressor, which is typically used in the
midstream natural gas gathering compression industry, the ability
to detect the RPM of the rotating crankshaft can be used to
determine the volumetric flow rate of gas through the compressor.
This ability can be useful in determining the production value
(i.e., the cfm/hr and $/hr) of the natural gas processed by the
compressor and delivered to the distribution pipeline. As one
example, given the following values: (1) the compressor RPM
(calculated by a sensor in communication with an accelerometer),
(2) the number of cylinders, (3) the cylinder bore diameter, (4)
the piston stroke length, and (5) the inlet gas pressure; the total
volumetric and mass flow rate of the gas being delivered by the
compressor can be calculated. Hence, use of a system or device of
the invention, outfitted with accelerometer sensor or similar
apparatus, can be used to determine the volumetric throughput of a
gas compressor.
[0028] Another method of determining the volumetric flow rate
through a compressor is to reference a look-up table (stored in a
memory, which may be on a PCB-mounted microprocessor) that contains
the flow rate data from the compressor manufacturer. When a sensor
according to the invention determines the compressor RPM, this
measured value can be processed, such as by a microprocessor, to
obtain the flow data from a library of flow-data values provided by
the manufacturer. This data resides in a database that can be
accessed by the microprocessor. As an example, per a manufacturer's
(such as Dresser-Rand) specifications, a reciprocating compressor
having a 9.0'' diameter cylinder, with a piston stroke of 7.25'',
running at 1,000 RPMs, should displace 847 cubic meters per hour
(m3/hr) of gas per cylinder. If the compressor was a 6 cylinder
unit, the total volumetric flow rate would be 5,082 m3/hr
(847.times.6).
[0029] In accordance with various embodiments, a volatile organic
compound (VOC) sensor device can comprise a sensor located in
proximity to a tank vent of a storage tank, wherein the sensor can
be configured to monitor flumes from the tank vent; a controller
operatively coupled to the sensor, wherein the controller can be
configured to receive a measured input from the sensor, wherein the
measured input can be VOC measurement data of the flumes; and a
wireless communication device coupled to the controller, wherein
the wireless communication device can be configured to communicate
with a coordinator.
[0030] Furthermore, in various embodiments, a method of volatile
organic compound (VOC) monitoring can comprise monitoring, by a
sensor located in proximity to a tank vent of a storage tank,
flumes from the tank vent; receiving, by a controller operatively
coupled to the sensor, a measured input from the sensor, wherein
the measured input can be VOC measurement data of the flumes;
communicating, by a wireless communication device coupled to the
controller, with a coordinator.
[0031] In accordance with various embodiments, an air monitoring
array system can comprise a plurality of air quality sensor devices
arranged within a selected area, which can be configured to measure
air pollutant levels in the selected area. Furthermore, each of the
plurality of air quality sensor devices can comprise at least one
sensor operatively coupled to a controller, and a wireless
communication device also coupled to the controller. In various
embodiments, the controller can be configured to receive a measured
input from the at least one sensor. Also, the wireless
communication device can be configured to communicate with a
central server.
[0032] In accordance with various embodiments, a method of air
quality monitoring can comprise measuring, by a plurality of air
quality sensor devices arranged within a selected area, air
pollutant levels in the selected area. Each of the plurality of air
quality sensor devices can comprise at least one sensor operatively
coupled to a controller, wherein the controller can be configured
to receive a measured input from the at least one sensor; and a
wireless communication device coupled to the controller, wherein
the wireless communication device can be configured to communicate
with a central server.
[0033] In accordance with various embodiments, a selective holding
tank draining system can comprise a sensor device configured to
receive total dissolved solids (TDS) data of a stored fluid from a
TDS sensor, and wherein the sensor device can be configured to
receive volume data of the stored fluid from a volume sensor, and a
central server configured to determine a selected TDS level for
disposal of the stored fluid. In various embodiments, an average
TDS level of a drained volume of the stored fluid if draining from
two or more tanks can be calculated. Furthermore, the stored fluid
volume to drain from each of the two or more tanks to achieve a
drained mixture having less than the selected TDS level can be
determined.
[0034] In various embodiments, a method of selective holding tank
draining can comprise receiving, by a sensor device, TDS data of a
stored fluid from a TDS sensor; receiving, by the sensor device,
volume data of the stored fluid from a volume sensor; determining,
by a central server, a selected TDS level for disposal of the
stored fluid; calculating an average TDS level of a drained volume
of the stored fluid if draining from two or more tanks; and
determining a stored fluid volume to drain from each of the two or
more tanks to achieve a drained mixture have less than the selected
TDS level.
[0035] In accordance with various embodiments, a quality monitoring
method can include receiving, by a sensor device, total dissolved
solids (TDS) data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor in real-time;
transmitting, by the sensor device, the TDS data to a coordinator;
and comparing the TDS data to a TDS threshold level. A quality
monitoring system can comprise a sensor device configured to
receive total dissolved solids (TDS) data of a stored fluid from a
TDS sensor, and a coordinator configured to receive the TDS data
from the sensor device.
[0036] In accordance with various embodiments, a sensor device can
comprise at least one sensor operatively coupled to a controller,
wherein the controller is configured to receive a measured input
from the at least one sensor; and a wireless communication device
coupled to the controller. Further, the wireless communication
device can be configured to communicate with a coordinator. In
various embodiments, the at least one sensor can include a volume
sensor, a flow meter sensor, a total dissolved solids sensor, an
infrared thermal monitor, an air quality sensor, or any combination
thereof.
[0037] In accordance with various embodiments, a holding tank
monitoring system can include a sensor device configured to receive
total dissolved solids (TDS) data of a stored fluid from a TDS
sensor in real-time. The TDS sensor can be located near an input of
a holding tank storing the stored fluid. In addition, the TDS
sensor data can be used to determine water production of a natural
resource well. For example, predictive analysis can be used to
determine expected remaining production of the well based in part
on the water production. Moreover, a holding tank monitoring method
can include receiving, by a sensor device, total dissolved solids
(TDS) data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor in real-time,
determining water production of a natural resource well based on
the TDS sensor data, and determining expected remaining production
of the well using predictive analysis based in part on the water
production.
[0038] In accordance with various embodiments, a logistics system
can comprise a plurality of sensor devices providing data, a
capacity module, an identification module, and a processor. Each of
the plurality of sensor devices can be in communication with an
individual holding tank. Further, the data can include flow rate of
the individual holding tanks, and where the data identifies the
individual holding tank locations. The capacity module can be
configured to determine the time remaining until each of the
individual holding tanks reaches capacity based on the flow rate
and remaining capacity of the individual holding tanks. In
addition, the identification module can be configured to identify a
fleet of tanker trucks for draining the individual holding tanks.
Moreover, the processor can implement a mathematical model
populated by the data, where the mathematical model can comprise an
objective function for minimizing tanker truck driven miles and
preventing the individual holding tanks from reaching capacity.
[0039] Furthermore, in various embodiments, a logistics method can
comprise receiving data from a plurality of sensor devices, wherein
each of the plurality of sensor devices can be in communication
with an individual holding tank, and wherein the data can comprise
a flow rate of the individual holding tanks, and wherein the data
identifies the individual holding tank locations; determining a
remaining time period until each of the individual holding tanks
reaches capacity based on the flow rate and a remaining capacity of
the individual holding tanks; identifying a fleet of tanker trucks
for draining the individual holding tanks; and using the data to
populate a mathematical model that can comprise an objective
function for minimizing tanker truck driven miles and preventing
the individual holding tanks from reaching capacity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] A more complete understanding of the embodiments of the
present disclosure may be derived by referring to the detailed
description and claims when considered in connection with the
following illustrative figures.
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system
according to various aspects of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary sensor device in accordance with
various aspects of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary system according to
aspects of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a casing of a device in
accordance with an aspect of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 4A is a device according to aspects of the invention
mounted on the valve cover of an engine.
[0046] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a device according to an
aspect of the invention.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 5
assembled and mounted on a valve cover of an engine.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective, top view of the assembled device of
FIG. 5 mounted on a valve cover of an engine.
[0049] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7
mounted on an engine.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a device in accordance with an
aspect of the invention.
[0051] FIG. 9 is the device of FIG. 8 with two mounting legs
attached.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a device according to
an aspect of the invention.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows the device of FIG. 10 mounted on a valve cover
of an engine.
[0054] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 5.
[0055] FIG. 13 is a side view of an engine on which a system,
device, or method according to the invention may be utilized.
[0056] FIG. 14 is a close-up view of the valve covers on one side
of the engine of FIG. 13.
[0057] FIG. 15 depicts an engine according to FIGS. 13 and 14
including devices according to an aspect of the invention and
depicts the devices communicating data received from the
engine.
[0058] FIG. 16 depicts a plurality of tank farms utilizing a system
according to an aspect of the invention.
[0059] FIG. 17 shows an enlarged device according to aspects of the
invention.
[0060] FIG. 18 shows a comparison of the device of FIG. 17 to a
device designed to power the measuring of operational data for a
single engine cylinder.
[0061] FIGS. 19A-19B depict the device of FIG. 18.
[0062] FIG. 20 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the device
of FIG. 18.
[0063] FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sensor
system and communications according to various aspects of the
invention;
[0064] FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary communication system of
sensor devices in accordance with various aspects of the
invention;
[0065] FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an air
quality monitoring system in accordance with various aspects of the
invention;
[0066] FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a truck
routing system in accordance with various aspects of the
invention;
[0067] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary method of predicting a
natural resource well lifespan in accordance with various aspects
of the invention;
[0068] FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary method of monitoring total
dissolved solid levels in accordance with various aspects of the
invention;
[0069] FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary method of selective storage
tank drain mixtures in accordance with various aspects of the
invention;
[0070] FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary method of monitoring
volatile organic compounds in accordance with various aspects of
the invention;
[0071] FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary method of determining truck
routing logistics based on remote asset monitoring in accordance
with various aspects of the invention.
[0072] FIG. 30 depicts a pipe section including a vibrational
measurement device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0073] Turning now to the Figures, where the purpose is to describe
exemplary embodiments of the invention and not to limit same, an
exemplary system according to various aspects of the present
invention is depicted in FIG. 1. The system 10 includes one or more
sensor devices 110 preferably communicating with a coordinator 120.
The coordinator 120 preferably communicates with central server 150
and user computing device 160 via gateway 130 and/or network 140 or
through any suitable method or communications device. Sensor
devices 110 are sometimes referred to herein as "motes," and
coordinators 120 are sometimes referred to herein as "nodes." The
functionality of sensor device 110, coordinator 120, server 150,
computing device 160, gateway 130 and/or any other component
operating in conjunction with aspects of the present invention can
be implemented in any suitable manner, such as through a processor
executing software instructions stored in a memory. Functionality
may also be implemented through various hardware components storing
machine-readable instructions, such as application-specific
integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)
and/or complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs).
[0074] Sensor Device 110
[0075] The sensor device(s) 110 collect information regarding one
or more assets being monitored. Embodiments of the present
invention may operate in conjunction with any number and type of
sensor devices. An exemplary sensor device 110 is depicted in block
diagram form in FIG. 2. In this exemplary embodiment, sensor device
110 includes a processor 210, memory 220, energy harvesting unit
230, power source 240, sensing unit 250, and transceiver 260. As
used herein, a "sensing unit" refers to any type of sensor, while a
"sensor device" refers to any system or device capable of receiving
data from one or more sensing units. As an example, a sensing unit
may measure vibration, temperature or any operational parameter,
and the data is then received by a sensing unit, or sensor device,
110.
[0076] Processor 210
[0077] In the exemplary sensor device 110 depicted in FIG. 2, the
processor 210 retrieves and executes instructions stored in the
memory 220 to control the operation of the sensor device 110. Any
number and type of processor(s) such as an integrated circuit
microprocessor, microcontroller, and/or digital signal processor
(DSP), can be used in conjunction with the present invention. The
processor 210 may include, or operate in conjunction with, any
other suitable components and features, such as comparators,
analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and/or digital-to-analog
converters (DACs).
[0078] Memory 220
[0079] The exemplary sensor device 110 depicted in FIG. 2 includes
a memory 220 capable of storing executable instructions, data,
messages transmitted to or received from other components of system
100, and other information. A memory 220 operating in conjunction
with the present invention may include any combination of different
memory storage devices, such as hard drives, random access memory
(RAM), read only memory (ROM), FLASH memory, or any other type of
volatile and/or nonvolatile memory.
[0080] Energy Harvesting Unit 230
[0081] The energy harvesting unit 230 collects energy to supply
power to, or recharge, the power source 240. In some embodiments,
the energy harvesting unit 230 may power the sensor device 110
directly. The energy harvesting unit 230 may include a photovoltaic
cell for collecting solar energy; a thermoelectric generator (TEG);
and/or a piezoelectric vibrational energy harvester (PZEH). In some
exemplary embodiments, a TEG and/or PZEH is used to generate energy
from the heat (or vibration, respectively) generated by an asset
such as an engine or compressor being monitored. In this manner,
the operation of the asset itself can provide some or all of the
power necessary to monitor the asset using the sensor device 110.
Embodiments of the invention may include multiple energy harvesting
units 230 to provide for additional (or redundant) power
generation.
[0082] Power Source 240
[0083] The power source 240 powers the various components of the
sensor device 110. The exemplary sensor device 110 depicted in FIG.
2 is powered by a solid-state Li-PON battery, though any number,
combination, and type of suitable power sources can be utilized in
embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary sensor
device 110 depicted in FIG. 2, the Li-PON battery is rechargeable
via the energy harvesting unit 230, and may also be charged through
a dedicated power connector, if desired.
[0084] Sensor Unit 250
[0085] The sensor unit 250 measures characteristics related to an
asset. The sensor unit 250 may be configured to measure any number
of desired characteristics, such as temperature, pressure, flow,
vibration, strain, electrical parameters (such as voltage,
resistance, and current), atmospheric characteristics (such as
moisture and gas content), sound, a chemical, radiation, position,
force, movement, and/or any other measurable characteristic.
[0086] Some engines, compressors, and other assets may include
built-in sensor networks for monitoring various aspects of the
operation of the asset. While embodiments of the invention need not
rely on these built-in sensor networks to monitor an asset, some
embodiments may be configured to receive the data from such
networks. Embodiments of the invention can thus fully monitor
assets without built-in sensor networks (or where the data from
such networks is restricted, encoded, etc.) while utilizing data
from such networks if/when such data is available.
[0087] Information provided by the sensor unit 250 may be formatted
as desired. For example, analog data regarding vibrations of a
monitored internal combustion engine may be converted (using an
analog to digital converter, for example) to a digital format, and
subsequently formatted into a data packet including a data header
followed by one or more data values. Similarly, the sensor device
110 may store a series of measurements from multiple sensor units
250 in the form of a spreadsheet with headers indicating the source
of the measurements. Such spreadsheets can be transmitted remotely
via network 140 to server 150, or accessed locally by a technician
via a mobile device 310 and a local wireless network.
[0088] Transceiver 260
[0089] The transceiver 230 communicates with one or more other
systems, such as the coordinator 120, gateway 130, network 140,
and/or any other suitable systems. Any suitable communications
device, component, system, and method may be used in conjunction
with the transceiver 260. In some exemplary embodiments, the
transceiver 260 comprises a Bluetooth transceiver configured to
communicate with a coordinator 120.
[0090] The sensor device 210 may include, or operate in conjunction
with, any type and number of transceivers 260. In some embodiments,
the sensor device 110 includes a cellular radio frequency (RF)
transceiver and may be configured to communicate using any number
and type of cellular protocols, such as General Packet Radio
Service (GPRS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM),
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Personal
Communication Service (PCS), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS),
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), Time
Division-Synchronous CDMA (TD-SCDMA), Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System (UMTS), and/or Time Division Multiple
Access (TDMA). The transceiver 260 may communicate using any other
wireless protocols, such as a Zigbee protocol, a Wibree protocol,
an IEEE 802.11 protocol, an IEEE 802.15 protocol, an IEEE 802.16
protocol, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) protocol, an Infrared Data
Association (IrDA) protocol, a Bluetooth protocol, and combinations
thereof.
[0091] A sensor device 110 operating in conjunction with the
present invention may alternatively (or additionally) communicate
using any other method of wired or wireless communication. For
example, in some embodiments the transceiver 260 may be configured
to communicate using one or more wired connections using, without
limitation: tip and sleeve (TS), tip, ring, and sleeve (TRS), and
tip, ring, ring, and sleeve (TRRS) connections; serial peripheral
interface bus (SPI) connections; universal serial bus (USB)
connections; RS-232 serial connections, Ethernet connections,
optical fiber connections, and Firewire connections. The
transceiver 260 can be configured (e.g. through a software program
residing in memory 220 and executed by processor 210) to detect and
switch to different communication protocols and/or different wired
or wireless connections, thus allowing communications with a wide
variety of devices.
[0092] The sensor device 110 may be configured to detect, analyze
and/or transmit data from any number of different sensor units 250
in which it is in communication. Additionally, the sensor device
110 may be configured to perform any desired analysis of the data
from the sensor units 250, including those described below. In
various embodiments, individual sensor units 110 may be configured
to detect a potential problem associated with a monitored
asset.
[0093] Coordinator 120
[0094] The coordinator 120 preferably communicates with one or more
sensor devices 110. The coordinator 120 may be configured to
communicate using any desired wired or wireless communication
connection or protocol, including those described above. In some
embodiments, the coordinator 120 is configured to communicate with
a plurality of sensor devices 110 and, in turn, communicate with
other coordinators 120, with gateway 130, and/or with other systems
(such as server 150) via the network 140. In this manner, a single
coordinator can communicate with multiple sensor devices 110 using
a short-range, low-power communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth)
and communicate with other systems (such as gateway 130) using a
longer-range protocol, resulting in less overall power consumption
by embodiments of the invention.
[0095] Referring now to FIG. 3, a network of coordinators 120
(labeled 1-6) is shown, with each coordinator corresponding to a
respective engine being monitored. As shown for coordinator 6, each
coordinator (1-6) communicates with a respective plurality of
sensor devices 110 (labeled a-f with respect to coordinator 6) via
short-range wireless protocol (Bluetooth in this example). In this
exemplary embodiment, coordinators 1-6 communicate with each other
and/or with gateway 130 using a longer-range wireless protocol (an
802.15 protocol in this example) and adjacent coordinators are no
more than about 300 feet from each other. At this range, the
coordinators can communicate with immediately adjacent coordinators
(shown the by dotted lines between coordinators), but only
coordinator 5 is within range of gateway 130. In such cases,
coordinators operating in conjunction with embodiments of the
invention may be configured to relay communications so that all
coordinators can communicate with or through the gateway 130.
[0096] For example, coordinator 4 may transmit data to coordinator
5 for rebroadcast to gateway 130. Likewise, coordinator 1 may
transmit data to gateway 130 through coordinators 3 and 5. In some
embodiments, communications can be alternately relayed through
different coordinator nodes to help avoid over-burdening any one
particular node. For example, coordinator 1 may first communicate
with gateway 130 via coordinators 6 and 5, and next communicate
with gateway via nodes 3 and 5.
[0097] As also shown in FIG. 3, sensor devices 110 (labeled a-f in
FIG. 3) can communicate with local device(s) 310. This allows,
among other things, technicians to communicate directly with
sensing devices 110 (to perform diagnostics or other functions)
without having to access network 140 or server 150.
[0098] Gateway 130
[0099] The gateway 130 communicates with coordinator 120 and with
other systems (such as central server 150 and user computing device
160) via network 140. In some embodiments, such as in the exemplary
system 300 depicted in FIG. 3, gateway 130 is disposed within
communication range of at least one coordinator 120. In some
embodiments, gateway 130 communicates with one or more coordinators
120 using a first wireless communication protocol (e.g., an 802.15
protocol) and communicates with network 140 using a second wired or
wireless communication protocol (e.g., a longer-range protocol such
as a cellular protocol), including those described previously.
Among other things, the gateway 130 helps maximize the efficiency
of the overall power consumption of system 300 and other
embodiments of the invention by using short range (and lower power)
communication protocols between sensor devices 110 and coordinators
120 and a longer range protocol to communicate with remote devices
via network 140.
[0100] In the exemplary embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3,
gateway 130 includes multiple transceivers to communicate
(simultaneously if desired) using different communication
protocols, thus allowing the gateway to, for example, communicate
with a coordinator 120 and central server 150 via network 140 at
the same time. The gateway 130 may also be configured to store and
process information collected from the sensors 110. The gateway 130
can thereby provide a technician with local access to data
accessible via a mobile computing device 310 and retain a copy of
data in case of a hardware or communication failure related to
server 150.
[0101] While coordinator 120, gateway 130, and network 140 are
shown as separate components in FIG. 1, alternate embodiments may
perform the functionality of these components using a single system
or device. Additionally, some embodiments may use more or fewer
components to collect data from the sensor devices 110.
[0102] Network 140
[0103] The network 140 allows the sensor devices 110, coordinator
120 and/or gateway 130 to communicate with other systems and
devices, such as central server 150 and user computing device 160.
The network 140 may include any combination of wired and wireless
connections and protocols, such as those described above. The
network 140 may comprise a local area network (LAN), wide area
network (WAN), wireless mobile telephony network, General Packet
Radio Service (GPRS) network, wireless Local Area Network (WLAN),
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, Personal
Communication Service (PCS) network, Advanced Mobile Phone System
(AMPS) network, and/or a satellite communication network. In some
embodiments, network 140 includes the Internet to allow the central
server 150 or computing device 160 to communicate with sensor
devices 110, coordinator 120 and/or gateway 130 from anywhere an
Internet connection can be established. As such, embodiments of the
invention provide efficient, centralized monitoring of assets even
in applications (such as oil and gas production) where monitored
assets are in remote locations and often spread across large
areas.
[0104] Central Server 150
[0105] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the central
server 150 receives and analyzes data from the sensor devices 110
and can issue commands to control sensor device 110, coordinator
120, gateway 130, and/or an asset being monitored.
[0106] The central server 150 may receive data from the sensor
devices 110 in any desired manner. In some embodiments, the server
150 is configured to automatically request data from one or more of
the sensor devices 110 via the network 140, gateway 130, and
coordinator 120. Alternatively, the sensor device 110, coordinator
120, gateway 130, or any other device operating in conjunction with
embodiments of the invention can be configured to automatically
request and/or transmit data in any suitable manner. For example,
each sensor device 110 may be configured to collect and send data
measured from a monitored asset (such as an internal combustion
engine or compressor) and automatically transmit such data to the
coordinator 120 at periodic intervals (e.g., every 15 seconds). The
coordinator 120, in turn, may immediately retransmit the data to
the server 150 via network 140 and/or to gateway 130, or may store
the data for analysis and/or later transmittal.
[0107] The transmission of data by a device operating in
conjunction with the present invention may be subject to any
suitable conditions or rules that dictate whether the data is
transmitted. For example, a device may first check to verify (1)
that a device designated to receive the data is within range; (2)
that both devices have sufficient battery reserves to send the
request and receive the data; (3) that the receiving device has
sufficient space in its memory to store the data, and/or whether
any other suitable condition is met.
[0108] User access to the server 150 may be controlled via an
authentication process. In some embodiments, authentication is
authorized using authentication tokens. In various embodiments,
authentication tokens may comprise either simple or complex text
strings or data values indicating an account number or other user
identifier that can be matched against an internal database by the
central server 150. Alternatively, authentication tokens may
comprise encoded passwords or other indicia that assert that the
entity for whom authentication is requested is genuine. Generation
of an authentication token may be accomplished using alternative
methods such as entry of a user identifier, PIN, or password by the
user after being prompted to do so. Alternatively, a biometric
measurement of the user could be obtained and the measurement
rendered into a digital representation. Once generated, for
security purposes the authorization token may be secured by
encrypting the token, digesting and encrypting the digest of the
token, or cryptographically hashing the token before transmission
to the requesting entity. When authentication tokens are created,
the originating component of the token may create a certification
of validity through at least one of the following methods: (1)
encrypting the token with a private key associated with the token
originator; (2) encrypting the token with a public key associated
with the token requester or destination; (3) generating a digest of
the token (through a method such as a hashing algorithm discussed
above) and optionally encrypting the hashed digest with the token
originator's private key, or (4) providing an authentication code
as at least part of the token (such as a cryptographically hashed
password) that may be is compared to previously stored values. When
a component receives the token along with any encrypted or
cleartext certification data, the component may determine the
access is valid by (1) attempting to decrypt an encrypted token
with the alleged originator's public key; (2) attempting to decrypt
an encrypted token with the alleged originator's public key; (3)
attempting to decrypt an encrypted digest with the alleged
originator's public key, and comparing the result to a hashed value
of the token, pin, code, or password, or (4) comparing a
cryptographically hashed password for the alleged originator to
known pre-stored values, and if a match is found, authorization is
granted.
[0109] User Computing Device 160
[0110] A user computing device 160 can communicate with any of the
other components in system 100. The user computing device 160 may
include a personal computer or a mobile computing device, such as a
laptop computer, a mobile wireless telephone, or a personal digital
assistant (PDA).
[0111] A user can use computing device 160 to view, in real-time or
near-real-time, the status of any of the components of a system of
the present invention, such as the components shown in the Figures.
The computing device 160 may also be used to send commands to
control such components or to the monitored asset, as well as to
view reports showing data from the sensor devices 110, or to
analyze the data to generate metrics regarding the status of the
monitored asset. Data can be provided to or received from a user of
the computing device 160 in a machine-readable format. The
computing device 160 may be configured to send, receive, and
process machine-readable data can in any standard format (such as a
MS Word document, Adobe PDF file, ASCII text file, JPEG, or other
standard format) as well as any proprietary format.
Machine-readable data to or from the user interface may also be
encrypted to protect the data from unintended recipients and/or
improper use.
[0112] The server 150 or user computing device 160 may include any
number and type of processors to retrieve and execute instructions
stored in the memory storage device of the server to control its
functionality. The server 150 may include any type of conventional
computer, computer system, computer network, computer workstation,
minicomputer, mainframe computer, or computer processor, such as an
integrated circuit microprocessor or microcontroller in accordance
with the present invention. The server 150 or computing device 160
operating in conjunction with the present invention may include any
combination of different memory storage devices, such as hard
drives, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), FLASH
memory, or any other type of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory.
The server 150 may include an operating system (e.g., Windows, OS2,
UNIX, Linux, Solaris, MacOS, etc.) as well as various conventional
support software and drivers typically associated with computers.
Software applications stored in the memory may be entirely or
partially served or executed by the processor(s) in performing
methods or processes of the present invention.
[0113] The server 150 or computing device 160 may also include a
user interface for receiving and providing data to one or more
users. The user interface may include any number of input devices
such as a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, touch screen, alphanumeric
keypad, voice recognition system, or other input device to allow a
user to provide instructions and information to other components in
a system of the present invention. Similarly, the user interface
may include any number of suitable output devices, such as a
monitor, speaker, printer, or other device for providing
information to one or more users.
[0114] Any of the components can be configured to communicate with
each other (or with other additional systems and devices) for any
desired purpose. For example, the server 150 or user computing
device 160 may be used to upload software to sensor device 110 or
other component, provide or update encryption keys, and to perform
diagnostics on any of the components in systems 100 or 300. Any
computer system may be configured (i.e., using appropriate security
protocols) to communicate instructions, software upgrades, data,
and other information with components via network 140. In some
embodiments, data received from the sensor devices 110 is processed
into a report and electronically provided (i.e., via email) to
multiple users in a ubiquitous data format such as Portable
Document Format (PDF). Such reports can be created at the request
of a user or generated automatically at predetermined times or in
response to the occurrence of an event (such as a detected problem
with a monitored asset).
[0115] Any combination and/or subset of the elements of the methods
depicted herein may be practiced in any suitable order and in
conjunction with any system, device, and/or process. The method
described herein can be implemented in any suitable manner, such as
through software operating on one or more systems or devices,
including the systems 100 or 300.
[0116] Collecting Data From Sensor Devices
[0117] As described above, the sensor devices 110 may include, or
connect to, any type of sensor. In some embodiments, sensor devices
110 are coupled to accelerometers, which are deployed to monitor
the vibration(s) of an internal combustion engine or compressor
used in the production or transport of oil or gas. The sensor
devices 110 and sensors may be strategically positioned to monitor
different sources of vibration on an engine, such its valves,
crankshaft, or bearings.
[0118] Transmit Data
[0119] Data collected from a sensor device 110 or generated by any
other device operating in conjunction with the present invention
may be transmitted to other systems, such as to central server 150
for analysis. The data can be transmitted in any suitable manner,
including using any of the wired or wireless communication methods
and protocols described previously. Any amount of data can be
transmitted in any manner. For example, data from the sensor device
110 can be transmitted to another device (such as to coordinator
120) as it is measured, or data can be stored (such as in a memory
storage device in the sensor device 110) for a period of time
before being transmitted to another device. In some cases, for
example, it may be more efficient to transmit blocks of data at
once rather than initiating communication with another device each
time data is available. In other cases, a device may be out of
range or otherwise unavailable to receive the data. The data can
also be stored for any desired length of time, and/or until a
particular event occurs. For example, the device data could be
stored until it is verified that the receiving device and/or the
data server 150 have received the data, allowing the data to be
retransmitted if necessary. Data can also be deleted when a data
record exceeds a predetermined storage time, and/or the oldest data
record is deleted first after a predetermined storage size limit
has been reached.
[0120] Data transmitted from the sensor devices 110 may be
validated to ensure it was transmitted properly and completely. The
sensor device data may also be validated to ensure it was provided
from a specific sensor device 110 or group of sensor devices 110
(i.e., associated with a particular asset being monitored). The
data may also be validated to ensure that fields in the data
correspond to predetermined values and/or are within certain
thresholds or tolerances. Any number, code, value or identifier can
be used in conjunction with validating the device data. For
example, the data can be validated by analyzing a serial number, a
device identifier, one or more parity bits, a cyclic redundancy
checking code, an error correction code, and/or any other suitable
feature.
[0121] In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, various
components (such as coordinator 120, gateway 130, and server 150)
may be configured to receive data directly or indirectly from a
sensor device 150, format a message based on the data, and transmit
the formatted message to another system or device. This
functionality may be implemented through software operating on any
suitable mobile computing device and with any computer operating
system.
[0122] Receipt of data from the sensor devices 110 may be
restricted only to authenticated devices operating as part of the
present invention. Authentication can also prevent sensitive data
from being broadcast and viewed by unintended recipients. Any
device may be authenticated to verify the device is able to
receive, process, and/or transmit data. During authentication, the
authenticated device or devices may also be remotely commanded, and
such commands may include steps that configure devices to
interoperate with components of the present invention. For example,
but not by way of limitation, such steps may include the
downloading of software applications, applets, embedded operating
code, and/or data.
[0123] Devices can be authenticated in any manner. For example,
devices can be authorized to receive data from one or more sensor
devices 110 using an authorization code. The authorization code can
be any number, code, value or identifier to allow the receiving
device to be identified as a valid recipient of the data. In some
embodiments, the receiving device stores an authorization code and
broadcasts the authorization code in response to a request for
authorization. Unless the authorization code matches a code stored
by the transmitter of the data (such as the sensor device 110
itself or another transmission device), the data is not transmitted
to the device.
[0124] In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the
coordinator 120, gateway 130, or other device receiving the data
from the sensor device 110 using a wireless network protocol (such
as Bluetooth) is authenticated based on whether the receiving
device advertises one or more services. In this context, advertised
services reflect functions, utilities, and processes the receiving
device is capable of performing. The receiving device broadcasts
indicators of this functionality, thus "advertising" them to other
systems and devices. In such embodiments, unless the receiving
device advertises a service that is identifiable with the operation
of the present invention (i.e., a process capable of broadcasting
the sensor device 110 data to the central server 150, for example),
the receiving device is not authenticated and thus the data is not
transmitted to the device.
[0125] Data can be transmitted to components operating in
conjunction with the present invention in any format. For example,
data from the sensor device 110 can be transmitted to the
coordinator 120 exactly as it is generated by the sensing unit 250
of the sensor device 110, or it can be reformatted, modified,
combined with other data, or processed in any other suitable manner
before being transmitted. For example, the data can be encrypted
prior to transmission, and this encryption may occur at any stage
in its transmission by the sensor device 110 or retransmission by
another device. Some or all of the data being transmitted may be
encrypted. In some embodiments, a digest of the data may be
encrypted, to digitally "sign" the data contents to verify its
authenticity. For example, but not by way of limitation, this
digest may be produced by providing the received data to a hashing
algorithm such as the MD5 or SHA-1 Secure Hashing Algorithm as
specified in National Institute of Standards and Technology Federal
Information Processing Standard Publication Number 180-1.
[0126] Asymmetric encryption algorithms and techniques are well
known in the art. See, for example, RSA & Public Key
Cryptography, by Richard A. Mollin, CRC Press, 2002, and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,405,829, issued Sep. 20, 1983, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference. In an illustrative example, if
two parties (for example, "Alice" and "Bob") wish to communicate
securely using public key cryptography, each party begins by
generating a unique key pair, where one of the keys is a private
key that is kept in confidence by that party, and the other key is
a public key that may be publicly distributed, published only to a
message recipient, or made available through a public key
infrastructure. The key generation step need be done by a party
only once, provided that the party's private key does not become
compromised or known by another party. If Alice wants to send a
message confidentially to Bob, she may use Bob's public key to
encrypt the message, and once sent, only Bob can decrypt and view
the message using Bob's private key. But if Alice also wanted Bob
to have assurance that the message was in fact coming from her, she
could further encrypt the message with her private key before
sending, then when Bob's private key and Alice's public key are
used to decrypt the message, Bob knows for certain that he was the
intended recipient and that Alice was the one who originated the
message, and Alice knows that only Bob will be able to decrypt and
read her message.
[0127] Asymmetric cryptography may be utilized to enhance security
of certain implementations of the present invention. In some
embodiments, data transmitted by a sensor device 110 is encrypted
with a private key, or with a public key of the intended recipient
system (such as the coordinator 120), or with both keys. The
private and/or public keys may be delivered to a receiving device
through a wired or wireless connection, allowing the receiving
device to be configured for secure operation. In some embodiments,
the server 150 may request that the public key of a sensor device
110 be forwarded to enable decryption of any information encoded
with the user's private key. In this manner, the data may be
authenticated as coming from the actual asset that is desired to be
monitored. Additionally, or alternatively, encrypted or unencrypted
data can be transmitted through an encrypted transmission protocol,
such as the wireless encryption protocols (WEP, WPA and WPA2)
associated with the IEEE 802.11 wireless protocols or a Bluetooth
encryption protocol associated with IEEE 802.15. Any number of
other encryption methods can be used to encrypt data in conjunction
with the present invention.
[0128] In some embodiments, such as described for the system 300, a
group of coordinators 120 may be configured to relay communications
amongst themselves when fewer than all coordinators 120 are within
communication range of a gateway 130.
[0129] Data Processing
[0130] A calculation of the RPM of a machine may be based on
vibration/accelerometer readings.
[0131] A baseline "standard operating range" may be determined for
individual assets (which are more accurate than manufacturer's
generic operating tolerances) and detect events outside the SOP for
the particular asset.
[0132] Data may be collected for multiple assets over periods of
time and generate metrics (expected servicing needed, expected
lifespan of parts, effects of heat/cold/other environmental factors
on performance), for each asset monitored.
[0133] Commands from the Server
[0134] In addition to receiving and processing data from the sensor
devices 110 and other components operating in conjunction with
embodiments of the invention, the server 150 (or user computing
device 160 if desired) can transmit a command to control various
functions of such components, the asset being monitored, or other
systems and devices. Any number of commands of any type may be
transmitted by the server 150 to any suitable recipient. The
command can be transmitted using the same variety of wired and
wireless methods discussed previously. For example, the server 150
may issue a command to control, reconfigure, and/or update a
software application operating on the gateway 130, coordinator 120,
and/or sensor device 110.
[0135] The commands need not be sent directly to a device they are
intended to control. For example, a command could be transmitted to
a coordinator 120, which in turn retransmits it (unmodified) to the
appropriate sensor device 110. Alternatively, the coordinator 120
could receive a command from the server 150, analyze the command,
and then transmit an appropriately formatted command tailored to
the specific sensor device 110 to be controlled. In this manner,
the server 150 need not be able to generate a command for each and
every specific device it wishes to control, rather, it can send a
command appropriate to a class of sensor devices (e.g., those with
vibration sensors) and the coordinator 120 can appropriately
translate the command to control the sensor device 110. The
commands from the server 150 can initiate/run diagnostic programs,
download data, request encryption keys, download encryption keys,
and perform any other suitable function on devices operating in
conjunction with systems and methods of the present invention.
[0136] In any system where commands can be sent remotely, security
is always a concern, especially when a wireless implementation may
provide an entry vector for an interloper to gain access to
components, observe confidential data, and control assets such as
expensive oil and gas engines/pumps. Embodiments of the present
invention provide for enhanced security in a remote command system
while still allowing flexibility and minimal obtrusiveness.
[0137] In one embodiment, a command received by any of the
components may be authenticated before the command is either acted
upon by the destination component, or forwarded to another
component in the system. Authentication may be directed to
determining (1) whether the command came from a trusted or
authorized source, and/or (2) that the recipient is actually the
intended recipient of the command. In one implementation, source
command authentication is achieved by determining whether the
origin of the command is a trusted component or server, and one way
to accomplish this determination is analyzing whether a command is
properly digitally signed by the originator or some other
authentication information is provided that assures the recipient
component that the message or command is authentic and the
recipient component is actually the intended recipient. In an
alternate implementation, destination command authentication is
accommodated by examining the contents of the message or an
authorization code to determine the intended recipient, or
alternatively decrypting the command or a portion of the command to
verify the intended recipient.
[0138] When commands are created by a command originator, the
originator may allow a recipient to verify the authenticity and/or
validity of the command by at least one of the following methods:
(1) encrypting the command with a private key of the command
originator; (2) generating a digest of the command (through a
method such as a hashing algorithm discussed above) and optionally
encrypting the hashed digest with the command originator's private
key, or (3) utilizing a symmetric encryption scheme providing an
authentication code (such as a cryptographically hashed password)
that is compared to previously stored values. When a system
component receives the command along with any encrypted or
cleartext certification data, the component may determine the
command is valid by: (1) attempting to decrypt an encrypted command
message with the alleged originator's public key, (2) attempting to
decrypt an encrypted digest with the alleged originator's public
key, and comparing the result to a hashed value of the command, or
(3) comparing a cryptographically hashed password for the alleged
originator to known pre-stored values, and if a match is found,
authorization is granted. As an additional step, if the command
were optionally encrypted using the intended provider's public key,
then only the recipient is capable of decrypting the command,
ensuring that only the truly intended recipient devices were being
issued commands, and not an unintended third party. For example,
authenticating the command may comprise decrypting at least part of
the command using at least one of: a public key associated with the
server 150; a private key associated with a sensor device 110; and
a private key associated with the sensor device 110.
[0139] Systems and devices operating in accordance with aspects of
the present invention may implement one or more security measures
to protect data, restrict access, or provide any other desired
security feature. For example, any device operating in conjunction
with the present invention may encrypt transmitted data and/or
protect data stored within the device itself. Such security
measures may be implemented using hardware, software, or a
combination thereof. Any method of data encryption or protection
may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention, such as
public/private keyed encryption systems, data scrambling methods,
hardware and software firewalls, tamper-resistant or
tamper-responsive memory storage devices or any other method or
technique for protecting data. Similarly, passwords, biometrics,
access cards or other hardware, or any other system, device, and/or
method may be employed to restrict access to any device operating
in conjunction with the present invention.
[0140] Exemplary Sensor Device
[0141] A method according to the invention may be implemented using
any suitable system, sensor device (or simply, "device") or a
plurality of devices. A device according to the invention may be
mounted on a machine whose parameters it will monitor, or may be
remote to the machine. Furthermore, a device may monitor a single
machine parameter, such as temperature, or multiple parameters,
such as temperature, pressure, vibration and exhaust gas
constituents. A device may also monitor one area of a machine, such
as one cylinder and/or corresponding valve set, or the exhaust, or
it may monitor several areas of a machine. The monitoring may be
continuous or periodic, and if monitoring multiple parameters or
areas, a device may monitor all simultaneously, or monitor one or
more at one time and others at a different time.
[0142] Turning now to FIGS. 14-17, an exemplary device according to
the invention are shown as are one or more of the environments in
which such a device operates. In this embodiment, the device 110 is
mounted on the valve cover of an engine and is appropriately sized
for the particular engine on which it is to be mounted, although it
may be mounted at any suitable location. For example, it may be
mounted remotely to the engine or mounted on or near any device or
material which it is to monitor. Further, the device may be of any
suitable size required, and its size may vary according to whether
it self generates power and the power required for it to
operate.
[0143] Device 110 as shown measures the temperature and vibration
of a single cylinder and valve set for the engine. Thus, in this
embodiment, there is preferably a single device 110 mounted on the
valve cover associated with each cylinder of the engine, and in one
embodiment the engine has sixteen cylinders and utilizes one device
110 for each cylinder.
[0144] Device 110 is self-contained and is mounted to a valve cover
by boring holes 112 into the valve cover to mount the device, and
to form an opening for a heat pipe, as described below. Device 110
as shown includes a casing 1100, a printed circuit board 1000, a
primary power source 1200 (shown, for example, in FIG. 5), which is
preferably a secondary battery, a power generating system 1300
(shown, for example, in FIG. 5, which is a thermoelectric
generator, which is also called a thermal energy generator (or
"TEG"), a processor 1400 (shown in FIG. 5), and a secondary power
source 1680, which is preferably a primary battery. In a preferred
embodiment, the TEG powers the primary power source which in turn
powers the device. The device could be directly powered by the TEG
as well. The purpose of the primary power source is to provide
continuous power in case the TEG fails or does not generate
sufficient power. The purpose of the secondary power source is to
provide backup power if the TEG and/or primary power source fail.
An advantage of the TEG is that, by either powering the device or
recharging the primary power source, it can reduce or eliminate the
need to replace batteries. This is especially important in remote
areas where travel costs make replacement expensive, or in areas
where there are flammable or explosive gases or liquids present
(such as in a natural gas field) and a spark from changing a
battery could cause a fire or explosion.
[0145] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a casing 1100.
[0146] Casing 1100 has a first part 1102 and a second part 1150. As
shown, first part 1102 is farther from the engine than second part
1150, whereas second part 1150 is directly or indirectly mounted to
the engine, and in the embodiment shown is mounted to a valve cover
1190. First part 1102 is preferably comprised of a heat conducting
material, such as cast aluminum, while second part 1150 is
preferably comprised of an insulating material such as plastic.
When first part 1102 and second part 1150 are connected they define
a cavity 1104 therebetween that houses components of device
110.
[0147] The purpose of casing 1100 is to protect the components
inside the casing, and any suitable structure for the particular
operating environment will suffice. In this embodiment, wherein
casing 1110 is mounted on the valve cover 1190 of an engine, the
heat of the engine could potentially damage the components inside
the casing 1100. It is preferred that the temperature inside cavity
1104 does not exceed 85.degree. C. because that may damage certain
components. And, although components could be purchased that can
withstand higher temperatures (for example, up to 125.degree. C.),
these are currently much more expensive. Therefore, second part
1150 is preferably comprised of insulating material to help prevent
heat from the engine from being transferred to cavity 1104, and
first part 1102 is preferably comprised of a conductive material to
dissipate heat from cavity 1104.
[0148] First part 1102 has a top section 1106 and a bottom outer
perimeter 1108. Top section 1106 preferably has a plurality of heat
dissipating structures 1110. Structures 1110 can be designed in any
fashion to dissipate heat without interfering with the function of
the device 1000. As shown, structures 1110 are fins extending
outward from top section 1106. Structures 1110 may alternatively
be, as examples, a plurality of rods or a plurality of rods and
fins, but any structure that can dissipate heat may be used.
[0149] In this embodiment it is preferred that the fins are spaced
between 1/8'' and 3/8'' apart and extend between 1/4'' and 5/8''
beyond the surface of top section 1106 at their highest point. The
fins are preferably taller at the position of the casing 1100 where
the TEG is located in order to dissipate the greater heat
associated with the TEG.
[0150] Bottom outer perimeter 1108 includes fastener retainers 1112
that retain fasteners 1114 in order to attach first part 1102 to
second part 1150. In this embodiment there are six fastener
retainers 1112 that accept and retain six fasteners 1114, which in
this case are 10-24 button head cap screws, although any suitable
fastener may be used.
[0151] Second part 1150 has an inner surface 1152, an outer surface
1154 (best seen in FIG. 8) and an opening 1156. Outer surface 1154
is generally smooth and is the part of casing 1100 and device 1000
that is closest to the engine (in this embodiment), unless device
110 includes mounting legs, as discussed below. Depending upon the
material used and its thickness, outer surface 1154 could be
attached directly to a surface, such as a valve cover of the
engine, so that it touches the surface (see, for example, FIG. 8).
Alternatively, and as shown in the preferred embodiment, outer
surface 1154 includes a plurality of mounting legs 1158. Mounting
legs 1158 are preferably between 3/8'' and 11/2'' long and mount
directly to a valve cover 1190 of the engine, or any other suitable
surface.
[0152] The purpose of mounting legs 1158 is to space device 110
from a hot surface or the otherwise undesirable surface for device
110, such as the hot valve cover 1190 in order to help prevent
device 110 from being damaged, such as by becoming overheated.
There are preferably two or four mounting legs 1158, although any
suitable number can be used.
[0153] Preferably, each mounting leg 1158 is attached to a valve
cover or other surface by a fastener 1160, which is preferably a
10-24 button head cap screw. Any suitable fastener may be used and
in this embodiment each mounting leg 1158 has an opening 1162
extending therethrough and a metal screw boss in each opening 1162.
Each screw boss receives a fastener 1160. Fastener 1160 is
threadingly received in each screw boss and threadingly received in
fastener openings 1160 and, as shown, openings 112 on valve cover
1190.
[0154] Inner surface 1152 has a channel 1163 for retaining a gasket
1165. When first part 1102 is attached to second part 1150 a lip on
the bottom outer perimeter 1108 (not shown) is received in channel
1163 and compresses gasket 1165 to form a seal to help keep dust
and moisture out of cavity 1104.
[0155] Inner surface 1152 includes fastener retainers 1164, which
are openings that receive metal screw bosses. Fastener retainers
1164 receive fasteners 1114 in order to attach first part 1102 to
second part 1150.
[0156] Opening 1156 is configured to permit a heat pipe (described
below) to pass therethrough. Opening 1156 is of any suitable size.
Surrounding the opening 1156 is a second channel 1166 for retaining
a gasket 1168, wherein gasket 1168 creates a seal against the heat
pipe to seal cavity 1114 from the outside environment. Also
surrounding opening 1156 is a depression 1170 that creates a space
for retaining an insulating sleeve (described below) that surrounds
the heat pipe and helps to keep its heat from dissipating into
cavity 1114.
[0157] A valve cover 1190 is also shown in FIG. 4. Valve cover 1190
has been modified from its original configuration by adding
fastener openings 192 and a heat pipe opening 1194.
[0158] First part 1102 also includes an opening 1193 through which
an antenna (not shown), which attaches to connector 1197, which is
in turn connected to PCB 1000, so as to send and receive signals
wirelessly to and from PCB 1000, can extend and a protective sheath
1195 that covers and protects the antenna. It is preferred that the
cover for the antenna be made of a material that is resistant to
the environmental in which device 110 is placed and that the
antenna extends far enough so that it is higher than any of the
heat-dissipating fins or rods so that signals emanating from or
received by the antenna are not partially blocked by these
structures.
[0159] There may be more than one PCB 1000 (or PCBA, meaning
printed circuit board assembly), and in a preferred embodiment, the
one or more PCBs include: (a) the primary power source, which is
preferably a secondary battery, (b) the secondary power source,
which is preferably a primary battery, (c) a radio, such as a
Bluetooth 4.0 module, (d) a microcontroller, (e) a clock, (f) an
energy harvesting managing circuit, (g) one or more capacitors, (h)
an accelerometer, (i) an antenna connection, (j) a thermocouple
amplifier, (k) a resistor SMD, and (l) an inductor. The PCB may be
two sided.
[0160] There are also one or more additional openings (not shown)
that may receive or include a plug 1199 or other wired connection
for receiving operational data about one or more operating
parameters of the engine, as described above. Plug 1199 may connect
to a thermocouple through a wired connection to receive temperature
data or connect to a device to receive vibrational data or any
other type of data. Alternatively, the device 110 may receive
operating data wirelessly.
[0161] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of device 110 according to an
aspect of the invention. A TEG assembly 1300 includes a heat pipe
1002, which is preferably comprised of a thermally conductive
material such as ceramic alumina or any other suitable material.
The purpose of heat pipe 1002 is to transfer heat from a heat
source, which in this case is an engine, to a device that utilizes
the heat energy to generate electricity (such as TEG 1004) to
either recharge the primary power source of device 110 or to
directly power device 110. Any energy source, such as solar energy,
or a piezo device that generates energy when vibrated, can also be
used to recharge the primary power source or power device 110, but
in any event it is preferred that the energy source be present in
and collect energy from the ambient environment (either as part of
or near device 110) and not be a separate energy source, such as
electricity from an outlet. This is because device 110 is
preferably self-contained and capable of operating without
requiring hardwiring to an energy source. Further, hard-wired power
may not be available where device 110 operates and/or may be
dangerous if device 110 is in a flammable or potentially explosive
environment, such as a natural gas field. If TEG assembly 1300 or
another ambient energy source is used to directly power device 110,
it is possible that no battery power be used. Further, even if a
primary power source, such as a battery, is used, the secondary, or
back up power source, is optional.
[0162] Heat pipe 1002 has a first end 1002A, a second end 1002B,
and a body portion 1002C. First end 1002A is in thermal
communication with TEG 1004. TEG 1004 receives heat from first end
1002A and converts it into electricity, and has wires that transmit
the generated electricity. The wires may be connected to a PCB
1000, or directly to the first power source, or to any suitable
location to operate device 110. In this embodiment, for thermal
energy generator 1004 to generate sufficient electricity, first end
1002A should be at least 10.degree. C. hotter than the ambient
temperature inside of cavity 1104.
[0163] To increase the heat transfer between the first end 1002A
and TEG 1004, a conductive sheath 1006 is placed between the two.
The sheath is primarily comprised of graphite or another
conductive, soft material. Sheath 1006 is preferably 1/32'' or less
in thickness and it conforms to the surface of first end 1002 and
to the surface of TEG 1004, thereby effectively increasing the
surface area available for transferring heat.
[0164] TEG 1004 has a first side 1004A that is adjacent first end
1002A of heat pipe 1002 and a second side 1004B adjacent an inner
wall of first part 1102 of casing 1100. Heat not converted into
electricity by TEG 1004 is conducted through second side 1004B to
first part 1102 of casing 1100, where it is conducted out of device
110. This helps to prevent cavity 1114 of device 110 from
overheating.
[0165] A second sheath 1006 is preferably positioned between second
side 1004B of thermal energy generator 1004 and the inner wall of
first part 1102, again in order to increase the surface area and
heat transfer between the two in the manner described above.
[0166] In this embodiment, the first end 1002A of heat pipe 1002
has a larger diameter than the rest of heat pipe 1002 and includes
an opening 1008. Opening 1008 is for retaining TEG 1004 and the
sheath 1006 that is between heat pipe 1002 and TEG 1004. First end
1002A is preferably covered at least partially by an insulating
material, which is preferably plastic sleeve 1010, to help keep
heat from dissipating into cavity 1114.
[0167] An o-ring 1012 is used as a secondary seal on heat pipe 1002
to help seal cavity 1104 from the outside environment.
[0168] Heat pipe 1002 is biased towards thermal energy generator
1004 by a spring 1012 positioned around body portion 1002C. The
purpose of the biasing is to press end 1002A against thermal energy
generator 1004 and/or, or against sheath 1006, to enhance the heat
transfer to thermal energy generator 1004. If heat pipe 1002 is
biased, any suitable structure or method may be used to generate a
pressure fit between the heat pipe and (directly or indirectly) the
TEG 1004. In one embodiment the biasing force is about 100-200 psi,
or about 170-250 psi, or about 200 psi.
[0169] Heat pipe 1002 is also held in position in cavity 1104 of
casing 1100 by a locking ring 1014 positioned around body portion
1002C and under spring 1012. Locking ring 1014 fits into depression
1170 and holds heat pipe 1002 in position. The body portion 1002C
adjacent opening 1156 is at least partially surrounded by an
insulating material, and in this embodiment is surrounded by
plastic sleeve 1016, which helps prevent heat from dissipating into
cavity 1104.
[0170] Second end 1002B of heat pipe 1002 extends through opening
1156 in order to receive heat from a heat source. In this
embodiment, the heat source is the engine. Second end 1002B
preferably extends out of casing 1100, through opening 1194 in
valve cover 1190 and is retained inside of the valve cover. The
heat pipe 1002 receives sufficient heat to generate electricity
through TEG 1004. Furthermore, by not contacting the engine or
valve cover 1190 directly, little or no vibration is transferred
through the heat pipe 1002 to device 110.
[0171] Processor 1020 is preferably a PCB chip 1000 with circuitry
that preferably performs the following functions (some of which
were noted above). First, it converts power from the TEG assembly
1300 into electricity suitable for charging the power source of
device 110, or for operating device 110 directly. Second, it
includes an accelerometer capable of measuring vibration. Third, it
may also be capable of receiving and analyzing (in whole or in
part) operational data other than vibrational data, such as
temperature, chemical analysis of materials such as a liquid, solid
or gas, pressure, or exhaust gas data, and potentially convert any
data it measures or receives into digital form so that it can be
stored, analyzed and/or transmitted.
[0172] Processor 1020 is in direct or indirect communication with
the power source, the thermal energy generator, one or more data
inputs, and a transmitter to transmit data.
[0173] A primary power source 1022 is preferably a solid state,
thin film LiPON battery attached to processor 1020. A secondary
power source 1024 is preferably a lithium thynol chloride wafer
cell and operates only if power source 1022 fails.
[0174] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate device
1100A according to the invention that is the same in all respects
as the previously described device 110 except that it has no heat
dissipating structure on top portion 1102A of the casing.
[0175] FIG. 7 is a perspective, front view of the assembled device
of FIGS. 1-5 mounted on the valve cover of an engine. FIG. 7A is a
different perspective view of the arrangement in FIG. 7 showing a
wired connection between device 110 and a thermocouple positioned
in the engine.
[0176] FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the invention with a flat
outer surface 1154 for mounting directly to another surface, such
as the surface of a valve cover.
[0177] FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of the invention with two
mounting legs 1154 (although any suitable number may be used) to
mount to a surface and create a space between surface 1154 and the
surface to which the device is mounted.
[0178] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG.
8.
[0179] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 8
mounted on a valve cover wherein the heat pipe 1002 protrudes
through the opening 1194 of the valve cover.
[0180] FIG. 12 shows a device according to the invention that has a
plurality of legs 1158 (preferably four) for mounting the device to
a valve cover 1190.
[0181] FIG. 13 shows one type of machine, which is a 16-cylinder
diesel or natural gas engine, on which a device according to the
invention may be used.
[0182] FIG. 14 is a close-up view of the cylinder heads of the
engine of FIG. 13, which is used for natural gas compression. A
device according to the invention could be mounted on one or more
of the cylinder heads or mounted elsewhere and, in either event,
monitor operating parameters of the cylinder and/or the valves
associated therewith.
[0183] FIG. 15 depicts a device according to the invention being
connected to, or otherwise in communication with, each valve of the
engine depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, wherein the device measures
parameters associated with each cylinder and/or valve set, or other
parameters, and relays the measurements to a gateway. The device
and/or the gateway may filter, sort, store and/or analyze all or
part of the data either continuously or in for time interval. The
device may also be used to harvest information from another
machine, such as a compressor.
[0184] FIG. 16 depicts a tank farm 5000, wherein each farm has a
configuration generally as shown in FIG. 1 or in any suitable
configuration. The assets being monitored in each tank farm could
be one or more of any type of machine, device or material, such as
one or more engines, compressors, storage tanks or pipes through
which compressed gas passes. A device according to the invention
could monitor any desired parameter of any piece of equipment and
send the information to a coordinator 5002 that in turn could relay
it to a gateway 5003 that could send all or part of the information
via any suitable transmission medium to another location. Using
this system, information may be sent in any suitable manner, such
as raw or compressed data sent continuously, intermittently
according to a schedule that may be altered, or when the system
5000 senses that there is a problem and/or is aware that the data
transmission costs are low. The data can be gathered, stored,
analyzed, combined and compared to other data in any suitable
manner by system 5000 prior to or after transmission. System 5000
may also receive signals to reconfigure any of the operating logic
of any device in system 5000.
[0185] FIG. 17 depicts a valve cover 6000 specifically designed to
include a version of device 110, which is preferably large in size.
In all respects, the previously described devices are the same as
the device in valve cover 6000 except that the top surface 6001 of
valve cover 6000 may also form the top surface of the device and is
for dissipating heat. As shown, valve cover 6000 includes a heat
dissipation structure 6050 that comprises a plurality of rods,
although the previously described fins may also be utilized, or a
combination of fins and rods may be utilized. Cover 6000 is
preferably comprised of steel.
[0186] FIG. 18 shows a comparison of device 110 to cover 6000.
Device 110 is preferably sized to mount to a single cylinder or
valve cover 1190 (as shown) and because of its size (practically)
generates only enough power to monitor the parameters associated
with a single cylinder/valve combination, unless additional power
is provided from a modification of device 110 or from another
source.
[0187] Valve cover 6000 can house a larger version of a device
according to the invention and can power many other monitoring
devices, or other equipment, through the accessible ambient heat
energy. The electricity generated would be transmitted from valve
cover 6000 to other devices or equipment through wires. Further,
valve cover 6000 could also include its own internal and/or
external structures as previously described for device 110.
[0188] FIGS. 19A, 19B and 20 show various views of the valve cover
6000 and show how a device 6110 could be positioned on top of or
partially inside of valve cover 6000. In this case, there is no
need for a heat pipe because the TEG 6104 has a plate beneath it
that transfers heat from the cavity inside of valve cover 6000 to
TEG 6104 to generate electricity.
[0189] Another embodiment of an aspect of the invention is a
drilling pipe with a vibrational measuring and recording device.
The pipe is preferably of a type used for drilling oil or natural
gas wells and is known in the art. The pipe is comprised of
sections, usually 42 feet in length, that are threaded together.
Over time the pipe wears and can break, either at the threaded
portion or elsewhere. If the pipe breaks during usage, it could
create delay and expense because if, for example, the pipe is
several thousand feet underground it may be difficult or impossible
to retrieve and another hole must be bored. The wear on a pipe is a
function of at least, (1) the number of times the pipe has been
used, which can be determined by the total number of turns the pipe
has made, and (2) the type of earth in which the pipe has been
used, for example, if the pipe is used in soft soil the wear on the
pipe is less than if the pipe is used to drill through rock.
[0190] The wear on a pipe can be measured by the vibration to which
it has been exposed, which can measure (or approximate) the number
of turns and the stress due to the type of earth in which it has
been used. Turning now to FIG. 30, a section of a pipe 7000
according to the invention is shown. End 7001 has a larger
cross-sectional area than end 7002, which is meant to be threaded
into end 7001 of another pipe section. Attached to pipe section
7000 is a power source comprising a piezo chip that generates
electricity when subject to vibration, an accelerometer that
measures vibration to which pipe section 7000 is subjected, and a
memory to store the vibrational data. The power source,
accelerometer and memory are preferably all part of one, flat unit
7003, so they extend very little from the surface of pipe section
7000. Preferably unit 7003 is contained in a recess 7004 of between
1/8'' and 5/16'' deep formed in pipe section 7000, and most
preferably the recess is at end 7002, which has less direct contact
with the earth as the drilling progresses. The memory of the unit
can be read or downloaded in any suitable manner, such as by using
an RF reader.
[0191] Using this device, users can determine when a pipe section
has reached the end of its useful life for their purposes and
either discard or sell the pipe section. A predetermined
vibrational life span of the pipe has been exposed and can be
compared to this known vibrational life.
[0192] Communications
[0193] In accordance with various embodiments and with reference to
FIG. 21 (and FIG. 1), communication architecture for a remote
sensing system 1500 can comprise at least one sensor device 1510
communicating with a coordinator 1520. The coordinator 1520
communicates with central server 1550 and user computing device
1560 via gateway 1530 and/or network 1540. Sensor devices 1510 may
be referred to herein as "motes," and coordinators 1520 may be
referred to as "nodes." The functionality of the sensor device
1510, coordinator 1520, server 1550, computing device 1560, gateway
1530 and/or any other component operating in conjunction with the
present invention can be implemented in any suitable manner, such
as through a processor executing software instructions stored in a
memory. Functionality may also be implemented through various
hardware components storing machine-readable instructions, such as
application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs),
field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and/or complex programmable
logic devices (CPLDs).
[0194] The sensor device 1510 receives data collected from one or
more connected sensors, and can be configured to transmit the
collected data to the coordinator 1520. Furthermore, in various
embodiments, sensor device can be configured to transmit the
collected data to coordinator 1520 in real-time or batch format. As
used herein, "real-time" is defined to mean intervals measured in
minutes. For example, the sensor data may be transmitted every 5
minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or the like. Furthermore, the
coordinator 1520 can be configured to transmit data to the central
server 1550 via the gateway 1530 and/or the network 1540. Within
the remote sensing system 1500, data can be communicated using a
variety of communication methods. For example, data may be
communicated via a wireless connection or a wired connection. In
various embodiments, a wireless communication device can be
configured to transmit using at least one of a satellite
communication network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a wireless mobile telephone network, a General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a wireless local area network
(WLAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a
Personal Communication Service (PCS) network, and an Advanced
Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network. Moreover, data can be directly
downloaded from the sensor device or aggregating computer using a
cable connection to a computing device.
[0195] The components of the remote sensing system 1500, namely the
sensor device 1510, coordinator 1520, gateway 1530, and central
server 1550, may include, or operate in conjunction with, any type
and number of transceivers. In various embodiments, the components
includes a cellular radio frequency (RF) transceiver and may be
configured to communicate using any number and type of cellular
protocols, such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Global
System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM
Evolution (EDGE), Personal Communication Service (PCS), Advanced
Mobile Phone System (AMPS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),
Wideband CDMA (W-CDMA), Time Division-Synchronous CDMA (TD-SCDMA),
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and/or Time
Division Multiple Access (TDMA). The transceiver may communicate
using any other wireless protocols, such as a Zigbee protocol, a
Wibree protocol, an IEEE 802.11 protocol, an IEEE 802.15 protocol,
an IEEE 802.16 protocol, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) protocol, an
Infrared Data Association (IrDA) protocol, a Bluetooth protocol,
and combinations thereof.
[0196] Furthermore, the components of the remote sensing system 100
can be configured, alternatively (or additionally), to communicate
using any other method of wired or wireless communication. For
example, in various embodiments the transceiver may be configured
to communicate using one or more wired connections using, without
limitation: tip and sleeve (TS), tip, ring, and sleeve (TRS), and
tip, ring, ring, and sleeve (TRRS) connections; serial peripheral
interface bus (SPI) connections; universal serial bus (USB)
connections; RS-232 serial connections, Ethernet connections,
optical fiber connections, and Firewire connections. The
transceiver can be configured (e.g. through a software program
residing in memory and executed by processor) to detect and switch
to different communication protocols and/or different wired or
wireless connections, thus allowing communications with a wide
variety of devices.
[0197] The coordinator 1520, according to various embodiments, can
be a local computer machine located near one or more sensor devices
1510, such that the coordinator 1520 and sensor devices 1510 can
communicate using RF signals. Moreover, the coordinator 1520 can be
configured to communicate using any desired wired or wireless
communication connection or protocol, including those described
above. In various embodiments, the coordinator 1520 can be
configured to communicate with a plurality of sensor devices 1510
and, in turn, communicate with other coordinators 1520, or the
central server 1550. In this manner, a single coordinator 1520 can
communicate with multiple sensor devices 1510 using a short-range,
low-power communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth.RTM.) and
communicate with other systems (such as the central server 1550)
using a longer-range protocol, resulting in less overall power
consumption by embodiments disclosed herein.
[0198] The data communicated in the remote sensing system 1500 may
be of two different types, referred to as "smart data" and "dumb
data." The dumb data can be all the data collected by the sensor
device 1510. The dumb data can be unfiltered and may be voluminous,
as the sensor device 1510 collects a large quantity of sensor data.
In contrast, the smart data can be a filtered, summarized,
condensed, or reduced subset of the dumb data, or an analysis
output. For example, the sensor device may record temperature at a
predetermined first time interval. The dumb data would include
every temperature recording, whereas the smart data could be the
average temperature over a predetermined second time interval,
where the second time interval can be greater than the first time
interval. Transmitting the average temperature smart data can be
more efficient than transmitting the temperature recording dumb
data due to the decrease in data transmitted. However, for most
purposes there is little to no drop in analysis quality of the data
since the smart data provides sufficient information for
analysis.
[0199] The sensor device 1510 may be configured to detect and
transmit data from any number of different sensor units in which it
is in communication. Additionally, the sensor device 110 may be
configured to perform any desired analysis of the data from the
sensor units, including those described below.
[0200] In one embodiment, coordinator 1520 has a large amount of
memory capable of storing all data transmitted by the one or more
sensor devices 1510. For example, the coordinator 1520 may have
over a terabyte of storage. In various embodiments, the coordinator
1520 can receive all the "dumb" data from the sensor device 1510.
The coordinator 1520 then processes the dumb data into relevant
smart data to be transmitted to the central server 1550.
Furthermore, the coordinator 1520 can store the dumb data for later
retrieval. The dumb data can be manually downloaded later for
additional analysis.
[0201] The smart data can include an identifier corresponding to
the data source, thereby identifying which sensor device 1510
gathered the particular smart data. In various embodiments, the
coordinator 1520 can be in communication with multiple sensor
devices 1510. Each sensor device 1510 can communicate with the
coordinator 1520 using a different frequency. For example, the
sensor devices 1510 may transmit within the frequency range of
about 868 MHz to about 915 MHz. The coordinator 1520 can use the
communication frequency to associate the data with a specific
sensor device 1510.
[0202] In various embodiments, the coordinator 1520 can communicate
to the central server 1550 either via satellite or cellular towers.
Furthermore, the coordinator 1520 can be configured to transmit
batch data to the central server 1550 at selected times. For
example, the batch data transmissions may occur during off-peak
times in order to be more cost effective. In other embodiments, the
coordinator 1520 can store all the dumb data to be manually
downloaded at some point in time.
[0203] In accordance with various embodiments, the data processing
can be managed in multiple ways. For example, in a first
embodiment, the sensor device 1510 can be configured to process, or
at least partially process, the data. In a second embodiment, the
coordinator 1520 can be configured to process, or at least
partially process, the data. In a third embodiment, the central
server 1550 can be configured to process, or at least partially
process, the data. In a fourth embodiment, the data processing can
be managed by any combination of the first, second, or third
embodiments of data processing. For example, the sensor device 1510
can be configured to preprocess data for simple tasks, such as
determining a change in temperature. The coordinator 1520 can
configured to perform more complex data processing, or any
processing not handled by the sensor device 1510.
[0204] Referring now to FIG. 22, a network of coordinators 1520
(labeled 1-6) is shown, with each coordinator corresponding to a
respective engine being monitored. As shown for coordinator #6,
each coordinator (1-6) communicates with a respective plurality of
sensor devices 1510 (labeled a-f with respect to coordinator #6)
via short-range wireless protocol (Bluetooth.RTM. in this example).
In this exemplary embodiment, coordinators 1-6 communicate with
each other and/or with gateway 1530 using a longer-range wireless
protocol (an 802.15 protocol in this example) and adjacent
coordinators are no more than about 300 feet from each other. At
this range, the coordinators can communicate with immediately
adjacent coordinators (shown by the dotted lines between
coordinators), but only coordinator #5 is within range of gateway
1530. In such cases, coordinators operating in conjunction with
embodiments of the invention may be configured to relay
communications so that all coordinators can communicate with or
through the gateway 1530.
[0205] For example, coordinator 4 may transmit data to coordinator
5 for rebroadcast to gateway 1530. Likewise, coordinator 1 may
transmit data to gateway 1530 through coordinators 3 and 5. In
various embodiments, communications can be alternately relayed
through different coordinator nodes to help avoid over-burdening
any one particular node. For example, coordinator 1 may first
communicate with gateway 1530 via coordinators 6 and 5, and next
communicate with gateway via nodes 3 and 5.
[0206] As also shown in FIG. 22, sensor devices 1510 (labeled a-f
in FIG. 22) can communicate with local device(s) 1610. This allows,
among other things, technicians to communicate directly with
sensing devices 1510 (to perform diagnostics or other functions)
without having to access network 1540 or server 1550.
[0207] Gateway 1530
[0208] The gateway 1530 communicates with coordinator 1520 and with
other systems (such as central server 1550 and user computing
device 1560) via network 1540. In various embodiments, such as in
the exemplary system 1600 depicted in FIG. 22, gateway 1530 is
disposed within communication range of at least one coordinator
1520. In various embodiments, gateway 1530 communicates with one or
more coordinators 1520 using a first wireless communication
protocol (e.g., an 802.15 protocol) and communicates with network
1540 using a second wired or wireless communication protocol (e.g.,
a longer-range protocol such as a cellular protocol), including
those described previously. Among other things, the gateway 1530
helps maximize the efficiency of the overall power consumption of
system 1600 and other embodiments of the invention by using short
range (and lower power) communication protocols between sensor
devices 1510 and coordinators 1520 and a longer range protocol to
communicate with remote devices via network 1540.
[0209] In the exemplary embodiments depicted in FIGS. 21 and 22,
gateway 1530 includes multiple transceivers to communicate
(simultaneously if desired) using different communication
protocols, thus allowing the gateway to, for example, communicate
with a coordinator 1520 and central server 1550 via network 1540 at
the same time. The gateway 1530 may also be configured to store and
process information collected from the sensors 1510. The gateway
1530 can thereby provide a technician with local access to data
accessible via a mobile computing device 1610 and retain a copy of
data in case of a hardware or communication failure related to
server 1550.
[0210] While coordinator 1520, gateway 1530, and network 1540 are
shown as separate components in FIG. 21, alternate embodiments may
perform the functionality of these components using a single system
or device. Additionally, various embodiments may use more or fewer
components to collect data from the sensor devices 1510.
[0211] Network 1540
[0212] The network 1540 allows the sensor devices 1510, coordinator
1520 and/or gateway 1530 to communicate with other systems and
devices, such as central server 1550 and user computing device
1560. The network 1540 may include any combination of wired and
wireless connections and protocols, such as those described above.
The network 1540 may comprise a local area network (LAN), wide area
network (WAN), wireless mobile telephony network, General Packet
Radio Service (GPRS) network, wireless Local Area Network (WLAN),
Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, Personal
Communication Service (PCS) network, Advanced Mobile Phone System
(AMPS) network, and/or a satellite communication network. In
various embodiments, network 1540 includes the Internet to allow
the central server 1550 or computing device 1560 to communicate
with sensor devices 1510, coordinator 1520 and/or gateway 1530 from
anywhere an internet connection can be established. As such,
embodiments of the invention provide efficient, centralized
monitoring of assets even in applications (such as oil and gas
production) where monitored assets are in remote locations and
often spread across large areas.
[0213] Central Server 1550
[0214] In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 21, the central
server 1550 receives and analyzes data from the sensor devices 1510
and can issue commands to control sensor device 1510, coordinator
1520, gateway 1530, and/or an asset being monitored. The central
server 1550 may receive data from the sensor devices 1510 in any
desired manner. In various embodiments, the server 1550 can be
configured to automatically request data from one or more of the
sensor devices 1510 via the network 1540, gateway 1530, and
coordinator 1520. Alternatively, the sensor device 1510,
coordinator 1520, gateway 1530, or any other device operating in
conjunction with embodiments of the invention can be configured to
automatically request and/or transmit data in any suitable manner.
For example, each sensor device 1510 may be configured to collect
and send data regarding vibrations measured from a monitored asset
(such as an internal combustion engine or compressor) and
automatically transmit such data to the coordinator 1520 at
periodic intervals (e.g., every 15 seconds). The coordinator 1520,
in turn, may immediately retransmit the data to the server 1550 via
network 1540 and/or to gateway 1530, or may store the data for
analysis and/or later transmittal.
[0215] The transmission of data by a device operating in
conjunction with the present embodiments may be subject to any
suitable conditions or rules that determine whether the data can be
transmitted. For example, a device may first check to verify (1)
that a device designated to receive the data is within range; (2)
that both devices have sufficient power to send the request and
receive the data; (3) that the receiving device has sufficient
space in its memory to store the data, and/or whether any other
suitable condition is met.
[0216] User access to the server 1550 may be controlled via an
authentication process. In various embodiments, authentication can
be authorized using authentication tokens. In various embodiments,
authentication tokens may comprise either simple or complex text
strings or data values indicating an account number or other user
identifier that can be matched against an internal database by the
central server 1550. Alternatively, authentication tokens may
comprise encoded passwords or other indicia that assert that the
entity for which authentication is requested is genuine. Generation
of an authentication token may be accomplished using alternative
methods such as entry of a user identifier, PIN, or password by the
user after being prompted to do so. Alternatively, a biometric
measurement of the user could be obtained and the measurement
rendered into a digital representation. Once generated, for
security purposes the authorization token may be secured by
encrypting the token, digesting and encrypting the digest of the
token, or cryptographically hashing the token before transmission
to the requesting entity. When authentication tokens are created,
the originating component of the token may create a certification
of validity through at least one of the following methods: (1)
encrypting the token with a private key associated with the token
originator; (2) encrypting the token with a public key associated
with the token requester or destination; (3) generating a digest of
the token (through a method such as a hashing algorithm discussed
above) and optionally encrypting the hashed digest with the token
originator's private key, or (4) providing an authentication code
as at least part of the token (such as a cryptographically hashed
password) that may be compared to previously stored values. When a
component receives the token along with any encrypted or cleartext
certification data, the component may determine the access is valid
by (1) attempting to decrypt an encrypted token with the alleged
originator's public key; (2) attempting to decrypt an encrypted
token with the alleged originator's public key; (3) attempting to
decrypt an encrypted digest with the alleged originator's public
key, and comparing the result to a hashed value of the token, pin,
code, or password, or (4) comparing a cryptographically hashed
password for the alleged originator to known pre-stored values, and
if a match is found, authorization is granted.
[0217] User Computing Device 1560
[0218] In FIG. 21, a user computing device 1560 can communicate
with any of the other components in system 1500 via network 1540.
The user computing device 1560 may include a personal computer or a
mobile computing device, such as a laptop computer, a mobile
wireless telephone, tablet computer, smartphone, or a personal
digital assistant (PDA).
[0219] A user can use computing device 1560 to view, in real-time
or near-real-time, the status of any of the components of a system,
such as the components shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The computing
device 1560 may also be used to send commands to control such
components or to the monitored asset, as well as to view reports
showing data from the sensor devices 1510, or to analyze the data
to generate metrics regarding the status of the monitored asset.
Data can be provided to or received from a user of the computing
device 1560 in a machine-readable format. The computing device 1560
may be configured to send, receive, and process machine-readable
data can in any standard format (such as a MS Word document, Adobe
PDF file, ASCII text file, JPEG, or other standard format) as well
as any proprietary format. Machine-readable data to or from the
user interface may also be encrypted to protect the data from
unintended recipients and/or improper use.
[0220] The server 1550 or user computing device 1560 may include
any number and type of processors to retrieve and execute
instructions stored in the memory storage device of the server to
control its functionality. The server 1550 may include any type of
conventional computer, computer system, computer network, computer
workstation, minicomputer, mainframe computer, or computer
processor, such as an integrated circuit microprocessor or
microcontroller in accordance with the present invention. The
server 1550 or computing device 1560 operating in conjunction with
the present invention may include any combination of different
memory storage devices, such as hard drives, random access memory
(RAM), read only memory (ROM), FLASH memory, or any other type of
volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. The server 1550 may include an
operating system (e.g., Windows, OS2, UNIX, Linux, Solaris, MacOS,
etc.) as well as various conventional support software and drivers
typically associated with computers. Software applications stored
in the memory may be entirely or partially served or executed by
the processor(s) in performing methods or processes of the present
invention.
[0221] The server 1550 or computing device 1560 may also include a
user interface for receiving and providing data to one or more
users. The user interface may include any number of input devices
such as a keyboard, mouse, touch pad, touch screen, alphanumeric
keypad, voice recognition system, or other input device to allow a
user to provide instructions and information to other components in
a system of the present invention. Similarly, the user interface
may include any number of suitable output devices, such as a
monitor, speaker, printer, or other device for providing
information to one or more users.
[0222] Any of the components in FIGS. 21 and 22 can be configured
to communicate with each other (or with other additional systems
and devices) for any desired purpose. For example, the server 1550
or user computing device 1560 may be used to upload software or
firmware updates to sensor device 1510 or other component, provide
or update encryption keys, and to perform diagnostics on any of the
components in systems 1500 or 1600. Any computer system may be
configured (i.e., using appropriate security protocols) to
communicate instructions, software upgrades, firmware upgrades,
data, and other information with components via network 1540. In
various embodiments, data received from the sensor devices 1510 can
be processed into a report and electronically provided (i.e., via
email) to multiple users in a ubiquitous data format such as
Portable Document Format (PDF). Such reports can be created at the
request of a user or generated automatically at predetermined times
or in response to the occurrence of an event (such as a detected
problem with a monitored asset).
[0223] Any combination and/or subset of the elements of the methods
depicted herein may be practiced in any suitable order and in
conjunction with any system, device, and/or process. The method
described herein can be implemented in any suitable manner, such as
through software operating on one or more systems or devices,
including the systems described in FIGS. 21 and 22.
[0224] As previously mentioned, the sensor device can be configured
to have one or more sensors connected. In accordance with various
embodiments, the types of sensors that could be connected to the
sensor device include, but are not limited to, a vibration sensor
such as an accelerometer, a pressure transducer such as
piezoelectric transducer, a total dissolved solid (TDS) sensor such
as an electrical conductivity meter, a hydrocarbon sensor such as
an e-nose sensor, a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple,
thermistor, or infrared thermometer, and a wind speed sensor such
as an anemometer.
[0225] In accordance with various embodiments, a sensor device can
comprise at least one sensor operatively coupled to a controller
and a wireless communication device coupled to the controller. The
controller can be configured to receive a measured input from the
at least one sensor. The wireless communication device can be
configured to communicate with a central server. Furthermore, the
wireless communication device can transmit data to the central
server at regular intervals. In various embodiments, the wireless
communication device further transmits data to the central server
in response to the measured input exceeding a predetermined
threshold. Moreover, in various embodiments, the sensor device
further comprises a power source, such as solar power, thermal
power, battery power, and/or wind power.
[0226] The sensor device can be used in a variety of applications,
such as the oil and gas wells as mentioned above. For example, the
sensor device can be coupled to a fluid holding tank. The at least
one sensor can be a volume sensor configured to determine the fluid
volume in the fluid holding tank. More specifically, the volume
sensor can be a pressure transducer located near the bottom of the
fluid holding tank. The data obtained from the volume sensor can be
used to determine a fill rate of the fluid holding tank based on a
rate of volume change.
[0227] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the sensor can be a flow
meter sensor configured to determine the flow rate into in the
fluid holding tank. In another embodiment, the sensor can be a
total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor configured to monitor fluid
composition in the fluid holding tank. In yet another embodiment,
the sensor can be an infrared thermal monitor configured to monitor
flumes from a tank vent of the fluid holding tank, wherein the
infrared thermal monitor can be configured for sensing volatile
organic compounds. In another embodiment, the sensor can be an air
quality sensor configured to measure air pollutants surrounding the
fluid holding tank. In addition, in various embodiments the sensor
device can be one of a plurality of sensor devices in a remote
sensing system. Each of each of the plurality of sensor devices can
be configured to communicate with at least one other sensor
devices.
[0228] Predictive Analysis Using Vibration Data:
[0229] In accordance with various embodiments, a sensor device can
be connected to a vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer. The
sensor can be attached to various parts of an engine or machine and
measure the ongoing vibrations. By way of example, the engine or
machinery parts that vibrate include valves, bearings, crank shaft,
camshaft, rocker arm, radiator fan, fly wheel, hydraulic pump,
alternator, turbo, and fuel pump. Using an engine mount as an
example, in various embodiments, the sensor device can obtain a
baseline of vibration data when the engine is operating. This
baseline can be measured manually prior to installation of the
sensor devices, and/or obtained after the installation of the
sensor devices. Furthermore, a software program can be executed to
analyze the vibration patterns in comparison to the baseline
vibration patterns. The software program may be installed on the
sensor device, the coordinator, or the central server. Furthermore,
the software program can search for vibration patterns with known
timing, either from the baseline or from a library of specific
component vibration patterns in order to determine potential
sources of vibration patterns. In various embodiments, the software
program analyzes the vibration data looking for changes in pattern
for predictive analysis.
[0230] If multiple sensor devices are used on an engine, the
vibration data from the multiple sensor devices can be used to
triangulate the source of the change in the vibration pattern. The
magnitude of change in vibration pattern can be used to triangulate
the source of the disruption. This can provide an indication of
which component of the engine may be failing and allow repair prior
to a major failure. Moreover, an oil and gas company most likely
implements the same type of machinery in multiple locations. Since
the machinery is the same, the data from one location can be
helpful in the diagnostics of the machinery in another location. In
various embodiments, the sensing system can store the vibration
data from multiple engines, and compare the change in vibration
data to similar changes that occurred on other engines. This type
of learning by the sensing system can provide additional
information for diagnostics, such as an expected failure timeframe
for the specific component. For example, if the change in vibration
data indicates that a bearing may be beginning to fail, the system
can provide an expected timeframe for the bearing's failure based
on the data gathered from a similar bearing's failure.
[0231] Flow Rate:
[0232] In accordance with various embodiments, a flow rate into a
fluid holding tank can be determined by a pressure sensor. The
pressure sensor can be located at or near the bottom of the fluid
holding tank, and can sense whether the pressure of the fluid is
increasing, decreasing, or remaining constant. A change in the
pressure data can be used to determine the flow rate of fluid into,
or out of, the fluid holding tank. The flow rate data can be useful
for different things. For example, a negative flow rate indicates
that the fluid in a holding tank is being drained. In various
embodiments, if the tank draining doesn't match a scheduled
removal, this can trigger an alert that the fluid holding tank has
a leak or that someone may be stealing the fluid.
[0233] Similarly, a positive flow rate can be correlated to
production of the producing well. Simply that a high flow rate
indicates high output from the well. Furthermore, the pressure
sensor can take several data points, the flow rate can be tracked
and more accurately show the output of a well. Measuring a well's
flow rate in approximately real-time, in terms of minutes,
increases the accuracy of a well's expected output. The wells may
have short spikes of output or "burps" that distort a calculated
flow rate if only measuring a well's output on a monthly basis.
[0234] Furthermore, in various embodiments, the flow rate data can
be used to increase the confidence levels in production decline
analysis. In a typical analysis, the production volume of a well
may be recorded on a monthly basis. Using a sensor device, the flow
rate, and hence production volume, of a well can be recorded at
intervals of minutes. More continual monitoring, and enhanced
accuracy, of the flow rate results in a production decline analysis
curve with a higher confidence level in comparison to the current
measurement methods.
[0235] Another use of flow rate data can be determining when a tank
needs to drained. In a field of tanks, this information can be used
to determine an efficient tanker truck routing for draining the
tanks. In various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 24, a
natural resource well field 1800 can include several holding tanks
(designated A-E), each of which may have a different holding
capacities and different fluid amounts being stored. The tanks with
the least amount of time until being full can be given priority,
and tanks that have a longer time until being full can be scheduled
for a later stop. By correctly prioritizing the tanks and not
checking the tanks that do not need to be drained, the truck
routing will become more efficient, both in terms of time and
number of miles driven. For example, flow rate data may indicated
that holding tanks A-C are nearing capacity but holding tanks D-E
still have low levels. The routing system can instruct trucks to
proceed to drain tanks A-C but not check on nearby tanks D-E. This
routing saves the driving distance and time it would take to check
holding tanks D-E. Furthermore, the flow rate data can be used to
determine the number of tanker trucks needed to carry out the fluid
draining. The routing system can determine the fluid volume to be
drained and instruct the appropriate number of tanker trucks to
proceed to the appropriate holding tanks. This additional
determination can save the driving distance and time of unnecessary
tanker trucks.
[0236] Accordingly, and with reference to FIG. 29 an exemplary
logistics method can comprise receiving flow rate data from a
plurality of sensor devices 2301, wherein each of the plurality of
sensor devices can be in communication with an individual holding
tank, wherein the data comprises a flow rate of the individual
holding tanks, and wherein the data identifies the individual
holding tank locations. The exemplary logistics method can also
comprise determining a remaining time period until each of the
individual holding tanks reaches capacity based on the flow rate
and a remaining capacity of the individual holding tanks 2302,
identifying a fleet of tanker trucks for draining the individual
holding tanks 2303, and using the data to populate a mathematical
model that comprises an objective function for minimizing tanker
truck driven miles and preventing the individual holding tanks from
reaching capacity 2304. The exemplary logistics method can further
comprise determining a prioritized order of draining the holding
tanks in the system based in part on the remaining time period of
the individual holding tank.
[0237] In various embodiments, each of the plurality of sensor
devices can comprise at least one sensor operatively coupled to a
controller, wherein the controller can be configured to receive a
measured input from the at least one sensor, and a wireless
communication device coupled to the controller, wherein the
wireless communication device can be configured to communicate with
a central control system. The at least one sensor can be at least
one of a flow meter and a pressure transducer.
[0238] In various embodiments, a logistics system can comprise a
plurality of sensor devices providing data, wherein each of the
plurality of sensor devices can be in communication with an
individual holding tank. The data can comprise flow rates of the
individual holding tanks, and can identify the individual holding
tank locations. The logistics system can also include a capacity
module configured to determine the time remaining until each of the
individual holding tanks reaches capacity based on the flow rate
and remaining capacity of the individual holding tanks.
Furthermore, the logistics system can also include an
identification module configured to identify a fleet of tanker
trucks for draining the individual holding tanks, along with a
processor implementing a mathematical model populated by the data.
The mathematical model can comprise an objective function for
minimizing tanker truck driven miles and preventing the individual
holding tanks from reaching capacity. The order of draining the
tanks in the system can be determined in part by whether a first
individual holding tank is closer to overflowing than a second
holding tank.
[0239] Total Dissolved Solids Monitoring
[0240] In accordance with various embodiments, an electrical
conductivity meter can be used to measure the conductivity of the
fluid in a holding tank, thereby providing the concentration level
of solids in the fluid and acting as a total dissolved solids (TDS)
sensor. The electrical conductivity meter can be configured to
measure a salt solution percentage of the stored fluid. In various
embodiments, the electrical conductivity meter can be located near,
or at, the input valve of the holding tank in order to measure the
levels of the incoming fluid. In addition, in various embodiments,
the sensor device can comprise a controller operatively coupled to
the total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor and configured to receive
the TDS data from the TDS sensor; and a wireless communication
device coupled to the controller and configured to communicate with
the central server. In various embodiments, the sensor device can
be one of a plurality of sensor devices in a monitoring system. The
TDS data can be transmitted from the sensor device to the central
control system in real-time or in batch format. In addition, TDS
level monitoring data can be correlated to multiple concepts, such
a quality monitoring, well lifespan predictive analysis, and
efficient by-product disposal.
[0241] With respect to quality monitoring, a quality monitoring
system can comprise a sensor device configured to receive TDS data
of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor in real-time; and a central
server configured to receive the TDS data from the sensor device.
In various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 26, a quality
monitoring method can comprise receiving, by the sensor device, TDS
data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor in real-time;
transmitting, by the sensor device, the TDS data to the central
control system; and comparing the TDS data to a TDS threshold
level. In various embodiments, the quality monitoring method can
further comprise notifying, by the sensor device, the central
control system in response to the TDS data exceeding the TDS
threshold level. The TDS threshold level can be set by a government
agency, or may be set based on historical data.
[0242] The sensor device and TDS readings can be used in a variety
of environments. For example, the stored fluid can be water
by-product produced by a fracking well, which will undergo
filtration, disposal, or reuse depending on the TDS level. The
sensor device and readings can also be part of a water treatment
facility, in which TDS levels are used determine the treatment
process and/or the effectiveness of the treatment. Further, the TDS
sensor and sensor device can be implemented in any factory or
production facility that produces a fluid product or handles fluid
by-products.
[0243] In another embodiment, the TDS sensor and sensor device can
be implemented for water run-off monitoring, especially in remote
areas. This can be useful for agriculture environments or
industrial environments. For example, multiple sensor devices can
be placed along a river bank and be solar powered. Each sensor
device can take measurements for specific chemicals or pollutants.
The sensor data can be transmitted and analyzed as described
herein, and notice given if threshold levels are exceeded. The
sensor data can also be used to determine whether an increase in
chemical levels occurs at a specific section of the river, thereby
assisting in narrowly the likely source of an increase.
[0244] With respect to oil and natural gas wells, the composition
of the output varies over the lifespan of the well. Oil wells will
typically product fluid with a higher concentration of TDS towards
the end of the well's lifespan. In accordance with various
embodiments, TDS levels can be correlated to the lifespan of an oil
or natural gas well. The TDS levels, specifically the change and
value of the TDS levels, can be compared to historical data to
predict the expected remaining lifespan of the oil or natural gas
well. Accordingly, a holding tank monitoring system can comprise a
sensor device configured to receive TDS data of a stored fluid from
a TDS sensor in real-time. In various embodiments, the TDS sensor
can be located at a top of a holding tank storing the stored fluid
and/or near an input the holding tank. Further, the TDS sensor data
can be used to determine a water percentage of the production of a
natural resource well, and predictive analysis can be used to
determine expected remaining production of the well. The stored
fluid can be water by-product produced by a fracking well.
Similarly, in various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 25, a
holding tank monitoring method can comprise receiving, by the
sensor device, TDS data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor in
real-time 1901, determining water production of a natural resource
well based on the TDS sensor data 1902, and determining expected
remaining production of the well using predictive analysis 1903,
using historical data.
[0245] In addition to the uses mentioned above, water by-product
disposal can also be improved using similar data. For example, the
disposal of fracking fluid can be regulated based on the
contaminant level of the fluid. Fluids with higher contaminant
levels require more treatment, and are therefore more expensive
when disposing. In addition, the processing or disposal areas may
be different depending on the type of processing, which impacts
where a driver should take the tanker truck when hauling the fluid.
In various embodiments, the TDS level data can be used to inform a
driver of the TDS level of a tank that is being drained and where
to transport the tank for proper disposal. Moreover, in various
embodiments, the tank fluid can be proportionally drained from
multiple tanks into a single tanker truck, using the TDS level
data, and resulting in a predetermined TDS level of the combined
fluid. More specifically and with reference to FIG. 27, an
exemplary method of selective holding tank draining can comprise
receiving, by a sensor device, TDS data of a stored fluid from a
TDS sensor 2101; receiving, by the sensor device, volume data of
the stored fluid from a volume sensor 2102; determining, by a
central control system, a selected TDS level for disposal of the
stored fluid 2103; calculating an average TDS level of a drained
volume of the stored fluid if draining from two or more tanks 2104;
and determining a stored fluid volume to drain from each of the two
or more tanks to achieve a drained mixture have less than the
selected TDS level 2105. In other words, a driver can be provided
instructions as to which tank or tanks to drain and the quantity to
drain from each tank. The instructions are based on the tanker
truck having a resulting tank of fluid with a selected level of
TDS. The driver can also be instructed as to where to deliver the
resulting fluid for proper disposal in accordance with the selected
TDS level. The selected TDS level can be one of a plurality of
predetermined TDS levels, where the disposal requirements of the
drained mixture can be determined by regulations corresponding to
the plurality of TDS levels. The regulations related to disposal
based on TDS levels may be set by a government agency. Furthermore,
the volume of the drained mixture can be less than the capacity of
a tanker truck.
[0246] Volatile Organic Compound Monitoring
[0247] Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are naturally present as
fugitive gases in and around oil or natural gas wells. Some VOCs
are toxic and may be dangerous above certain concentrations. In
accordance with various embodiments, a VOC sensor device can be
used to monitor the VOC levels from a well or tank. The VOC
measurement data can measure levels of benzene, toluene,
ethylbenzene, and xylenes. In various embodiments, the VOC sensor
device can comprise a sensor located in proximity to a vent or
junction of a well. The VOC measurement data can be used to
calculate fugitive losses from the tank or well. In current
practice, the amount of fugitive gases escaping from a vent is
unknown. However, VOC monitoring the flume from a vent enables the
determination of the amount of VOCs escaping in the flume. For
example, 5% of the flume may be VOCs, which equates to a certain
amount per minute. The VOC sensor device can monitor for various
VOC concentration thresholds or changes in the VOC concentration.
Furthermore, the resulting VOC data on the fugitive gases
facilitates deciding the appropriate method of capturing the
fugitive gases, namely by providing the amount and rate of fugitive
gases escaping.
[0248] Furthermore, in various embodiments and with reference to
FIG. 28, a method of volatile organic compound (VOC) monitoring can
comprise monitoring, by a sensor located in proximity to a tank
vent of a storage tank, flumes from the tank vent 2201; receiving,
by a controller operatively coupled to the sensor, a measured input
from the sensor, wherein the measured input can be VOC measurement
data of the flumes 2202; communicating, by a wireless communication
device coupled to the controller, with a coordinator 2203.
[0249] Further, in various embodiments, the VOC sensor device can
also comprise a controller operatively coupled to the sensor,
wherein the controller can be configured to receive VOC measurement
data from the sensor, and a wireless communication device coupled
to the controller, wherein the wireless communication device can be
configured to communicate with a central control system. The
central control system can be configured to analyze the VOC
measurement data to determine if regulations are satisfied. The
regulations can be set by a government agency. Moreover, the sensor
device can be one of a plurality of sensor devices in a monitoring
system.
[0250] Moreover, in various embodiments, the VOC sensor device can
also comprise an infrared thermal monitor for monitoring
temperature.
[0251] Air Quality Monitoring
[0252] Typically, natural gas wells are scattered throughout an
area and at any given time one or more of the natural gas wells may
have a leak. In the aggregate, small to moderate leaks from
multiple wells combine to form fugitive gas levels that may exceed
a government threshold. In the prior art, a sensor would measure
for ozone, and if the ozone reading is above a threshold level, the
system would assume a natural gas leak in the area. However,
usually there is only a single sensor for a wide coverage area, and
therefore the single sensor cannot determine the source of the
leak, resulting in the entire coverage area being shut down until
the gas levels dissipate or other corrections made.
[0253] In accordance with various embodiments and with reference to
FIG. 23, an air quality monitoring system 1700 can comprise
multiple air quality sensor devices 1702 (designated as A-F)
located throughout an area having natural gas wells 1701. Each of
the air quality sensor devices 1702 can include a hydrocarbon
sensor configured to measure fugitive gases, such as BTEX (benzene,
toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) in order to determine the air
quality surrounding the natural gas wells. In accordance with
various embodiments, a system of air quality sensor devices can be
positioned in a grid system throughout a natural gas field.
Furthermore, the sensor data can be collected and communicated in
real-time. As used herein, "real-time" is defined to mean intervals
measured in minutes. For example, the sensor data may be
transmitted every 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or the
like.
[0254] In various embodiments, the air quality sensor device can
include sensor types in addition to the hydrocarbon sensor, such as
a temperature sensor for determining the ambient temperature at the
hydrocarbon sensor. The ambient temperature can be an important
factor in determining an acceptable threshold of fugitive gases.
For example, higher temperatures may result in lower the threshold
of fugitive gases, depending on the regulations. Furthermore, in
various embodiments, the air quality sensor device can include an
ultraviolet sensor for measuring ultraviolet levels. The air
quality sensor device can also include an anemometer for measuring
wind speed.
[0255] In various embodiments, any combination of the various
sensors mentioned above can be connected to an air quality sensor
device. The sensor device can be powered using a solar panel, a
battery, or a combination of both. In various embodiments, the air
quality sensors can be located on a pole so that it can be
positioned about the ground, for example about 15 feet.
Furthermore, the system can include an antenna, such as a Yagi
antenna, for communicating the sensor data to a central system.
[0256] With reference to FIG. 23, the data from the various sensors
can be used to determine if a natural gas well should be operated
without exceeding an air quality threshold. The sensor data can be
used to correlate the temperature, wind speed, ultraviolet levels,
and fugitive gas levels with a dynamic threshold level. The
advantages of the monitoring system include being able to narrow
the area where the air quality threshold is being exceeded so that
only a portion of the natural gas wells will be impacted, having
earlier detection of an air quality issues since more sensors are
deployed. For example, if air quality sensor device B has a higher
hydrocarbon reading than air quality sensor device C at the
illustrated wind direction, it can be determined that one of the
natural gas wells 1701 within the area surrounded by sensor device
A, B, D, E is most likely to be the cause of the increase
hydrocarbon levels. In further embodiments, another advantage is
being able to adjust natural gas wells operations at a more
granular level. For example, if a certain area of the grid has high
levels of fugitive gases, the system can compensate by implementing
only a partial shutdown of the wells in that grid area rather than
all the wells. The system can calculate, based on the sensor data,
how many wells can be operational in that grid area without
exceeding an air quality threshold.
[0257] An air monitoring array system can comprise a plurality of
sensor devices arranged within a selected area, wherein the
plurality of sensor devices can be configured to measure air
pollutant levels in the selected area. In various embodiments, each
sensor device can comprise at least one sensor operatively coupled
to a controller, wherein the controller can be configured to
receive a measured input from the at least one sensor; and a
wireless communication device coupled to the controller, wherein
the wireless communication device can be configured to communicate
with a central control system. The central control system can be
configured to determine if one or more portions of the selected
area have air pollutant levels exceeding a predetermined threshold.
The predetermined threshold may be set by a government agency. The
at least one sensor can be a hydrocarbon sniffer, such as an e-nose
sensor circuit as developed by NASA.
[0258] Valve Cover Power Unit
[0259] In accordance with various embodiments, a large
thermoelectric generator (TEG) can be integrated into a valve cover
of an engine. This can be accomplished by either removing a section
of an already present valve cover and installing the TEG, or the
TEG can be built into a valve cover and then used to replace an
already present valve cover. In addition to valve covers, it is
contemplated that the TEG can be integrated as part of any heat
producing source. In addition to the TEG, a battery can also be
included as an alternative energy source if the TEG is not
sufficiently producing power (e.g., an engine is used as a heat
source but is not currently operating). In various embodiments, the
thermal electric core can be an array of multiple smaller thermal
electric cores, or can be one large thermal electric core. The
energy produced by a TEG can be linearly correlated to the surface
area of the thermal electric cores in the TEG, so the different
variations of the thermal electric core should produce
approximately the same power.
[0260] In various embodiments, the valve cover can have a thermal
barrier coating on the inside, outside, or both sides. The thermal
barrier coating reflects heat, so that the inside of the valve
cover is hotter than the outside of the valve cover. In one
embodiment, the thermal barrier coating can be applied by spraying
the material onto the valve cover. The increase in the temperature
different between the inside and outside of the valve cover
increases the amount of power generated by the TEG. This thermal
barrier embodiment can be most beneficial in hot environments, such
as the Middle East or other areas where the temperature on the
outside of the valve cover can be high.
[0261] Furthermore, in various embodiments, the sensor device can
vary its mode based on the power source. For example, if receiving
power from the TEG device, then sensor device can have full
functionality. However, if operating on battery power, most likely
due to an issue with the TEG device, the sensor device can be
configured to operate on partial functionality in order to draw
less operating power. Additionally, in various embodiments, the
sensor device can be provided an update to override the default
partial functionality setting. An operator may choose to override
and continue operating the sensor device at full functionality if
the sensor device can be scheduled to be, or can be, serviced in
the near future.
[0262] Data Transmission
[0263] Data collected from a sensor device 1510 or generated by any
other device, such as the coordinator 1520, operating in
conjunction may be transmitted to other systems, such as to central
server 1550 for analysis. The data can be transmitted in any
suitable manner, including using any of the wired or wireless
communication methods and protocols described previously. Any
amount of data can be transmitted in any manner. For example, data
from the sensor device 1510 can be transmitted to another device
(such as to coordinator 1520) as it is measured, or data can be
stored (such as in a memory storage device in the sensor device
1510) for a period of time before being transmitted to another
device. In some cases, for example, it may be more efficient to
transmit blocks of data at once rather than initiating
communication with another device each time data is available.
Furthermore, the data can be transmitted at off-peak times when
there are fewer transmissions occurring on a cellular or satellite
network. In other cases, a device may be out of range or otherwise
unavailable to receive the data. The data can also be stored for
any desired length of time, and/or until a particular event occurs.
For example, the device data could be stored until it can be
verified that the receiving device and/or the data server 1550 have
received the data, allowing the data to be retransmitted if
necessary. Data can also be deleted when a data record exceeds a
predetermined storage time, and/or the oldest data record can be
deleted first after a predetermined storage size limit has been
reached.
[0264] Data transmitted from the sensor devices 1510 may be
validated to ensure it was transmitted properly and completely. The
sensor device data may also be validated to ensure it was provided
from a specific sensor device 1510 or group of sensor devices 1510
(i.e., associated with a particular asset being monitored). The
data may also be validated to ensure that fields in the data
correspond to predetermined values and/or are within certain
thresholds or tolerances. Any number, code, value or identifier can
be used in conjunction with validating the device data. For
example, the data can be validated by analyzing a serial number, a
device identifier, one or more parity bits, a cyclic redundancy
checking code, an error correction code, and/or any other suitable
feature.
[0265] In exemplary embodiments, various components (such as
coordinator 1520, gateway 1530, and server 1550) may be configured
to receive data directly or indirectly from a sensor device 1510,
format a message based on the data, and transmit the formatted
message to another system or device. This functionality may be
implemented through software operating on any suitable mobile
computing device and with any computer operating system.
[0266] Receipt of data from the sensor devices 1510 may be
restricted only to authenticated devices operating as part of the
system. Authentication can also prevent sensitive data from being
broadcast and viewed by unintended recipients. Any device may be
authenticated to verify the device can be able to receive, process,
and/or transmit data. During authentication, the authenticated
device or devices may also be remotely commanded, and such commands
may include steps that configure devices to interoperate with
components of the present invention. For example, but not by way of
limitation, such steps may include the downloading of software
applications, applets, embedded operating code, and/or data.
[0267] Devices can be authenticated in any manner. For example,
devices can be authorized to receive data from one or more sensor
devices 1510 using an authorization code. The authorization code
can be any number, code, value or identifier to allow the receiving
device to be identified as a valid recipient of the data. In
various embodiments, the receiving device stores an authorization
code and broadcasts the authorization code in response to a request
for authorization. Unless the authorization code matches a code
stored by the transmitter of the data (such as the sensor device
1510 itself or another transmission device), the data is not
transmitted to the device.
[0268] In other exemplary embodiments, the coordinator 1520,
gateway 1530, or other device receiving the data from the sensor
device 1510 using a wireless network protocol (such as
Bluetooth.RTM.) can be authenticated based on whether the receiving
device advertises one or more services. In this context, advertised
services reflect functions, utilities, and processes the receiving
device can be capable of performing. The receiving device
broadcasts indicators of this functionality, thus "advertising"
them to other systems and devices. In such embodiments, unless the
receiving device advertises a service that can be identifiable with
the operation of the present invention (i.e., a process capable of
broadcasting the sensor device 1510 data to the central server
1550, for example), the receiving device is not authenticated and
thus the data is not transmitted to the device.
[0269] Data can be transmitted to components operating in
conjunction with the present invention in any format. For example,
data from the sensor device 1510 can be transmitted to the
coordinator 1520 exactly as it is generated by the sensor unit 1650
of the sensor device 1510, or it can be reformatted, modified,
combined with other data, or processed in any other suitable manner
before being transmitted. For example, the data can be encrypted
prior to transmission, and this encryption may occur at any stage
in its transmission by the sensor device 1510 or retransmission by
another device. Some or all of the data being transmitted may be
encrypted. In some embodiments, a digest of the data may be
encrypted, to digitally "sign" the data contents to verify its
authenticity. For example, but not by way of limitation, this
digest may be produced by providing the received data to a hashing
algorithm such as the MD5 or SHA-1 Secure Hashing Algorithm as
specified in National Institute of Standards and Technology Federal
Information Processing Standard Publication Number 180-1.
[0270] In some embodiments, such as described for the system 1600
depicted in FIG. 22, a group of coordinators 1520 may be configured
to relay communications amongst themselves when fewer than all
coordinators 1520 are within communication range of a gateway
1530.
[0271] Commands from the Server
[0272] In addition to receiving and processing data from the sensor
devices 1510 and other components operating in conjunction with
embodiments of the disclosure, the server 1550 (or user computing
device 1560 if desired) can transmit a command to control various
functions of such components, the asset being monitored, or other
systems and devices. Any number of commands of any type may be
transmitted by the server 1550 to any suitable recipient. The
command can be transmitted using the same variety of wired and
wireless methods discussed previously. For example, the server 1550
may issue a command to control, reconfigure, and/or update a
software application operating on the gateway 1530, coordinator
1520, and/or sensor device 1510.
[0273] The commands need not be sent directly to a device they are
intended to control. For example, a command could be transmitted to
a coordinator 1520, which in turn retransmits it (unmodified) to
the appropriate sensor device 1510. Alternatively, the coordinator
1520 could receive a command from the server 1550, analyze the
command, and then transmit an appropriately formatted command
tailored to the specific sensor device 1510 to be controlled. In
this manner, the server 1550 need not be able to generate a command
for each and every specific device it wishes to control, rather, it
can send a command appropriate to a class of sensor devices (i.e.
those with vibration sensors) and the coordinator 1520 can
appropriately translate the command to control the sensor device
1510. The commands from the server 1550 can initiate/run diagnostic
programs, download data, request encryption keys, download
encryption keys, and perform any other suitable function on devices
operating in conjunction with systems and methods of the present
invention.
[0274] In any system where commands can be sent remotely, security
is always a concern, especially when a wireless implementation may
provide an entry vector for an interloper to gain access to
components, observe confidential data, and control assets such as
expensive oil and gas engines/pumps. Embodiments of the present
invention provide for enhanced security in a remote command system
while still allowing flexibility and minimal obtrusiveness.
[0275] In one embodiment, a command received by any of the
components in FIG. 21 or 22 may be authenticated before the command
is either acted upon by the destination component, or forwarded to
another component in the system. Authentication may be directed to
determining (1) whether the command came from a trusted or
authorized source and (2) that the recipient is actually the
intended recipient of the command. In one implementation, source
command authentication can be achieved by determining whether the
origin of the command is a trusted component or server, and one way
to accomplish this determination can be analyzing whether a command
is properly digitally signed by the originator or some other
authentication information can be provided that assures the
recipient component that the message or command is authentic and
the recipient component is actually the intended recipient. In an
alternate implementation, destination command authentication can be
accommodated by examining the contents of the message or an
authorization code to determine the intended recipient, or
alternatively decrypting the command or a portion of the command to
verify the intended recipient.
[0276] When commands are created by a command originator, the
originator may allow a recipient to verify the authenticity and/or
validity of the command by at least one of the following methods:
(1) encrypting the command with a private key of the command
originator; (2) generating a digest of the command (through a
method such as a hashing algorithm discussed above) and optionally
encrypting the hashed digest with the command originator's private
key, or (3) utilizing a symmetric encryption scheme providing an
authentication code (such as a cryptographically hashed password)
that can be compared to previously stored values. When a system
component receives the command along with any encrypted or
cleartext certification data, the component may determine the
command is valid by: (1) attempting to decrypt an encrypted command
message with the alleged originator's public key, (2) attempting to
decrypt an encrypted digest with the alleged originator's public
key, and comparing the result to a hashed value of the command, or
(3) comparing a cryptographically hashed password for the alleged
originator to known pre-stored values, and if a match is found,
authorization can be granted. As an additional step, if the command
were optionally encrypted using the intended provider's public key,
then only the recipient is capable of decrypting the command,
ensuring that only the truly intended recipient devices were being
issued commands, and not an unintended third party. For example,
authenticating the command may comprise decrypting at least part of
the command using at least one of: a public key associated with the
server 1550; a private key associated with a sensor device 1510;
and a private key associated with the sensor device 1510.
[0277] Systems and devices operating in accordance with aspects of
the present invention may implement one or more security measures
to protect data, restrict access, or provide any other desired
security feature. For example, any device operating in conjunction
with the present invention may encrypt transmitted data and/or
protect data stored within the device itself. Such security
measures may be implemented using hardware, software, or a
combination thereof. Any method of data encryption or protection
may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention, such as
public/private keyed encryption systems, data scrambling methods,
hardware and software firewalls, tamper-resistant or
tamper-responsive memory storage devices or any other method or
technique for protecting data. Similarly, passwords, biometrics,
access cards or other hardware, or any other system, device, and/or
method may be employed to restrict access to any device operating
in conjunction with the present invention.
[0278] Some exemplary embodiments of the invention are as
follows.
Example Set 1
[0279] 1) A system comprising: [0280] (a) a sensor device, the
sensor device comprising: [0281] i. a processor; [0282] ii. a
transceiver coupled to the processor; [0283] iii. a sensor coupled
to the processor and configured to measure a characteristic
associated with a monitored asset; and [0284] iv. a non-transitory
memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions executable
by the processor for: [0285] receiving data from the sensor; and
[0286] transmitting the received data via the transceiver; and
[0287] (b) a coordinator configured to receive the transmitted
data. 2) The system of example 1, wherein the transceiver is
configured to transmit data using one or more of: a Zigbee
protocol, a Wibree protocol, an IEEE 802.11 protocol, an IEEE
802.15 protocol, an IEEE 802.16 protocol, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB)
protocol, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) protocol, a Bluetooth
protocol, and combinations thereof. 3) The system of example 1,
wherein the transceiver is configured to transmit data through a
wired connection selected from the group consisting of an optical
fiber connection, a tip and sleeve (TS) connection, a tip, ring,
and sleeve (TRS) connection, a tip, ring, ring, and sleeve (TRRS)
connection, a serial peripheral interface bus (SPI) connection, a
universal serial bus (USB) connection, an RS-232 serial connection,
an Ethernet connection, a FireWire connection, and combinations
thereof. 4) The system of example 1, further comprising a gateway
configured to receive the data transmitted from the coordinator,
wherein the gateway transmits the data received from the
coordinator through a network. 5) The system of example 4, wherein
the network comprises one or more of a local area network (LAN),
wide area network (WAN), wireless mobile telephony network, General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network,
Personal Communication Service (PCS) network, Advanced Mobile Phone
System (AMPS) network, a satellite communication network, and
combinations thereof. 6) The system of any of examples 1-5, further
comprising a server coupled to the network, the server configured
to receive the data from the gateway. 7) The system of example 6,
wherein the server is configured to analyze the data and determine
a metric. 8) The system of example 1, wherein the sensor device is
configured to transmit the data intermittently to the coordinator.
9) The system of any of examples 1-8, wherein the coordinator is
configured to transmit the data intermittently to the gateway. 10)
The system of any of examples 4-7, wherein the gateway transmits
data intermittently via the network. 11) The system of any of
examples 1-10, further comprising a plurality of sensor devices.
12) The system of any of examples 1-11, further comprising a
plurality of coordinator devices. 13) The system of any of examples
1-12, further comprising a plurality of gateways, wherein each
gateway is configured to receive the data transmitted from the
coordinator. 14) The system of any of examples 1-13, wherein a
first plurality of sensor devices communicate with a first
coordinator device, and a second plurality of sensor devices
communicate with a second coordinator device. 15) The system of
example 14, wherein the first coordinator device is in
communication with at least one gateway configured to receive the
data from the coordinator. 16) The system of example 15, wherein
the first coordinator device is configured to relay communications
between the at least one gateway and the second coordinator device.
17) The system of any of examples 1-16, wherein the sensor device
is mounted on an engine. 18) The system of any of examples 1-17,
wherein the data received from the sensor is analyzed by the
processor. 19) The system of example 1, wherein the sensor device
has a casing and the power source, processor and transmitter are
inside the casing. 20) The system of example 19, wherein the sensor
device is mounted on an engine. 21) The system of any of examples
1-20, comprising a plurality of sensor devices mounted on an
engine. 22) The system of example 21, wherein each sensor device
monitors the function of an individual component of the engine. 23)
The system of example 22, wherein the component is selected from
the group consisting of: a crankshaft, a valve, a cylinder, a
bearing, a belt, a wheel, and combinations thereof 24) The system
of example 21 wherein the engine is a compressor. 25) The system of
any of examples 1-23, wherein the engine has a valve cover and an
opening is formed in the valve cover adjacent each cylinder for
mounting the sensor device. 26) The system of any of examples 1-25,
wherein the sensor device further includes a power source. 27) The
system of example 26, wherein the sensor device further includes a
system for recharging the power source. 28) The system of example
27, wherein the sensor device is mounted on an engine having a
valve cover with an opening, and the system for recharging the
power source includes a heat pipe that extends through the opening
in the valve cover. 29) The system of example 28, wherein the
sensor device includes a case that contains the power source, the
processor and at least part of the heat pipe. 30) The system of
example 28, wherein the system for recharging the power source
further includes a thermal energy generator that receives heat from
the heat pipe. 31) The system of any of examples 1-30, wherein the
sensor is configured to measure a characteristic selected from the
group consisting of: temperature, pressure, flow, vibration,
strain, an electrical parameter, an atmospheric condition, sound, a
chemical, radiation, position, force, movement, and combinations
thereof. 32) The system of any of examples 1-31, wherein the sensor
device transmits the data to the coordinator at regular intervals.
33) The system of any of examples 1-32, wherein the sensor device
is configured to: [0288] (a) analyze the data from the sensor to
detect a condition associated with the monitored asset; and [0289]
(b) transmit the data to the coordinator when the condition is
detected. 34) The system of example 33, wherein the detected
condition is selected from the group consisting of: a possible
failure of a mechanical component of the monitored asset, a
hazardous level of a substance, a potentially-hazardous weather
event, a measured sensor reading beyond a predetermined threshold,
and combinations thereof. 35) The system of any of examples 1-33,
wherein the sensor device further comprises a communication
interface coupled to the monitored asset. 36) The system of example
35, wherein the sensor device is configured to receive data from a
computer system coupled to the monitored asset. 37) The system of
example 36, wherein the monitored asset includes an engine, wherein
the computer system is an on-board computer for the engine, and
wherein the on-board computer is coupled to one or more on-board
sensors. 38) The system of example 35, wherein the sensor device is
configured to control all or part of the functionality of the
monitored asset. 39) The system of example 38, wherein the
monitored asset includes an engine, and wherein the sensor device
is configured to control one or more of: power to the engine, an
operating speed of the engine, a fuel mixture provided to the
engine, and combinations thereof. 40) The system of any of examples
1-39, wherein the monitored asset is an engine, wherein the sensor
is configured to detect hydrocarbon, and wherein the sensor device
is configured to: [0290] (a) analyze data from the sensor and
detect an elevated level of hydrocarbon; and [0291] (b) send an
alert, via the transceiver, regarding a possible exhaust leak
associated with the engine. 41) The system of any of examples 1-40,
wherein the sensor device is configured to perform a diagnostic on
the sensor to determine whether the sensor is functioning properly.
42) The system of any of examples 1-41, wherein the sensor device
is configured to perform a diagnostic on itself to determine
whether the sensor device is functioning properly. 43) The system
of any of examples 1-42, wherein the sensor device is configured to
generate an alert, via the transceiver, in response to a
determination that one or more of the sensor and sensor device is
not functioning properly. 44) The system of any of examples 1-43,
wherein one or more of the sensor device, the sensor, the
coordinator, and the gateway is configured to wirelessly receive
and install a software update.
Example Set 2
[0292] 1. A method for monitoring the functioning of a machine, the
method comprising: [0293] (a) measuring the temperature of the
machine; [0294] (b) converting the measured temperatures into
electronic data; [0295] (c) storing the measured temperatures and
creating a database of measured temperatures and the time each of
the temperatures was taken; [0296] (d) establishing a
communications link between a first transmitter and a first
receiver; [0297] (e) establishing a communications link between the
first transmitter and the database; [0298] (f) transmitting all or
part of the database to the first receiver from the first
transmitter; and [0299] (g) analyzing the all or part of the
transmitted database to monitor the machine's functionality. 2. The
method of example 1 that further includes the step of analyzing the
database to establish a standard operating temperature range for
the machine. 3. The method of example 1 wherein the first receiver
is connected to a second transmitter that transmits all or part of
the database to a second receiver. 4. The method of example 2
wherein after the standard operating temperature range has been
established, at least some of the temperatures measured thereafter
are compared to the standard temperature operating range. 5. The
method of example 2 wherein after the standard operating
temperature range has been established, all of the temperatures
measured thereafter are compared to the standard temperature
operating range. 6. The method of example 2 wherein after the
standard temperature operating range has been established, the
temperatures measured thereafter are compared to the standard
temperature operating range on predetermined time intervals. 7. The
method of any of examples 3-6 wherein when a temperature measured
after the standard temperature operating range has been established
exceeds a predetermined level, an alarm is transmitted, the alarm
detectable by a user. 8. The method of any of examples 1-7 wherein
the database is stored in a memory. 9. The method of example 8
wherein the memory is accessed by a controller. 10. The method of
examples 3-9 wherein when a temperature measured after the standard
temperature operating range has been established exceeds a
predetermined level, a signal is sent to shut off the machine. 11.
The method of example 10 wherein a signal is sent to shut down the
engine after a plurality of temperatures exceeding the standard
temperature operating range have been measured. 12. The method of
example 11 wherein the plurality of temperatures exceeding the
standard temperature operating range are measured over a
predetermined time interval. 13. The method of example 12 wherein
the predetermined time interval is five minutes or more. 14. The
method of any of examples 3-13 wherein each temperature exceeding
the standard temperature operating range is at least 15.degree. C.
above the standard temperature operating range. 15. The method of
any of examples 1-14 wherein the machine is an engine and the
temperature is measured for a plurality of the engine valves. 16.
The method of any of examples 1-14 wherein the machine is an engine
and the temperature is measured inside each cylinder of the engine.
17. The method of any of examples 1-14 wherein the machine is an
engine and the temperature is measured inside each cylinder of the
engine and for each set of valves for each cylinder. 18. The method
of any of examples 15-17 wherein a signal is sent to lower the RPM
of the machine after a temperature is measured that exceeds the
standard temperature operating range. 19. The method of any of
examples 1-17 wherein a signal is sent to lower the RPM of the
machine after a plurality of temperatures have been measured over a
predetermined time interval that exceed the standard temperature
operating range. 20. The method of example 19 wherein the
predetermined time is five minutes or more. 21. The method of
example 7 wherein after receiving the alarm the user either (a)
sends a signal to shut off the machine, (b) sends a signal to slow
the RPM of the machine, or (c) takes no action. 22. The method of
either example 7 or 21 wherein the user sends a communication to
repair personnel. 23. The method of any of examples 9 or 26-30
wherein the controller receives software updates. 24. The method of
example 1 wherein the database is resident in the controller of
claim 9. 25. The method of example 7 wherein the alarm is
transmitted by the first transmitter. 26. The method of example 9
wherein the controller continually accesses the memory. 27. The
method of example 10 wherein the signal is sent by the controller
of example 9. 28. The method of example 11 wherein the signal is
sent by the controller of example 9. 29. The method of example 18
wherein the signal is sent by the controller of example 9. 30. The
method of example 19 wherein the signal is sent by the controller
of example 9. 31. The method of example 1-14 or 19-28 wherein the
machine is an engine.
Example Set 3
[0300] 1. A method comprising: [0301] (a) measuring the vibration
of one or more components of an engine; [0302] (b) converting the
measured vibrations into electronic data; [0303] (c) storing the
electronic data in a database; [0304] (d) establishing a
communications link between a first transmitter and a first
receiver; [0305] (e) establishing a communications link between a
first transmitter and the database; [0306] (f) transmitting all or
part of the database to the first receiver; and [0307] (g)
analyzing the transmitted part of the database to monitor the
engine's functionality. 2. The method of example 1 wherein the
database is resident on a device attached to the engine. 3. The
method of either of examples 1 or 2 wherein the vibration is
measured using one or more accelerometers. 4. The method of any of
examples 1-3 wherein the database is resident on a semiconductor.
5. The method of example 4 wherein the semiconductor is inside of a
casing positioned on the engine. 6. The method of example 1 wherein
the database is resident remote from the engine. 7. The method of
any of examples 1-6 wherein the vibration of the one or more engine
components is continuously measured. 8. The method of any of
examples 1-7 wherein at least part of the database is analyzed to
establish a standard vibration operating parameter for at least one
of the one or more engine components for which the vibration is
being measures. 9. The method of example 1 wherein the database is
maintained at the first receiver. 10. The method of either of
examples 1 or 4 wherein the first transmitter is an antenna. 11.
The method of any of examples 1-10 that further includes a second
transmitter in communication with the first receiver, the second
transmitter for transmitting at least part of the database to a
second receiver. 12. The method of any of examples 1-11 wherein the
vibrations are measured for a plurality of the engine's cylinders.
13. The method of any of examples 1-10 wherein the vibrations are
measured for each of the engine's cylinders. 14. The method of
example 8 wherein after the standard vibrational operating
parameter is established, each subsequent vibration measured is
compared to the standard vibrational operating parameter to
determine if the engine is functioning properly. 15. The method of
example 8 wherein a standard vibrational operating procedure is
established for each engine cylinder. 16. The method of any of
examples 1-15 wherein the vibration of at least one of the valve
covers is measured and stored. 17. The method of any of examples
1-16 wherein the vibration of at least one of the valve rocker arms
is measured and stored. 18. The method of any of examples 1-17
wherein the vibration of the cam shaft is measured and stored. 19.
The method of any of examples 1-18 wherein the vibration of the fly
wheel is measured and stored. 20. The method of any of examples
1-19 wherein if any measured vibration exceeds a predetermined
vibrational parameter, a signal is sent to either (a) shut down the
engine, (b) slow the RPM of the engine, or (c) notify an operator
or repair personnel. 21. The method of any of examples 1-19 wherein
if any measured vibration exceeds a predetermined vibrational
parameter for a predetermined time, a signal is sent to either (a)
shut down the engine, (b) slow the RPM of the engine, or (c) notify
an operator or repair person.
Example Set 4
[0308] 1. A valve cover for use on an engine, the valve cover for
retaining a device that generates power for a system that monitors
one or more of temperature, vibration, flow and chemical
composition. 2. The valve cover of example 1 that is attached to
the engine. 3. The valve cover of example 1 that replaces an
original valve cover of the engine. 4. The valve cover of any of
examples 1-3 wherein the device generates electricity by absorbing
heat from the engine and transferring the heat to a thermal energy
generator, which creates electricity. 5. The valve cover of any of
examples 1-4 wherein the device includes a structure to dissipate
heat. 6. The valve cover of example 5 wherein the structure to
dissipate heat comprises one or more of: a plurality of metal rods
and upwardly-extending metal fins. 7. The valve cover of example 3
wherein electricity is transferred to a second device via a wired
connection. 8. The valve cover of any of examples 1-8 that is
bolted onto the engine. 9. The valve cover of example 1 that powers
a plurality of devices other than the one retained on the valve
cover. 10. The valve cover of any of examples 1-10 wherein the
device is mounted on a side of the valve cover. 11. The valve cover
of any of examples 1-11 that is comprised of one or more of the
group consisting of: plastic and metal. 12. The valve cover of any
of examples 1-12 wherein the device has a heat pipe with a first
end that extends into the valve cover, the first end for
transferring heat to a thermal energy generator to generate
electricity.
Example Set 5
[0309] 1. A system for recharging a battery, the system comprising:
[0310] (a) a heat pipe having a first end, a second end and body
therebetween, wherein the first end is configured to contact a heat
source; [0311] (b) a thermal energy generator in contact with the
second end; [0312] (c) a battery; and [0313] (d) a power converter
in electrical contact with the thermal energy generator and in
electrical contact with the battery, the converter converting a
first electrical power received from the thermal energy generator
into a second electrical power, the second electrical power
transmitted to the battery to recharge it. 2. The system of example
1 wherein there is a conforming material between the second end of
the heat pipe and the thermal energy generator, the conforming
material conforming at least partially to the surface of the second
end of the heat pipe and at least partially to the surface of the
thermal energy generator so as to increase the surface area through
which heat can be transmitted. 3. The system of example 2 wherein
the conforming material is comprised of a graphite cloth. 4. The
system of either of examples 2 or 3 wherein the conforming material
is 1/32'' thick or less. 5. The system of any of examples 1-4 that
further includes a container at the second end of the heat pipe,
the container for retaining one or more of (a) the thermal energy
generator, and (b) the conforming material. 6. The system of any of
examples 2-5 wherein the heat pipe includes an insulating material
covering at least some of the heat pipe in order to help prevent
heat from dissipating from the heat pipe. 7. The system of any of
claims 1-6 that further includes a PCB and the batter and power
converter are on the PCB. 8. The system of example 6 wherein the
insulating material is comprised of plastic. 9. The system of
example 8 wherein the insulating material is a plastic sleeve that
at least partially surrounds the heat pipe. 10. The system of
either of examples 6 or 9 that further includes a casing that
contains at least part of the heat pipe and the insulating material
is inside of the casing. 11. The system of any of claims 1-10
wherein the second end of the heat pipe and the thermal energy
generator are pressed together. 12. A system for recharging a
battery, the system comprising: [0314] (a) a casing; [0315] (b) a
power collection source external to the casing; [0316] (c) a
processor inside of the casing, the processor in electrical
communication with the power collection source; [0317] (d) a
battery inside of the casing and in electrical communication with
the processor;
[0318] wherein the processor receives power from the power source
and converts it into electricity that can recharge the battery and
transmits the converted power to the battery.
13. The system of example 12 wherein the power collection source is
a solar cell.
Example Set 6
[0319] 1. A sensor device comprising:
[0320] at least one sensor operatively coupled to a controller,
wherein the controller is configured to receive a measured input
from the at least one sensor; and
[0321] a wireless communication device coupled to the controller,
wherein the wireless communication device is configured to
communicate with a coordinator.
2. The sensor device of example 1, wherein the sensor device
further comprises:
[0322] a processor in communication with the at least one sensor
and the wireless communication device; and
[0323] a memory in communication with the processor and storing
instructions executable by the processor for: [0324] receiving data
from the at least one sensor; and [0325] transmitting at least a
portion of the data to another sensor device via the wireless
communication device. 3. The sensor device of examples 1-2, further
comprising a power source for powering the sensor device. 4. The
sensor device of example 3, wherein the power source comprises one
or more of a battery and a capacitor. 5. The sensor device of
example 4, wherein the power source comprises a battery, and the
sensor device further comprises an energy harvester coupled to the
power source for recharging the battery. 6. The sensor device of
example 5, wherein the energy harvester includes one or more of a
photovoltaic cell for collecting solar energy; a thermoelectric
generator (TEG); and/or a piezoelectric vibrational energy
harvester (PZEH). 7. The sensor device of examples 1-6, wherein the
at least one sensor is coupled to a fluid holding tank. 8. The
sensor device of example 7, wherein the at least one sensor is a
volume sensor configured to determine the fluid volume in the fluid
holding tank. 9. The sensor device of example 8, wherein the volume
sensor is a pressure transducer located near the bottom of the
fluid holding tank. 10. The sensor device of examples 8-9, wherein
data from the volume sensor is used to determine a fill rate of the
fluid holding tank based on a rate of volume change. 11. The sensor
device of examples 7-10, wherein the at least one sensor is a flow
meter sensor configured to determine the flow rate into in the
fluid holding tank. 12. The sensor device of examples 7-11, wherein
the at least one sensor is a total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor
configured to monitor fluid composition in the fluid holding tank.
13. The sensor device of examples 7-12, wherein the at least one
sensor is an infrared thermal monitor configured to monitor flumes
from a tank vent of the fluid holding tank, wherein the infrared
thermal monitor is configured for sensing volatile organic
compounds. 14. The sensor device of examples 7-13, wherein the at
least one sensor is an air quality sensor configured to measure air
pollutants surrounding the fluid holding tank. 15. The sensor
device of examples 1-14, wherein the wireless communication device
is configured to transmit data from the at least one sensor to the
coordinator. 16. The sensor device of example 15, wherein the
wireless communication device is configured to transmit using at
least one of a satellite communication network, a local area
network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless mobile
telephone network, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a
wireless local area network (WLAN), a Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM) network, a Personal Communication Service
(PCS) network, and an Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network.
17. The sensor device of examples 1-17, wherein the sensor device
is one of a plurality of sensor devices in a monitoring system. 18.
The sensor device of example 17, wherein each of the plurality of
sensor devices is configured to communicate with at least one other
sensor device of the plurality of sensor devices. 19. The sensor
device of examples 1-18, wherein the wireless communication device
transmits data to the coordinator at regular intervals. 20. The
sensor device of examples 1-19, wherein the wireless communication
device further transmits data to the coordinator in response to the
measured input exceeding a predetermined threshold. 21. The sensor
device of examples 1-20, wherein the coordinator is in
communication with a central server, and wherein the coordinator is
configured to transmit data from the at least one sensor to the
central server. 22. The sensor device of example 21, wherein the
coordinator is configured to filter the data from the at least one
sensor into reduced data prior to transmission to the central
server. 23. The sensor device of examples 21-22, wherein the data
is transmitted to the central server in real-time. 24. The sensor
device of examples 21-22, wherein the data is transmitted to the
central server in batch format. 25. The sensor device of examples
1-20, wherein the sensor device is configured to filter the data
into a reduced subset of data. 26. The sensor device of example 25,
wherein the sensor device is configured to transmit the reduced
subset of data to at least one of the coordinator or the central
server. 27. The sensor device of example 26, wherein the reduced
subset of data is transmitted to the at least one of the
coordinator or the central server in real-time. 28. The sensor
device of examples 1-20 and 25-27, wherein the sensor device is
configured to transmit the data to a coordinator, wherein the
coordinator is in communication with the central server.
Example Set 7
[0326] 1. A device comprising:
[0327] a sensor;
[0328] a transceiver;
[0329] a processor in communication with the sensor and the
transceiver; and
[0330] a memory in communication with the processor and storing
instructions executable by the processor for: [0331] receiving data
from the sensor; and [0332] transmitting at least a portion of the
data to another device via the transceiver. 2. The device of
example 1, further comprising a power source for powering the
device. 3. The device of example 2, wherein the power source
comprises one or more of a battery and a capacitor. 4. The device
of example 3, wherein the power source comprises a battery, and the
device further comprises an energy harvester coupled to the power
source for recharging the battery. 5. The device of example 4,
wherein the energy harvester includes one or more of a photovoltaic
cell for collecting solar energy; a thermoelectric generator (TEG);
and/or a piezoelectric vibrational energy harvester (PZEH). 6. The
device of examples 1-5, wherein the sensor comprises an
accelerometer. 7. The device of example 6, wherein the sensor
comprises an integrated, printed circuit board (PCB) mounted
accelerometer sensor. 8. The device of examples 1-7, wherein the
device is configured to be mounted directly to rotating machinery
equipment selected from the group consisting of: a reciprocating
engine and a compressor. 9. The device of examples 1-8, wherein the
memory further stores instructions for comparing the data from the
sensor against previously-collected data from the sensor. 10. The
device of example 9, wherein the memory further stores instructions
to determine, based on the comparison, whether to take an action.
11. The device of example 10, wherein the action to be taken
includes one or more of: sending an alarm, reporting a condition,
and disabling equipment being monitored. 12. The device of examples
1-11, wherein the memory further stores instructions to calculate
mechanical revolutions per minute (RPM) of a crankshaft of an
engine monitored by the sensor. 13. The device of any of examples
1-12, further comprising a plurality of sensors. 14. The device of
example 12, wherein the memory further stores instructions for:
[0333] gathering data related to the operation of an engine from a
first sensor;
[0334] gathering environmental data regarding the engine from a
second sensor; and
[0335] determining a nominal operating characteristic for the
engine based on the data from the first sensor and the data from
the second sensor.
15. The device of example 14, wherein the first sensor is
configured to detect one or more of cylinder temperature, valve
vibration, main bearing vibration, and combinations thereof 16. The
device of examples 14-15, wherein the second sensor is configured
to detect one or more of geographical location and meteorological
information. 17. The device of examples 14-16, wherein the memory
further stores instructions to detect a variation from the nominal
operating characteristic and transmit an alert via the transceiver,
the alert indicating the variation.
Example Set 8
[0336] 1. A device for monitoring the function of an engine, the
device comprising: [0337] (a) a housing mounted to the engine.
[0338] (b) a power source. [0339] (c) one or more sensors, each of
which detect an engine condition. and [0340] (d) a transmitter for
transmitting each of the detected engine conditions, the
transmitter powered by the power source. 2. The device of example 1
that further includes a processor in communication with each of the
one or more sensors, the processor for receiving data regarding
each of the engine conditions and converting the data into
electronic signals that are transmitted by the transmitter. 3. The
device of example 1 that further includes a database for storing at
least some of the detected engine conditions. 4. The device of
example 3 wherein the database is part of the processor. 5. The
device of example 2 wherein the processor is inside of the housing.
6. The device of example 3 wherein the processor is inside of the
housing. 7. The device of example 1 wherein the power source is
inside the housing. 8. The device of example 1 wherein the power
source is a battery. 9. The device of example 8 wherein the battery
is a LiPON battery. 10. The device of example 1 that further
includes a secondary power source. 11. The device of example 10
wherein the secondary power source is a battery. 12. The device of
example 10 wherein the secondary power source is inside of the
housing. 13. The device of example 11 wherein the battery is a
lithium thynol chloride battery. 14. The device of example 1
wherein the housing is a two-piece housing. 15. The device of
example 14 wherein the two-piece housing comprises a top half and a
bottom half. 16. The device of example 15 wherein the top half is
comprised of a material that is more thermally conductive than the
material comprising the bottom half. 17. The device of example 16
wherein the top half is comprised of metal and the bottom half is
comprised of plastic. 18. The device of example 17 wherein the top
half is comprised of injection-molded aluminum. 19. The device of
example 17 wherein the bottom half is comprised of PPS. 20. The
device of example 15 wherein the bottom half can withstand a
temperature of at least 100.degree. C. without losing its
structural integrity. 21. The device of example 15 wherein the top
half has thermally-conductive projections to dissipate heat. 22.
The device of example 21 wherein the thermally-conductive
projections are comprised of one or more of fins and rods. 23. The
device of example 1 that is configured so that the temperature
inside the housing does not exceed 85.degree. C. 24. The device of
example 1 wherein the housing includes posts for mounting it to the
engine. 25. The device of example 24 wherein the posts are between
1/2'' and 11/2'' in length. 26. The device of example 15 wherein
the bottom half of the housing includes posts for mounting the
housing to the engine. 27. The device of example 26 wherein the
posts are between 1/2'' and 11/2'' in length. 28. The device of
example 27 wherein there are four posts. 29. The device of example
15 wherein a gasket is mounted between the top half and the bottom
half. 30. The device of example 26 wherein each post includes a
channel for receiving a bolt. 31. The device of example 26 wherein
each post includes a channel and a screw boss inside of the
channel, each screw boss for receiving a bolt. 32. The device of
example 1 that further includes a system for recharging the power
source. 33. The device of example 8 that further includes a system
for recharging the power source. 34. The device of example 33
wherein the battery is inside the housing, and the system for
recharging the battery includes a heat pipe. 35. The device of
example 8 that includes a system for recharging the battery and the
system for recharging the power source includes a heat pipe. 36.
The device of example 35 wherein the heat pipe is comprised of
metal. 37. The device of example 36 wherein the heat pipe is
comprised of aluminum. 38. The device of example 33 wherein the
system for recharging the battery includes: [0341] (a) a heat pipe
that is at least partially contained within the housing, the heat
pipe having a first end, a second end and a body portion. [0342]
(b) a thermal energy generator adjacent the first end of the heat
pipe for receiving heat from the heat pipe, the thermal energy
generator for generating electrical power. and [0343] (c) the
second end of the heat pipe adjacent a source of heat so as to
transmit the heat through the body to the first end and to the
thermal energy generator. 39. The device of example 34 that further
includes an opening in the bottom half of the housing, the opening
dimensioned to receive the body of the heat pipe. 40. The device of
example 39 wherein the body of the heat pipe is positioned in the
opening and the second end of the heat pipe is positioned outside
of the housing. 41. The device of example 38 wherein there is a
first flexible membrane between the first end of the heat pipe and
the thermal energy generator. 42. The device of example 41 wherein
the upper half of the housing has an inner surface and there is a
second flexible membrane between the thermal energy generator and
the inner surface of the upper half of the housing. 43. The device
of example 41 wherein there is between 100 psi and 200 psi of
pressure against the first flexible membrane to conform it to the
surface of the thermal energy generator. 44. The device of example
38 that further includes a retainer at the first end of the heat
pipe, the retainer for retaining the thermal energy generator. 45.
The device of example 44 wherein the retainer is comprised of
plastic. 46. The device of example 40 wherein the bottom half of
the housing has an inner surface, and there is a gasket surrounding
the opening, the gasket on the inner surface, the gasket for
sealing between the heat pipe and the opening. 47. The device of
example 38 wherein a portion of the body of the heat pipe adjacent
the second end is surrounded by insulating material. 48. The device
of example 47 wherein the insulating material is a plastic sleeve.
49. The device of example 38 that further includes a biasing
element to bias the heat pipe towards the upper half of the
housing. 50. The device of example 49 wherein the biasing element
is a spring surrounding part of the body of the heat pipe. 51. The
device of example 15 wherein the top portion of the housing has one
or more openings, wherein each opening is configured to receive a
coupling. 52. The device of example 15 wherein the top portion of
the housing has one or more openings with a coupling in each
opening, and each coupling is configured to be coupled to sensor.
53. The device of example 52 that further includes a processor,
wherein each coupling is in electronic communication with the
processor. 54. The device of example 38 wherein the thermal energy
generator is in communication with the processor and sends electric
power to the processor. 55. The device of example 54 wherein the
processor is in communication with the first battery and transfers
electric power from the thermal energy generator to the battery to
recharge the battery.
Example Set 9
[0344] 1. A holding tank monitoring system comprising:
[0345] a sensor device configured to receive total dissolved solids
(TDS) data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor in real-time,
wherein the TDS sensor is located near an input of a holding tank
storing the stored fluid;
[0346] wherein the TDS sensor data is used to determine water
production of a natural resource well; and
[0347] wherein predictive analysis is used to determine expected
remaining production of the well based in part on the water
production.
2. The holding tank monitoring system of example 1, wherein the TDS
sensor is an electrical conductivity meter. 3. The holding tank
monitoring system of example 2, wherein the electrical conductivity
meter is configured to measure a salt solution percentage of the
stored fluid. 4. The holding tank monitoring system of examples
1-3, wherein the stored fluid is water by-product produced by a
fracking well. 5. The holding tank monitoring system of examples
1-4, further comprising a central server configured to receive the
TDS data from the sensor device. 6. The holding tank monitoring
system of example 5, wherein the TDS data is transmitted to the
central server in real-time. 7. The holding tank monitoring system
of example 5, wherein the TDS data is transmitted to the central
server in batch format. 8. The holding tank monitoring system of
examples 1-4, wherein the sensor device is configured to filter the
TDS data into a reduced subset of TDS data. 9. The holding tank
monitoring system of example 8, wherein the sensor device is
configured to transmit the reduced subset of TDS data to at least
one of the coordinator or the central server. 10. The holding tank
monitoring system of example 9, wherein the reduced subset of TDS
data is transmitted to the at least one of the coordinator or the
central server in real-time. 11. The holding tank monitoring system
of examples 1-4, wherein the sensor device is configured to
transmit the TDS data to a coordinator, wherein the coordinator is
in communication with the central server. 12. The holding tank
monitoring system of example 11, wherein the coordinator is
configured to filter the TDS data into a reduced subset of TDS
data. 13. The holding tank monitoring system of example 12, wherein
the coordinator is configured to transmit the reduced subset of TDS
data to the central server. 14. The holding tank monitoring system
of example 13, wherein the reduced subset of TDS data is
transmitted to the central server in real-time. 15. The holding
tank monitoring system of example 13, wherein the reduced subset of
TDS data is transmitted to the central server in batch format. 16.
The holding tank monitoring system of examples 1-15, wherein the
sensor device comprises:
[0348] a controller operatively coupled to the TDS sensor, wherein
the controller is configured to receive the TDS data from the TDS
sensor; and
[0349] a wireless communication device coupled to the controller,
wherein the wireless communication device is configured to
communicate with the central server.
17. The holding tank monitoring system of example 16, wherein the
sensor device further comprises:
[0350] a processor in communication with the TDS sensor and the
wireless communication device; and
[0351] a memory in communication with the processor and storing
instructions executable by the processor for: [0352] receiving the
TDS data from the TDS sensor; and [0353] transmitting at least a
portion of the TDS data to another sensor device via the wireless
communication device. 18. The sensor device of examples 1-17,
further comprising a power source for powering the sensor device.
19. The sensor device of example 18, wherein the power source
comprises one or more of a battery and a capacitor. 20. The sensor
device of example 19, wherein the power source comprises a battery,
and the sensor device further comprises an energy harvester coupled
to the power source for recharging the battery. 21. The sensor
device of example 20, wherein the energy harvester includes one or
more of a photovoltaic cell for collecting solar energy; a
thermoelectric generator (TEG); and/or a piezoelectric vibrational
energy harvester (PZEH). 22. The holding tank monitoring system of
examples 16-21, wherein the wireless communication device is
configured to transmit using at least one of a satellite
communication network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a wireless mobile telephone network, a General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a wireless local area network
(WLAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a
Personal Communication Service (PCS) network, and an Advanced
Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network. 23. The holding tank monitoring
system of examples 1-22, wherein the sensor device is one of a
plurality of sensor devices in the holding tank monitoring system.
24. The holding tank monitoring system of examples 1-23, wherein
the predictive analysis is additionally based on past water
production data from the natural resource well. 25. A holding tank
monitoring method comprising:
[0354] receiving, by a sensor device, total dissolved solids (TDS)
data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor in real-time, wherein the
TDS sensor is located near an input of a holding tank storing the
stored fluid;
[0355] determining water production of a natural resource well
based on the TDS sensor data, and
[0356] determining expected remaining production of the well using
predictive analysis based in part on the water production.
26. The holding tank monitoring method of example 25, wherein the
TDS data is transmitted to a central server in real-time. 27. The
holding tank monitoring method of example 25, wherein the TDS data
is transmitted to a central server in batch format. 28. The holding
tank monitoring method of examples 25-27, wherein the natural
resource well is a fracking well, and wherein the stored fluid is
water by-product produced by the fracking well. 29. The holding
tank monitoring method of examples 25-28, wherein the TDS sensor is
an electrical conductivity meter. 30. The holding tank monitoring
method of example 29, wherein the electrical conductivity meter is
configured to measure a salt solution percentage of the stored
fluid. 31. The holding tank monitoring method of examples 27-30,
wherein the sensor device comprises:
[0357] a controller operatively coupled to the TDS sensor, wherein
the controller is configured to receive the TDS data from the TDS
sensor; and
[0358] a wireless communication device coupled to the controller,
wherein the wireless communication device is configured to
communicate with the central server.
32. The holding tank monitoring method of examples 25-33, wherein
the predictive analysis is additionally based on past water
production data from the natural resource well.
Example Set 10
[0359] 1. A logistics method comprising:
[0360] receiving data from a plurality of sensor devices, wherein
each of the plurality of sensor devices is in communication with an
individual holding tank, and wherein the data comprises a flow rate
of the individual holding tanks, and wherein the data identifies
the individual holding tank locations;
[0361] determining a remaining time period until each of the
individual holding tanks reaches capacity based on the flow rate
and a remaining capacity of the individual holding tanks;
[0362] identifying a fleet of tanker trucks for draining the
individual holding tanks; and
[0363] using the data to populate a mathematical model that
comprises an objective function for minimizing tanker truck driven
miles and preventing the individual holding tanks from reaching
capacity.
2. The logistics method of example 1, wherein the data is provided
to a sensor device by a flow meter coupled to the individual
holding tank. 3. The logistics method of examples 1-2, wherein the
data is provided to a sensor device by a pressure transducer
coupled to the individual holding tank. 4. The logistics method of
examples 1-3, further comprising determining a prioritized order of
draining the tanks in the system based in part on the remaining
time period of the individual holding tank. 5. The logistics method
of examples 1-4, wherein each of the plurality of sensor devices
comprises: at least one sensor operatively coupled to a controller,
wherein the controller is configured to receive a measured input
from the at least one sensor; and a wireless communication device
coupled to the controller, wherein the wireless communication
device is configured to communicate with a central server. 6. The
logistics method of example 5, wherein the wireless communication
device is configured to transmit using at least one of a satellite
communication network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a wireless mobile telephone network, a General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a wireless local area network
(WLAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a
Personal Communication Service (PCS) network, and an Advanced
Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network. 7. The logistics method of
examples 5-6, wherein the at least one sensor is at least one of a
flow meter and a pressure transducer. 8. A logistics system
comprising:
[0364] a plurality of sensor devices providing data, wherein each
of the plurality of sensor devices is in communication with an
individual holding tank, and wherein the data comprises flow rate
of the individual holding tanks, and wherein the data identifies
the individual holding tank locations;
[0365] a capacity module configured to determine the time remaining
until each of the individual holding tanks reaches capacity based
on the flow rate and remaining capacity of the individual holding
tanks;
[0366] an identification module configured to identify a fleet of
tanker trucks for draining the individual holding tanks; and
[0367] a processor implementing a mathematical model populated by
the data, wherein the mathematical model comprises an objective
function for minimizing tanker truck driven miles and preventing
the individual holding tanks from reaching capacity.
9. The logistics system of example 8, wherein the data is provided
to a sensor device by a flow meter coupled to the individual
holding tank. 10. The logistics system of examples 8-9, wherein the
data is provided to a sensor device by a pressure transducer
coupled to the individual holding tank. 11. The logistics system of
examples 8-10, wherein the order of draining the tanks in the
system is determined in part by whether a first individual holding
tank is closer to overflowing than a second holding tank. 12. The
logistics system of examples 8-11, wherein each of the plurality of
sensor devices comprises:
[0368] at least one sensor operatively coupled to a controller,
wherein the controller is configured to receive a measured input
from the at least one sensor; and
[0369] a wireless communication device coupled to the controller,
wherein the wireless communication device is configured to
communicate with a central server.
13. The logistics system of example 12, wherein the sensor device
further comprise:
[0370] a processor in communication with the sensor and the
wireless communication device; and
[0371] a memory in communication with the processor and storing
instructions executable by the processor for: [0372] receiving data
from the sensor; and [0373] transmitting at least a portion of the
data to another sensor device via the wireless communication
device. 14. The logistics system of example 13, further comprising
a power source for powering the sensor device. 15. The logistics
system of example 14, wherein the power source comprises one or
more of a battery and a capacitor. 16. The logistics system of
example 15, wherein the power source comprises a battery, and the
sensor device further comprises an energy harvester coupled to the
power source for recharging the battery. 17. The logistics system
of example 16, wherein the energy harvester includes one or more of
a photovoltaic cell for collecting solar energy; a thermoelectric
generator (TEG); and/or a piezoelectric vibrational energy
harvester (PZEH). 18. The logistics system of examples 12-17,
wherein the wireless communication device is configured to transmit
using at least one of a satellite communication network, a local
area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless mobile
telephone network, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a
wireless local area network (WLAN), a Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM) network, a Personal Communication Service
(PCS) network, and an Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network.
19. The logistics system of example 12, wherein the at least one
sensor is at least one of a flow meter and a pressure transducer.
20. The logistics system of examples 8-19, wherein the sensor
device is configured to filter the data into a reduced subset of
data. 21. The logistics system of example 20, wherein the sensor
device is configured to transmit the reduced subset of data to at
least one of the coordinator or the central server. 22. The
logistics system of example 21, wherein the reduced subset of data
is transmitted to the at least one of the coordinator or the
central server in real-time. 23. The logistics system of examples
8-19, wherein the sensor device is configured to transmit the data
to a coordinator, wherein the coordinator is in communication with
the central server. 24. The logistics system of example 23, wherein
the coordinator is configured to filter the data into a reduced
subset of data. 25. The logistics system of example 24, wherein the
coordinator is configured to transmit the reduced subset of data to
the central server. 26. The logistics system of example 25, wherein
the reduced subset of data is transmitted to the central server in
real-time. 27. The logistics system of example 25, wherein the
reduced subset of data is transmitted to the central server in
batch format.
Example Set 11
[0374] 1. A volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor device
comprising:
[0375] a sensor located in proximity to a tank vent of a storage
tank, wherein the sensor is configured to monitor flumes from the
tank vent;
[0376] a controller operatively coupled to the sensor, wherein the
controller is configured to receive a measured input from the
sensor, wherein the measured input is VOC measurement data of the
flumes; and
[0377] a wireless communication device coupled to the controller,
wherein the wireless communication device is configured to
communicate with a coordinator.
2. The VOC sensor device of example 1, further comprising:
[0378] a processor in communication with the sensor and the
wireless communication device; and
[0379] a memory in communication with the processor and storing
instructions executable by the processor for: [0380] receiving data
from the sensor; and [0381] transmitting at least a portion of the
data to another sensor device via the wireless communication
device. 3. The VOC sensor device of examples 1-2, further
comprising a power source for powering the VOC sensor device. 4.
The VOC sensor device of example 3, wherein the power source
comprises one or more of a battery and a capacitor. 5. The VOC
sensor device of example 4, wherein the power source comprises a
battery, and the VOC sensor device further comprises an energy
harvester coupled to the power source for recharging the battery.
6. The VOC sensor device of example 5, wherein the energy harvester
includes one or more of a photovoltaic cell for collecting solar
energy; a thermoelectric generator (TEG); and/or a piezoelectric
vibrational energy harvester (PZEH). 7. The VOC sensor device of
examples 1-6, wherein the sensor is an infrared thermal monitor. 8.
The VOC sensor device of examples 1-7, wherein the VOC measurement
data measures levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and
xylenes. 9. The VOC sensor device of examples 1-8, wherein the VOC
measurement data is used to calculate fugitive losses from the tank
vent. 10. The VOC sensor device of example 9, wherein the
coordinator is in communication with a central server. 11. The VOC
sensor device of example 10, wherein at least one of the
coordinator and the central server is configured to analyze the VOC
measurement data to determine if regulations are satisfied. 12. The
VOC sensor device of example 11, wherein the regulations are set by
a government agency. 13. The VOC sensor device of examples 1-12,
wherein the wireless communication device is configured to transmit
using at least one of a satellite communication network, a local
area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless mobile
telephone network, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a
wireless local area network (WLAN), a Global System for Mobile
Communications (GSM) network, a Personal Communication Service
(PCS) network, and an Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network.
14. The VOC sensor device of examples 1-13, wherein the VOC sensor
device is configured to filter the data into a reduced subset of
data. 15. The VOC sensor device of example 14, wherein the VOC
sensor device is configured to transmit the reduced subset of data
to at least one of the coordinator or the central server. 16. The
VOC sensor device of example 15, wherein the reduced subset of data
is transmitted to the at least one of the coordinator or the
central server in real-time. 17. The VOC sensor device of examples
17-26, wherein the VOC sensor device is configured to transmit the
data to a coordinator, wherein the coordinator is in communication
with the central server. 18. The VOC sensor device of examples
1-13, wherein the coordinator is configured to filter the data into
a reduced subset of data. 19. The VOC sensor device of example 18,
wherein the coordinator is configured to transmit the reduced
subset of data to a central server. 20. The VOC sensor device of
example 19, wherein the reduced subset of data is transmitted to
the central server in real-time. 21. The VOC sensor device of
example 19, wherein the reduced subset of data is transmitted to
the central server in batch format. 22. The VOC sensor device of
examples 1-21, wherein the VOC sensor device is one of a plurality
of sensor devices in a monitoring system. 23. A method of volatile
organic compound (VOC) monitoring comprising: monitoring, by a
sensor located in proximity to a tank vent of a storage tank,
flumes from the tank vent; receiving, by a controller operatively
coupled to the sensor, a measured input from the sensor, wherein
the measured input is VOC measurement data of the flumes;
[0382] communicating, by a wireless communication device coupled to
the controller, with a coordinator.
24. The method of example 23, wherein the sensor is an infrared
thermal monitor. 25. The method of examples 23-24, wherein the VOC
measurement data measures levels of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene,
and xylenes. 26. The method of examples 23-25, further comprising
calculating fugitive losses from the tank vent based on the VOC
measurement data. 27. The method of example 26, wherein the
coordinator is in communication with a central server. 28. The
method of example 27, further comprising analyzing, by at least one
of the coordinator and the central server, the VOC measurement data
to determine if regulations are satisfied. 29. The method of
example 28, wherein the regulations are set by a government agency.
30. The method of examples 23-29, wherein the wireless
communication device is configured to transmit using at least one
of a satellite communication network, a local area network (LAN), a
wide area network (WAN), a wireless mobile telephone network, a
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a wireless local area
network (WLAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
network, a Personal Communication Service (PCS) network, and an
Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network. 31. The method of
examples 23-30, wherein the sensor device is one of a plurality of
sensor devices in a monitoring system.
Example Set 12
[0383] 1. A method of selective holding tank draining
comprising:
[0384] receiving, by a sensor device, total dissolved solids (TDS)
data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor;
[0385] receiving, by the sensor device, volume data of the stored
fluid from a volume sensor;
[0386] determining, by a central server, a selected TDS level for
disposal of the stored fluid;
[0387] calculating an average TDS level of a drained volume of the
stored fluid if draining from two or more tanks; and
[0388] determining a stored fluid volume to drain from each of the
two or more tanks to achieve a drained mixture have less than the
selected TDS level.
2. The method of example 1, wherein the TDS sensor is coupled to
the holding tank near an input of the stored fluid. 3. The method
of examples 1-2, wherein the TDS sensor is an electrical
conductivity meter. 4. The method of example 3, wherein the
electrical conductivity meter is configured to measure a salt
solution percentage of the stored fluid. 5. The method of examples
1-4, wherein the volume sensor is a pressure transducer. 6. The
method of example 5, wherein the pressure transducer is located
near the bottom of the holding tank. 7. The method of examples 1-6,
wherein the volume of the drained mixture is less than the capacity
of a tanker truck. 8. The method of examples 1-7, wherein the
sensor device comprises:
[0389] a controller operatively coupled to the TDS sensor, wherein
the controller is configured to receive the TDS data from the TDS
sensor; and
[0390] a wireless communication device coupled to the controller,
wherein the wireless communication device is configured to
communicate with the central server.
9. The method of example 8, wherein the wireless communication
device is configured to transmit using at least one of a satellite
communication network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a wireless mobile telephone network, a General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a wireless local area network
(WLAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a
Personal Communication Service (PCS) network, and an Advanced
Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network. 10. The method of examples 1-9,
wherein the selected TDS level is one of a plurality of TDS levels,
wherein the disposal requirements of the drained mixture is
determined by regulations corresponding to the plurality of TDS
levels. 11. The method of example 10, wherein the regulations are
set by a government agency. 12. The method of examples 1-11,
wherein the TDS data and the volume data are transmitted to the
central server in real-time. 13. The method of examples 1-11,
wherein the TDS data and the volume data are transmitted to the
central server in batch-format. 14. The method of examples 1-13,
further comprising transmitting, by the sensor device, the TDS data
and the volume data to a coordinator, wherein the coordinator is in
communication with the central server. 15. The method of example
14, further comprising filtering, by the coordinator, the TDS data
and volume data into a reduced subset of TDS and volume data. 16.
The method of example 15, further comprising transmitting, by the
coordinator, the reduced subset of TDS and volume data to the
central server. 17. The method of example 16, wherein the reduced
subset of TDS and volume data is transmitted to the central server
in real-time. 18. The method of example 16, wherein the reduced
subset of TDS and volume data is transmitted to the central server
in batch format. 19. The method of examples 16-18, wherein the
reduced subset of TDS and volume data is transmitted to the central
server during off-peak times. 20. The method of examples 1-22,
wherein the selected TDS level is one of a plurality of TDS levels,
wherein the disposal requirements of the drained mixture is
determined by regulations corresponding to the plurality of TDS
levels. 21. The method of example 20, wherein the regulations are
set by a government agency. 22. A selective holding tank draining
system comprising:
[0391] a sensor device configured to receive total dissolved solids
(TDS) data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor, and wherein the
sensor device is configured to receive volume data of the stored
fluid from a volume sensor;
[0392] a central server configured to determine a selected TDS
level for disposal of the stored fluid;
[0393] wherein an average TDS level of a drained volume of the
stored fluid if draining from two or more tanks is calculated;
and
[0394] wherein a stored fluid volume to drain from each of the two
or more tanks to achieve a drained mixture have less than the
selected TDS level is determined.
23. The selective holding tank draining system of example 22,
wherein the TDS sensor is an electrical conductivity meter. 24. The
selective holding tank draining system of example 23, wherein the
electrical conductivity meter is configured to measure a salt
solution percentage of the stored fluid. 25. The selective holding
tank draining system of examples 22-24, wherein the volume sensor
is a pressure transducer. 26. The selective holding tank draining
system of examples 22-25, wherein the volume of the drained mixture
is less than the capacity of a tanker truck. 27. The selective
holding tank draining system of examples 22-26, wherein the sensor
device comprises:
[0395] a controller operatively coupled to the TDS sensor and the
volume sensor, wherein the controller is configured to receive the
TDS data from the TDS sensor and receive the volume data from the
volume sensor; and
[0396] a wireless communication device coupled to the controller,
wherein the wireless communication device is configured to
communicate with the central server.
28. The selective holding tank draining system of example 27,
wherein the sensor device further comprises:
[0397] a processor in communication with the TDS sensor, the volume
sensor and the wireless communication device; and
[0398] a memory in communication with the processor and storing
instructions executable by the processor for: [0399] receiving data
from the TDS sensor and the volume sensor; and [0400] transmitting
at least a portion of the TDS data and the volume data to another
sensor device via the wireless communication device. 29. The
selective holding tank draining system of examples 22-28, further
comprising a power source for powering the sensor device. 30. The
selective holding tank draining system of example 29, wherein the
power source comprises one or more of a battery and a capacitor.
31. The selective holding tank draining system of example 30,
wherein the power source comprises a battery, and the sensor device
further comprises an energy harvester coupled to the power source
for recharging the battery. 32. The selective holding tank draining
system of example 31, wherein the energy harvester includes one or
more of a photovoltaic cell for collecting solar energy; a
thermoelectric generator (TEG); and/or a piezoelectric vibrational
energy harvester (PZEH). 33. The selective holding tank draining
system of examples 22-32, wherein the selected TDS level is one of
a plurality of TDS levels, wherein the disposal requirements of the
drained mixture is determined by regulations corresponding to the
plurality of TDS levels. 34. The selective holding tank draining
system of example 33, wherein the regulations are set by a
government agency. 35. The selective holding tank draining system
of examples 22-34, wherein the TDS data and the volume data are
transmitted to the central server in real-time. 36. The selective
holding tank draining system of examples 22-34, wherein the TDS
data and the volume data are transmitted to the central server in
batch-format. 37. The selective holding tank draining system of
example 22-34, wherein the sensor device is configured to filter
the TDS data and the volume data into a reduced subset of TDS data
and volume data. 38. The selective holding tank draining system of
example 37, wherein the sensor device is configured to transmit the
reduced subset of TDS data and volume data to at least one of the
coordinator or the central server. 39. The selective holding tank
draining system of example 38, wherein the reduced subset of TDS
data and volume data is transmitted to the at least one of the
coordinator or the central server in real-time. 40. The selective
holding tank draining system of examples 22-34, wherein the sensor
device is configured to transmit the TDS data and the volume data
to a coordinator, wherein the coordinator is in communication with
the central server. 41. The selective holding tank draining system
of example 40, wherein the coordinator is configured to filter the
TDS data and volume data into a reduced subset of TDS and volume
data. 42. The selective holding tank draining system of example 41,
wherein the coordinator is configured to transmit the reduced
subset of TDS and volume data to the central server. 43. The
selective holding tank draining system of example 42, wherein the
reduced subset of TDS and volume data is transmitted to the central
server in real-time. 44. The selective holding tank draining system
of example 42, wherein the reduced subset of TDS and volume data is
transmitted to the central server in batch format. 45. A tank for
storing liquids, the tank including an entrance through which
liquid can enter and an exit through which liquid can exit; the
tank further having a volume and a device to measure one or more of
(a) the volume of liquid in the tank, (b) the composition of any
water in the tank, (c) the amount of total dissolve solids (TSD) in
the tank, (d) the amount of any crude oil in the tank, and (e) the
chemical composition of any crude oil in the tank. 46. The tank of
example 45 wherein fluid enters the entrance directly or indirectly
from an oil well. 47. The tank of example 45 wherein fluid is
removed through the exit and placed into a tanker truck. 48. The
tank of any of examples 45-47 wherein the device is self-powered.
49. The tank of example 48 wherein the device includes a secondary
battery. 50. The tank of example 48 wherein the device includes a
primary battery. 51. The tank of any of examples 45-50 wherein the
device is powered by one or more of a solar collector, piezo chip,
and a thermal energy source. 52. The tank of example 49 wherein the
secondary battery is recharged by one or more of a solar collector,
piezo chip, and a thermal energy source. 53. The tank of any of
examples 45-52 wherein the device measures the volume of liquid in
the tank. 54. The tank of any of examples 45-53 wherein the device
measures the volumetric rate of liquid entering the tank over time.
55. The tank of any of examples 45-54 wherein the device measures
the chemical composition of liquid in the tank. 56. The tank of any
of examples 45-55 wherein the device measures the TDS of the liquid
in the tank. 57. The tank of any of examples 45-56 wherein the
device measures the salinity of at least some liquid in the tank.
58. The tank of any of examples 45-57 wherein the device measures
the amount of crude oil in the tank. 59. The tank of any of
examples 45-58 wherein the device measures the percentage of crude
oil within the tank. 60. The tank of example 59 wherein the device
measures the amount of sulfur in the crude oil within the tank. 61.
The tank of any of examples 45-60 wherein the device includes a
memory for storing information about the fluid collected in a tank.
62. The tank of any of examples 45-61 wherein the device includes a
transmitter for transmitting some or all of the data it has
collected. 63. A method for scheduling the draining of a storage
tank having a predetermined volume, the method comprising: [0401]
(a) measuring the volume of fluid in the storage tank; [0402] (b)
measuring the flow rate of liquid into the tank; and [0403] (c)
scheduling a truck to drain the storage tank based on its
predetermined volume, the volume of liquid inside the tank, and the
rate upon which fluid is entering it. 64. The method of example 63
wherein a truck is scheduled to empty the tank based on the
chemical composition of the fluid inside the tank. 65. A method for
scheduling the drainage of a storage tank having a predetermined
volume, the scheduling time for drainage based upon one or more of
the following parameters: [0404] (a) the volume of liquid in the
tank, [0405] (b) the composition of any water in the tank, [0406]
(c) the amount of total dissolve solids (TSD) in the tank, [0407]
(d) the amount of any crude oil in the tank, and [0408] (e) the
chemical composition of any crude oil in the tank. 66. The method
of example 65 wherein a truck is scheduled to empty the tank. 67.
The method of example 66 wherein the truck is emptied at a location
based upon the chemical composition of the fluid inside the tank.
68. The method of any of examples 65-67 wherein a first set of one
or more trucks is used to empty liquid from a first set of one or
more tanks having liquid within a first range of parameters, and a
second set of one or more trucks is used to empty liquid from a
second set of one or more tanks having liquid within a second set
of parameters.
Example Set 13
[0409] 1. An air monitoring array system comprising:
[0410] a plurality of air quality sensor devices arranged within a
selected area, wherein the plurality of air quality sensor devices
is configured to measure air pollutant levels in the selected
area;
[0411] wherein each of the plurality of air quality sensor devices
comprise: [0412] at least one sensor operatively coupled to a
controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive a
measured input from the at least one sensor; and [0413] a wireless
communication device coupled to the controller, wherein the
wireless communication device is configured to communicate with a
central server. 2. The air monitoring array system of example 1,
wherein the central server is configured to determine if one or
more portions of the selected area have air pollutant levels
exceeding a predetermined threshold. 3. The air monitoring array
system of examples 1-2, wherein the predetermined threshold is set
by a government agency. 4. The air monitoring array system of
examples 1-3, wherein the at least one sensor is an e-nose sensor
circuit. 5. The air monitoring array system of examples 1-3,
wherein the at least one sensor is a hydrocarbon sensor. 6. The air
monitoring array system of examples 1-5, wherein the at least one
sensor is configured to monitor benzene levels. 7. The air
monitoring array system of examples 1-6, wherein each of the
plurality of air quality sensor devices is powered by solar power.
8. The air monitoring array system of examples 1-7, wherein each of
the plurality of air quality sensor devices is powered by a
battery. 9. The air monitoring array system of examples 1-8,
further comprising a plurality of coordinators, wherein each of the
plurality of coordinators is in communication with one or more
sensor devices of the plurality of air quality sensor devices. 10.
The air monitoring array system of examples 1-9, wherein each of
the plurality of air quality sensor devices further comprises a
temperature sensor for determining the ambient temperature at the
at least one sensor. 11. The air monitoring array system of
examples 1-10, wherein each of the plurality of air quality sensor
devices further comprises an ultraviolet sensor for measuring
ultraviolet levels at the at least one sensor. 12. The air
monitoring array system of examples 1-11, wherein each of the
plurality of air quality sensor devices further comprises an
anemometer for measuring wind speed at the at least one sensor. 13.
The air monitoring array system of examples 1-12, wherein the
wireless communication device is a Yagi antenna. 14. The air
monitoring array system of examples 1-6 and 9-13, wherein the
sensor device further comprises:
[0414] a processor in communication with the at least one sensor
and the wireless communication device; and
[0415] a memory in communication with the processor and storing
instructions executable by the processor for: [0416] receiving data
from the at least one sensor; and [0417] transmitting at least a
portion of the data to another sensor device via the wireless
communication device. 15. The air monitoring array system of
example 13, further comprising a power source for powering the
sensor device. 16. The air monitoring array system of example 15,
wherein the power source comprises one or more of a battery and a
capacitor. 17. The air monitoring array system of example 16,
wherein the power source comprises a battery, and the sensor device
further comprises an energy harvester coupled to the power source
for recharging the battery. 18. The air monitoring array system of
example 17, wherein the energy harvester includes one or more of a
photovoltaic cell for collecting solar energy; a thermoelectric
generator (TEG); and/or a piezoelectric vibrational energy
harvester (PZEH). 19. The air monitoring array system of examples
1-18, wherein the sensor device is configured to filter the data
into a reduced subset of data. 20. The air monitoring array system
of examples 1-19, wherein the sensor device is configured to
transmit the reduced subset of data to at least one of the
coordinator or the central server. 21. The air monitoring array
system of example 20, wherein the reduced subset of data is
transmitted to the at least one of the coordinator or the central
server in real-time. 22. The air monitoring array system of
examples 1-18, wherein the sensor device is configured to transmit
the data to a coordinator, wherein the coordinator is in
communication with the central server. 23. The air monitoring array
system of example 22, wherein the coordinator is configured to
filter the data into a reduced subset of data. 24. The air
monitoring array system of example 23, wherein the coordinator is
configured to transmit the reduced subset of data to the central
server. 25. The air monitoring array system of example 24, wherein
the reduced subset of data is transmitted to the central server in
real-time. 26. The air monitoring array system of example 24,
wherein the reduced subset of data is transmitted to the central
server in batch format. 27. A method of air quality monitoring
comprising:
[0418] measuring, by a plurality of air quality sensor devices
arranged within a selected area, air pollutant levels in the
selected area;
[0419] wherein each of the plurality of air quality sensor devices
comprise: [0420] at least one sensor operatively coupled to a
controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive a
measured input from the at least one sensor; and [0421] a wireless
communication device coupled to the controller, wherein the
wireless communication device is configured to communicate with a
central server. 28. The method of example 27, further comprising
determining, by the central server, if one or more portions of the
selected area have air pollutant levels exceeding a predetermined
threshold. 29. The method of example 28, wherein the predetermined
threshold is set by a government agency. 30. The method of examples
27-29, wherein the at least one sensor is an e-nose sensor circuit.
31. The method of examples 27-29, wherein the at least one sensor
is a hydrocarbon sensor. 32. The method of examples 27-31, wherein
the at least one sensor is configured to monitor benzene levels.
33. The method of examples 27-32, wherein each of the plurality of
air quality sensor devices is powered by solar power. 34. The
method of examples 27-33, wherein each of the plurality of air
quality sensor devices is powered by a battery. 35. The method of
examples 27-34, further comprising communicating, by each of a
plurality of coordinators, with one or more sensor devices of the
plurality of air quality sensor devices. 36. The method of examples
27-35, further comprising determining, by a temperature sensor of
each of the plurality of air quality sensor devices, the ambient
temperature at the at least one sensor. 37. The method of examples
27-36, further comprising measuring, by an ultraviolet sensor of
each of the plurality of air quality sensor devices, ultraviolet
levels at the at least one sensor. 38. The method of examples
27-37, further comprising measuring, by an anemometer of each of
the plurality of air quality sensor devices, wind speed at the at
least one sensor. 39. The method of examples 27-38, wherein the
wireless communication device is a Yagi antenna. 40. The method of
examples 27-39, wherein the wireless communication device is
configured to transmit using at least one of a satellite
communication network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), a wireless mobile telephone network, a General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network, a wireless local area network
(WLAN), a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a
Personal Communication Service (PCS) network, and an Advanced
Mobile Phone System (AMPS) network. 41. The method of examples
27-40, further comprising determining a source of air pollutants
based on air pollutant levels as measured by the plurality of air
quality sensor devices.
Example Set 14
[0422] 1. A quality monitoring method comprising:
[0423] receiving, by a sensor device, total dissolved solids (TDS)
data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor in real-time;
[0424] transmitting, by the sensor device, the TDS data to a
coordinator; and
[0425] comparing the TDS data to a TDS threshold level.
2. The quality monitoring method of example 1, wherein the TDS data
is transmitted to the coordinator in real-time. 3. The quality
monitoring method of examples 1-2, further comprising transmitting,
by the coordinator, the TDS data to a central server. 4. The
quality monitoring method of example 3, wherein the TDS data is
transmitted to the central server in real-time. 5. The quality
monitoring method of example 3, wherein the TDS data is transmitted
to the central server in batch format. 6. The quality monitoring
method of examples 1-2, further comprising filtering, by the
coordinator, the TDS data into reduced TDS data. 7. The quality
monitoring method of example 6, further comprising transmitting, by
the coordinator, the reduced TDS data to a central server. 8. The
quality monitoring method of example 7, wherein the reduced TDS
data is transmitted to the central server in real-time. 9. The
quality monitoring method of example 7, wherein the reduced TDS
data is transmitted to the central server in batch format. 10. The
quality monitoring method of examples 1-2, further comprising
filtering, by the sensor device, the TDS data into reduced TDS
data. 11. The quality monitoring method system of example 10,
further comprising transmitting, by the coordinator, the reduced
TDS data to at least one of the coordinator or the central server.
12. The quality monitoring method of example 11, wherein the
reduced TDS data is transmitted to the at least one of the
coordinator or the central server in real-time. 13. The quality
monitoring method of examples 10-12, wherein the sensor device is
configured to transmit the reduced TDS data to a coordinator,
wherein the coordinator is in communication with the central
server. 14. The quality monitoring method of examples 1-13, wherein
the stored fluid is water by-product produced by a fracking well.
15. The quality monitoring method of examples 1-14, further
comprising notifying, by the sensor device, a central server in
response to the TDS data exceeding the TDS threshold level. 16. The
quality monitoring method of examples 1-15, wherein the TDS sensor
is an electrical conductivity meter. 17. The quality monitoring
method of example 16, wherein the electrical conductivity meter is
configured to measure a salt solution percentage of the stored
fluid. 18. A quality monitoring system comprising:
[0426] a sensor device configured to receive total dissolved solids
(TDS) data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor in real-time;
and
[0427] a coordinator configured to receive the TDS data from the
sensor device;
[0428] wherein the TDS data is compared to a TDS threshold
level.
19. The quality monitoring system of example 18, wherein the TDS
data is transmitted to the coordinator in real-time. 20. The
quality monitoring system of examples 18-19, wherein the
coordinator transmits the TDS data to a central server. 21. The
quality monitoring system of example 20, wherein the TDS data is
transmitted to the central server in real-time. 22. The quality
monitoring system of example 20, wherein the TDS data is
transmitted to the central server in batch format. 23. The quality
monitoring system of examples 18-19, wherein the coordinator is
configured to filter the TDS data into reduced TDS data. 24. The
quality monitoring system of example 23, wherein the coordinator
transmits the reduced TDS data to a central server. 25. The quality
monitoring system of example 24, wherein the reduced TDS data is
transmitted to the central server in real-time. 26. The quality
monitoring system of example 24, wherein the reduced TDS data is
transmitted to the central server in batch format. 27. The quality
monitoring system of example 18, wherein the sensor device is
configured to filter the data into reduced TDS data. 28. The
quality monitoring system of example 27, wherein the sensor device
is configured to transmit the reduced TDS data to at least one of
the coordinator or the central server. 29. The quality monitoring
system of example 28, wherein the reduced TDS data is transmitted
to the at least one of the coordinator or the central server in
real-time. 30. The quality monitoring system of examples 27-29,
wherein the sensor device is configured to transmit the reduced TDS
data to a coordinator, wherein the coordinator is in communication
with the central server. 31. The quality monitoring system of
examples 18-30, wherein the stored fluid is water by-product
produced by a fracking well. 32. The quality monitoring system of
examples 18-31, wherein the sensor device notifies the central
server in response to the TDS data exceeding the TDS threshold
level. 33. The quality monitoring system of examples 18-32, wherein
the TDS sensor is an electrical conductivity meter. 34. The quality
monitoring system of example 33, wherein the electrical
conductivity meter is configured to measure a salt solution
percentage of the stored fluid. 35. The quality monitoring system
of examples 18-34, wherein the sensor device comprises:
[0429] a controller operatively coupled to the TDS sensor, wherein
the controller is configured to receive the TDS data from the TDS
sensor; and
[0430] a wireless communication device coupled to the controller,
wherein the wireless communication device is configured to
communicate with the central server.
36. The quality monitoring system of example 35, wherein the sensor
device further comprises:
[0431] a processor in communication with the TDS sensor and the
wireless communication device; and
[0432] a memory in communication with the processor and storing
instructions executable by the processor for: [0433] receiving the
TDS data from the TDS sensor; and [0434] transmitting at least a
portion of the TDS data to another sensor device via the wireless
communication device. 37. The quality monitoring system of examples
18-36, further comprising a power source for powering the sensor
device. 38. The quality monitoring system of example 37, wherein
the power source comprises one or more of a battery and a
capacitor. 39. The quality monitoring system of example 38, wherein
the power source comprises a battery, and the sensor device further
comprises an energy harvester coupled to the power source for
recharging the battery. 40. The quality monitoring system of
example 39, wherein the energy harvester includes one or more of a
photovoltaic cell for collecting solar energy; a thermoelectric
generator (TEG); and/or a piezoelectric vibrational energy
harvester (PZEH). 41. The quality monitoring system of example
35-40, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to
transmit using at least one of a satellite communication network, a
local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless
mobile telephone network, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), a Global System for
Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a Personal Communication
Service (PCS) network, and an Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS)
network. 42. The quality monitoring system of examples 18-41,
wherein the sensor device is one of a plurality of sensor devices
in a monitoring system.
Example Set 15
[0435] 1. A device for transferring heat from a heat source to a
thermal energy generator, the device including: [0436] (a) a heat
pipe having a first end, a second end and body portion
therebetween, the first end configured to be in contact with a heat
source; and [0437] (b) at least one insulating sleeve surrounding
at least part of the heat pipe, the insulating sleeve for reducing
the escape of heat from the heat pipe to areas near the heat pump.
2. A valve cover for use with an engine, the valve cover including:
[0438] (a) a plurality of first openings for receiving fasteners in
order to fasten a device to the valve cover, each of the plurality
of first openings having a first diameter; [0439] (b) a second
opening dimensioned to receive an end of a heat pipe, so that the
end of the heat pipe passes through the valve cover and is retained
in the valve casing where it does not contact the valves. 3. The
valve cover of example 2 that is comprised of metal. 4. The valve
cover of example 2 wherein each of the plurality of first openings
is configured to receive a threaded fastener. 5. A casing for an
engine monitoring device, the casing comprising: [0440] (a) a first
part that includes first openings for fasteners to attach the
casing to a structure, and a second opening larger than any of the
second openings, the second opening for permitting a heat pipe to
pass therethrough; and [0441] (b) a second part that includes
heat-transfer projections, the second part attachable to the first
part. 6. The casing of example 5 that further includes a gasket
that is positioned between the first part and the second part when
the first part and second part are attached. 7. The casing of
example 6 wherein the gasket is comprised of rubber. 8. The casing
of example 5 wherein the heat-transfer projections on the second
part comprise one or more of fins and rods. 9. The casing of
example 8 wherein the second part has a main surface and at least
some of the fins and rods extend outward at least 1/2'' from the
main surface. 10. The casing of example 8 wherein each of the fins
and rods are spaced apart between 1/32'' and 1/2'' from each of the
other fins and rods. 11. The casing of example 5 wherein the first
part is comprised of a thermally insulating material and the second
part is comprised of a thermally conductive material. 12. The
casing of example 11 wherein the first part is comprised of plastic
and the second part is comprised of metal. 13. The casing of
example 12 wherein the plastic is PTBE. 14. The casing of example
11 wherein the metal is aluminum. 15. The casing of example 5
wherein there is an opening in the first part. 16. The casing of
example 5 wherein the first part has a bottom and that further
includes a plurality of legs extending from the bottom. 17. The
casing of example 16 wherein there are three or more legs. 18. The
casing of example 16 wherein each leg has an opening for receiving
a fastener.
[0442] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the
invention, other variations and embodiments that do not depart from
the spirit of the invention will become apparent to those skilled
in the art. The scope of the present invention is thus not limited
to any particular embodiment, but is instead set forth in the
appended claims and legal equivalents thereof. Unless expressly
stated in the written description or the claims, the steps of any
method recited in the claims can be performed in any order capable
of yielding the desired result.
Example Set 16
[0443] 1. A pipe used for drilling, the pipe including a device
mounted thereon, the device for measuring the vibration to which
the pipe has been exposed. 2. The pipe of example 1 that includes a
recess and the device is positioned in the recess. 3. The pipe of
example 1 or example 2 wherein the device includes an accelerometer
to measure vibration and a power source for powering the
accelerometer. 4. The pipe of example 3 wherein the power source is
a piezo chip. 5. The pipe of any of examples 1-4 that includes a
memory for storing the vibrational data. 6. The pipe of any of
examples 1-5 wherein the pipe has a first end with a first
cross-sectional area and a second end having a second
cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area being smaller
than the first cross-sectional area. 7. The pipe of example 6
wherein the device is positioned on the second cross-sectional
area. 8. The pipe of example 7 that includes a recess wherein the
device is in the recess. 9. The pipe of example 8 wherein the
recess is in the second end. 10. The pipe of example 8 or example 9
wherein the recess is between 1/8'' and 5/16'' deep. 11. The pipe
of any of examples 1-10 wherein the device records the number of
rotations of the pipe. 12. The pipe of any of examples 1-11 wherein
the device records the vibration due to the material through the
pipe is drilled. 13. The pipe of any of examples 1-12 wherein the
device has a predetermined vibration quantity equal to the
operational life of the pipe. 14. The pipe of example 13 wherein
the measured vibration can be compared to the operational life to
calculate the remaining life of the pipe. 15. The pipe of any of
examples 1-14 wherein information from the device can be wirelessly
extracted via a radio frequency signal. 16. A method of determining
the operational life of a pipe, the method comprising the steps of:
[0444] (a) attaching a device to the pipe, the device capable of
measuring vibration applied to the pipe; and [0445] (b) operating
the pipe, wherein vibration applied to the pipe is measured by a
device. 17. The method of example 16 wherein the pipe is rotated
and the vibration due to rotation is measured to determine the
number of pipe rotations. 18. The method of examples 16 or 17
wherein the device stores data of the vibration applied to the
pipe. 19. The method of any of examples 16-18 wherein the pipe
includes a recess and the device is positioned in the recess. 20.
The method of any of examples 16-19 wherein the device includes an
accelerometer to measure vibration and a power source for powering
the accelerometer. 21. The method of example 20 wherein the power
source is a piezo chip. 22. The method of any of examples 16-21
wherein the pipe has a first end with a first cross-sectional area
and a second end having a second cross-sectional area, the second
cross-sectional area being smaller than the first cross-sectional
area. 23. The method of example 22 wherein the device is positioned
on the second cross-sectional area. 24. The method of example 23
that includes a recess wherein the device is in the recess. 25. The
method of example 24 wherein the recess is in the second end. 26.
The method of any of examples 16-25 wherein the device records the
number of rotations of the pipe. 27. The method of any of examples
16-26 wherein the device records the vibration due to the material
through the pipe is drilled. 28. The method of any of examples
16-27 wherein the device has a memory for recording the measured
vibration. 29. The method of any of examples 16-28 wherein the
device has a predetermined vibration quantity equal to the
operational life of the pipe. 30. The method of example 29 wherein
the measured vibration can be compared to the operational life to
calculate the remaining life of the pipe. 31. The method of any of
examples 16-30 wherein information from the device can be
wirelessly extracted via a radio frequency signal.
* * * * *