Intelligent fuel management systems for diesel power generation systems

When designing diesel backup power systems it is common to incorporate various controls and monitoring systems to ensure the diesel is stored and transferred safely and that the system runs effectively when called upon. Typically this will include an automatic tank gauging system to remotely monitor fuel inventory in the bulk storage tanks and separate pump control systems to control the transfer of fuel from bulk tanks to day tanks. A leak detection system will monitor both the bulk storage tanks and diesel pipework for leaks and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Good practice is to also include a fuel cleaning system which will ensure the diesel entering the day tanks is free from water and particulates. Up until recently individual devices would be required to carry out all of these functions and complex electrical control systems would be required to unite them into a cohesive and effective fuel management system. Fuel equipment supplier PFS Fueltec is pleased to introduced the new TS-550evo® Fuel Management System to the diesel backup generator market. Manufactured by world leading fuelling system manufacturer, Franklin Fueling Systems, the TS-550evo® combines the monitoring and control of all these different systems into one unit, thereby greatly reducing costs and complexity. The TS-550evo® console has a colour touch screen user interface and is also remotely accessible through its XML based web-interface via an Ethernet connection. This allows the system to be accessed remotely over a local network or over the internet using any web browser, and has the added benefit of giving the device email capability. The fuel management system incorporates an industry leading automatic tank gauging system to monitor fuel inventory inside bulk and day tanks electronically. This includes important day-to-day information such as fuel volumes, ullage volumes, fuel and water alarms and detailed reports on incoming fuel deliveries. As an added beneft, fuel density can also be measured, ensuring that the fuel is the correct specification and is not contaminated – keeping generators running and reducing the risk of expensive diesel engine damage. When used in conjunction with Franklin Fueling Systems’ FE Petro submersible fuel pumps the evo will also intelligently control pumping of fuel into and out of bulk tanks. For instance, should the generators start to run the fuel in the day tanks will begin to diminish and fuel level sensors in the day tank will signal the Evo when the fuel reaches a determined low point. The Evo will then automatically call the submersible pumps into action to pump diesel from the bulk tanks to the replenish the day tanks. When there are multiple bulk tanks, each with their own pumping unit, the evo® can intelligently choose the correct pump to run, either to maintain a constant level of fuel across all bulk tanks, or to deplete fuel from one tank and then another. This allows operators to manage their fuel stocks effectively, reducing the chance of fuel stagnation or run outs. Additionally, the TS-550evo® automatically recognises when the generators are running and saves data on time and date of generator runs, length of run and volume of fuel used. For environmental protection the TS-550evo® also incorporates two powerful leak detection systems: A secondary containment monitoring system monitors the interstitial spaces of multiple tanks and fuel lines by pulling and monitoring a vacuum in these spaces. A separate electronic line leak detection system monitors the pressure inside the fuel carrying lines and has the ability to sense leaks anywhere along these lines of as little as 0.37 litres per hour. Should a leak be detected by either system the operator is notified immediately and pumps are automatically shut down. The site operator can then quickly carry out remedial action before any fuel is lost into the environment. This saves money by reducing the risk of large fines from the environment agency and the potentially limitless cost of cleaning up of contaminated soil and groundwater. Volt-free relay inputs and 4-20miliamp sensor inputs allow the the TS-550evo® to monitor third party devices such as fuel cleaning units, fire and security alarm systems, sensors such as door switches, or photocells, lighting, HVAC, Refrigeration or Energy systems. Incoming information can be shared through the TS-550evo® directly with BMS systems and many operational needs can be addressed by utilising the programmable logic control capabilities of TS-550evo® without purchasing redundant hardware For instance the evo® can be programmed to activate a 3rd party fuel cleaning system once a week for a set period to ensure that all the diesel in the bulk tanks is filtered. Should the filters in this cleaning system become full, an outgoing relay alarm signal can be detected by the evo. This alarm can be relayed to the BMS system and sent to the site manager via email and the evo® can automatically switch over to a backup cleaning system until the filters are replaced and the alarm condition is cleared. These powerful features make the TS-550evo® system a really powerful control device and can really save costs and improve efficiencies for site operators; Now you can control who gets notified on alarm conditions based on your own conditions and send the right person, to do the right thing, at the right time, with the right parts. Many engineering firms in the USA have already embraced the TS-550evo® as their new standard resulting in this platform being utilised by Kaiser Permanente hospitals, Equinix, Sungard, and Coresite data centers, and several local government operations. Franklin Fueling Systems offers a wide variety of products to serve your company. Whether you need submersible pumps, fuel management systems or fuel pipework system a solution that will increase efficiency and improve your business is available. Innovative products like variable speed submersible fuel pumps and the TS-550evo® fuel management system, the latest technologies including the Gemini double wall fuel pipework system with unmatched customer service and technical support are what set this company apart as leaders in the industry. www.franklinfueling.com PFS Fueltec, UK national supplier of fuel storage installation and in service equipment designed to protect the environment and your business assets are proud to add the TS-550 evo® to its range of products. For more information on the TS-550 evo® and to find out how else PFS Fueltec and Franklin Fueling Systems can help you save costs and improve your business please visit www.pfsfueltec.com or telephone 01376 535260 for more information.

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