Fuel Management System
Fuel Management System
Fuel Management Systems are specifically used for commercial vehicle fleets that are filled
from dedicated fuelling stations.
An FMS ensures fuel is only dispensed to authorized vehicles and accurately charged to the
correct account. Fuelling is automatically suspended when the nozzle is removed to prevent
fuelling un--authorized vehicles or jerry cans. This is detected and controlled via RFID
technology. For fleet refuelling services, fleet managers gain better cost control and
maximize savings with detailed reporting on fuel consumption and remote control of
authorized vehicles and drivers accessing fuel. In retail, an FMS can also be a strong
customer loyalty driver, as vehicles equipped with this vehicle identification technology will
buy fuel from corresponding RFID enabled stations to enjoy the benefits of cashless
payment and speeding up the fuelling process (just drive by and fill the car).
NFC Tags and Solutions--
FMS Components
FMS consists of the following primary components, which represent the RFID front--end to
be integrated into a any make FMS:
Vehicle Tag: Simplifies vehicle identification. The maintenance free, passive RFID
tag is mounted on the vehicle in close proximity to the fuel filler pipe and uniquely
identifies the vehicle to the Nozzle Unit. The tag can be programmed to contain
specific product type information, e.g. Diesel, Petrol, etc. – therefore, allowing the
system to prevent fuel contamination.
Nozzle Unit: A robust RFID reader that is attached to the fuel dispensing nozzle.
When he spout makes connection with the fuel filler pipe, the vehicle tag is read by
the nozzle unit. Data is transmitted to the Wireless Controller via an UHF data link.
Wireless Controller: Is a unit that receives data from Vehicle-- or Nozzle units and
forwards this information to a central Fuel Management System (FMS). It also starts
or stops fuel dispensing based on FMS business rule decisions.
Vehicle Unit: Is an active unit (optional) that is installed in each fleet vehicle,
connecting to odometer and ignition. The vehicle unit transmits relevant information
to the Wireless Controller via the same encrypted UHF link as the nozzle unit. The
unit reports on the distance driven since last fuelling and the engine running time,
which provides valuable input for central statistics on vehicle utilization.
The basic system described above, is authorized per transaction on the vehicle’s identity. In
addition, the system can be configured using the following more advanced operational
modes:
1) Wireless Controller will only authorize a transaction if a vehicle unit and tag are present on
the vehicle. Here, the tag and vehicle unit are programmed with the same information and
only when the Wireless Controller sees (via a nozzle unit) identical corresponding data, will it
authorize a transaction.
2) Instead of using a Nozzle Unit reader, RFID tags could be mounted on the nozzle and
read by the Vehicle Unit which transmits the nozzle and vehicle data via the wireless
controller to the FMS for fuelling authorization and reporting.
3) Optionally, an RFID based driver ID e.g. in the form of an ISO card badge or key fob may
be added as additional authorization precondition on top of the vehicle ID.
Equipment Installation
Installation of nozzle unit at each refuelling point
HBN905 nozzle unit base (top), ZVA SL2 Nozzle (middle), HBN905 nozzle unit lid and 5 screws (bottom)
NFC Tags and Solutions--
Insert ZVA SL2 into HBN905 base
The Wireless Controller receives via a proprietary encrypted 433.92 MHz wireless data link
the transmissions from the nozzle or vehicle units at the fuelling site. Installation occurs in an
appropriate position within the site office and required proximity of the interface to the third-
party system through RS232 / RS485 / USB / Ethernet.
The Wireless Controller verifies vehicle data prior to authorizing a transaction. If the
information is correct, the transaction is authorized through a “Nozzle In” event which is sent
to the FMS. The FMS will then apply further authorization decisions based on whether the
vehicle is authorized in a database.
When the nozzle is removed from the inlet, the nozzle reader will not be able to read the tag
anymore and report a connectivity change to the Wireless Controller. The Wireless
Controller then issues a “Nozzle Out” event to the FMS. Thus the system is able to prevent
fuel from going into an unauthorized vehicle or jerry can.
Vehicle Tags
1) Pop--rivet
2) Screw
3) Adhesive
4) Adhesive tape
It is intended that the tag is installed in close proximity to the fuel filler pipe of a vehicle and
positioned for easy readability by the nozzle unit during fuelling. The data on the tag
identifies the vehicle and the type of fuel needed.
Tags are available in destructible formats. The tag is destroyed if removed after installation.
Two vehicle unit options are available. Although functionally identical, the one option is more
robust designed for harsher environments and is housed in an extruded aluminium housing
and encapsulated in polyurethane. Second option, is a lower cost unit with custom plastic
injection moulded housing.
The installation details depend on how the unit is intended to operate.
1) The most basic operation requires connection to power (12V or 24V) and ground, plus an
engine--on signal for timing of the engine running hours.
3) A further installation option allows connecting an antenna on the driver’s cabin to read a
driver’s RFID badge.
Vehicle Unit Benefits
Ultra--rugged and low cost versions available
Unit parameters configurable through serial interface
Reporting of unit data through RF link
Reports odometer reading per odometer pulser input
Reports minutes of operation per vehicle ignition input
Dual RFID readers allow multiple topologies of operation
Automotive power supply allows both 12V and 24V operation
NFC Tags and Solutions--
1) The nozzle unit fitted to the filling nozzle reads the 125 kHz passive RFID vehicle tag
when the nozzle is inserted into the fuel filler pipe.
2) The nozzle unit then sends the tag info along with unit info (ID, status, etc.) over a
433.92 MHz encrypted proprietary RF data link to the Wireless Controller.
3) If the front end validation passes, the Wireless Controller sends authorization information
and a “Nozzle In” condition, to the Fuel Management System (FMS) which is then
responsible for checking whether the vehicle is valid or not according to predefined business
rules. It then interacts with the dispensing systems to allow fuelling to start.
4) If the nozzle is removed, the unit will not be able to read the vehicle tag anymore and
send the appropriate information to the Wireless Controller.
5) The Wireless Controller interprets this as a “Nozzle Out” condition and sends a message
to the FMS. The FMS will then be able to stop fuel dispersion, complete the fuelling process
and record a completed transaction.
NFC Tags and Solutions--
1) The passive vehicle tag and vehicle unit are paired by programming each with identical
data
2) The vehicle unit transmits information over the same RF channel as the nozzle unit,
including ID and other useful data, like vehicle odometer and engine running hours to the
Wireless Controller.
3) The Wireless Controller authorizes each transaction when it sees information from
both the nozzle unit which has read the vehicle tag and the vehicle unit. “Nozzle In” and
“Nozzle Out” will work the same as in Option 1. This system option allows the FMS to
track the vehicle usage parameters.
NFC Tags and Solutions--
Option 3: Active Vehicle Unit, Passive Vehicle Tag and Driver Tag
In addition to the features and functionality described in the preceding sections, the third
system option adds an extra level of security and monitoring by requiring that the vehicle
driver presents his personal RFID tag (badge or keyfob) in order to authorize the transaction.
This tag is presented to an optional antenna that is installed into the vehicles cab and read
by an RFID scanner built into the vehicle unit.