초록 ▼

A fuel dispensing system compensates for varying fuel source flow rate requirements based on fuel dispenser feedback signals. A pumping system pumps fuel from one or more fuel sources to one or more fuel dispensers through associated conduits. When actively dispensing fuel, each fuel dispenser monit

A fuel dispensing system compensates for varying fuel source flow rate requirements based on fuel dispenser feedback signals. A pumping system pumps fuel from one or more fuel sources to one or more fuel dispensers through associated conduits. When actively dispensing fuel, each fuel dispenser monitors its actual fuel discharge rate and adjusts an integral flow control device to maintain a nominal fuel discharge rate. When an active fuel dispenser fails to achieve its nominal fuel discharge rate, it indicates this condition to the pumping system via its dispenser feedback signal. In response, the pumping system increases its pumping rate until the fuel dispenser achieves its nominal fuel discharge rate. Other active fuel dispensers adjust their flow control devices as needed to maintain their nominal fuel discharge rate in response to the adjusted pumping rate. If multiple active fuel dispensers fail to achieve their nominal fuel discharge rate, the pumping system adjusts its pumping rate until all active dispensers achieve their nominal fuel discharge rate. In some configurations, active fuel dispensers provide a dispenser feedback signal that is proportionate to the actual dispenser fuel discharge rate, and the pumping system proportionately controls its pumping rate.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of dispensing fuel, said method comprising:monitoring a discharge rate of said fuel dispensed from a fuel dispenser; adjusting a flow control device in said fuel dispenser to minimize a difference between said discharge rate and a desired rate; generating a dispenser feedback signal at s

1. A method of dispensing fuel, said method comprising:monitoring a discharge rate of said fuel dispensed from a fuel dispenser; adjusting a flow control device in said fuel dispenser to minimize a difference between said discharge rate and a desired rate; generating a dispenser feedback signal at said fuel dispenser based in part on said discharge rate; controlling a pumping rate of one or more pumps pumping said fuel to said fuel dispenser based in part on said dispenser feedback signal; and said fuel dispenser asserting said dispenser feedback signal when said discharge rate is less than said desired rate and said flow control device is at a maximum flow setting.