Fuel monitoring for generators at the Central Bank of Nigeria
- Manual tank fuel checks (dipstick)
- Fuel consumption calculated by norm-hours
- Fuel theft goes undetected
- No accurate data for accounting or operational control
- Accurate tank level monitoring
- Measured actual fuel consumption
- Fuel theft detection
- Automated genset operation monitoring
A bank branch with backup diesel generators
The Central Bank of Nigeria branch in Ibadan serves as a key operational link between the headquarters and financial institutions in southern Nigeria. The branch supports on-site regulation and supervision, cash distribution, and other core operational functions.
It serves as a key link between the headquarters and financial institutions in southern Nigeria, supporting on-site regulation, supervision, and operational functions of the bank.
Cummins gensets from 100 to 1029 kVA
Fuel consumption control and theft prevention
For the bank, uninterrupted power supply is mission-critical, as it directly affects payment systems and daily operations. Any power failure can result in significant financial losses.
Fuel levels were checked manually with dipsticks, and consumption was estimated from engine run hours. These methods are approximate, don’t reflect real operating conditions, and provide no reliable view of actual consumption or remaining fuel.
- Accurate monitoring of fuel levels in tanks to prevent fuel theft
- Reliable accounting of actual fuel consumption by the generators
Remote genset fuel monitoring in UNUM Genset
Monitoring system components
1 DUT-E fuel level sensors
2 DFM D fuel flow meter
3 DFM Marine fuel flow meters
4 CANUp Genset telematics gateway
5 MasterCAN Display
Each tank is fitted with a DUT-E sensor that measures fuel level and volume with better than 1% accuracy. Fuel consumption and engine run time are captured (recorded) using fuel flow meters. A DFM D differential flow meter was installed on the backup generator. The other generators use two DFM Marine meters (supply and return lines) each.
All components are connected via the J1939/S6 interface using standard cabling. MasterCAN Display provides on-site, real-time visibility of key fuel parameters.
CANUp Genset collects and processes the data and transmits it to the UNUM Genset telematics service.
DFM D fuel flow meter
DFM Marine fuel flow meters
MasterCAN Display
Lower diesel genset fuel costs
The customer now sees accurate real-time fuel consumption data for each genset, receives alerts for drains and refuels, and generates fuel reports. Refueling is planned precisely, and tank draining has been eliminated.
As a result, the risk of genset downtime has been minimized, fuel delivery has been optimized, and fuel costs were reduced by 16%.
The bank plans to roll out the monitoring system to gensets at other branches — more than 100 units in total.
- 100% compatibility across all onboard hardware and software, with easy setup and reliable operation
- Wide product range that solves fuel control tasks for both stationary tanks and genset engines
- Flexible UNUM Genset pricing — pay only for the functionality you need and quickly adapt your service package
Frequently asked questions about genset fuel monitoring
How is fuel consumption monitoring different from hour-based (norm-hour) fuel accounting?
Hour-based fuel accounting relies on the engine’s rated specifications and doesn’t account for real operating modes, wear, or fuel quality. Actual consumption always differs from the normative value. DFM fuel flow meters measure the actual fuel volume passing through the engine with an error of less than 1%. In the Central Bank of Nigeria project, this revealed a 16% gap between normative and real consumption.
Can the monitoring system be installed on gensets of different models and power ratings?
Yes. Technoton equipment is compatible with gensets from any manufacturer—Cummins, Caterpillar, Perkins, Volvo Penta, and others. All components are integrated via the J1939/S6 interface, making it possible to use one system across gensets with different power ratings. In this project, three Cummins models (100, 500, and 1029 kVA) operate within a single monitoring system.
How does the system detect fuel theft from tanks?
DUT-E fuel level sensors continuously measure fuel volume in the tank. The UNUM Genset platform automatically identifies events such as refueling (a sharp rise in level), draining (a level drop while the engine is off), and normal consumption. If a suspicious decrease is detected, the system instantly sends an alert to the responsible staff member.
What data is available remotely, and is an on-site operator required?
UNUM Genset shows all key parameters: current fuel consumption, tank levels, engine runtime, refuel/drain history, and analytical reports for any period. Data is available 24/7 from any device. For quick on-site checks, the MasterCAN Display is used—it shows parameters without an internet connection.
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