IoT gateway for remote natural gas compression systems

An Internet of Things (IoT) gateway configured to provide communication protocols and to enable remote monitoring of a natural gas compression system for event and diagnostic support, the natural gas compression system including a natural gas compressor and a natural gas compressor panel, the IoT gateway comprising:

• a) a cover and a bottom enclosure, the cover including walls that interface with the bottom enclosure;
• b) a first printed circuit board (PCB) surface positioned inside the cover;
• c) a first cellular antenna and a second cellular antenna, each of the first and second antennas being mounted to the first PCB surface, the first cellular antenna being adapted to provide a communication network connection to a first cellular communication network, and the second cellular antenna being adapted to provide a communication network connection to a second cellular communication network;
• d) a satellite module adapted to provide connection to a satellite communication network;
• e) a second PCB surface having a microprocessor mounted thereon;
• f) a seal positioned at the interface between the cover walls and the bottom enclosure, the seal being configured to prevent intrusion of moisture into an interior of the IoT gateway;
• g) a gasket positioned on the bottom enclosure, the gasket being configured to prevent intrusion of moisture into the interior of the IoT gateway;
• h) a shield positioned between the first PCB surface and the microprocessor, the shield being arranged and configured to protect the microprocessor from electromagnetic interference;
• i) one or more connection sockets positioned on an exterior portion of the cover, wherein at least one of the one or more connection sockets enables a wired connection to the natural gas compression panel, the wired connection being adapted and configured to enable communication of data between the IoT gateway and the natural gas compression panel;
• j) wherein the microprocessor is adapted and configured to:
• 1) determine which of the first cellular communication network, the second cellular communication network, and the satellite communication network are enabled;
• 2) determine an order of priority for the first cellular communication network, the second cellular communication network, and the satellite communication network;
• 3) test each of the first cellular communication network, the second cellular communication network, and the satellite communication network in accordance with the determined order of priority for each of the communication networks, wherein each communication network is tested a maximum number of times;
• and
• 4) select a communication network and use the selected communication network for communication between the IoT gateway and a remote back office server.

A method for facilitating communication between a natural gas compression system and a remote server through use of an Internet of Things (IoT) gateway, wherein the communication is accomplished through cellular and/or satellite communication networks, the method comprising:

• a) providing an IOT gateway, wherein the IOT gateway includes:
• 1) a first printed circuit board (PCB) having two cellular antennas configured for providing access to two different cellular communication networks;
• 2) a second PCB having a microprocessor mounted thereon;
• and
• 3) a satellite module configured for providing access to a satellite communication network;
• b) determining, by the microprocessor, which of the cellular and satellite communication networks are enabled;
• c) determining, by the microprocessor, an order of priority of the cellular and satellite communication networks;
• d) testing, by the microprocessor, each cellular and satellite communication network connection in accordance with the determined order of priority of the cellular and satellite communication networks, wherein each communication network is tested a maximum number of times;
• e) suspending, for a preset duration, further testing of each cellular and satellite communication network when a connection is not successful after each communication network has been tested for the maximum number of times;
• f) selecting, by the microprocessor, one of the communication networks based on the order of priority and testing of each communication network;
• g) using the selected communication network to send data to and/or receive data from a remote server, wherein the selected communication network is used for a preset duration;
• and
• h) when the preset duration of use of the selected communication network has elapsed, testing each communication network to determine whether to switch to a communication network other than the selected communication network.