RIG site genset control framework

Abstract

A method may include acquiring data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets; determining optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, where the objective function includes utility and cost terms; and controlling a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters.

Description

RIG SITE GENSET CONTROL FRAMEWORKcross-refrence to related application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 623,382, entitled “RIG SITE GENSET CONTROL FRAMEWORK,” filed January 22, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.background

[0002] A reservoir may be a subsurface formation that may be characterized at least in part by its porosity and fluid permeability. As an example, a reservoir may be part of a basin such as a sedimentary basin. A basin may be a depression (e.g., caused by plate tectonic activity, subsidence, etc.) in which sediments accumulate. As an example, where hydrocarbon source rocks occur in combination with appropriate depth and duration of burial, a petroleum system may develop within a basin, which may form a reservoir that includes hydrocarbon fluids (e.g., oil, gas, etc.).

[0003] A well may be drilled using rig equipment where the well extends to a reservoir such that fluid may be injected into the reservoir and / or produced from the reservoir. Rig equipment includes various types of electrically driven tools. For example, consider a top drive that can be electrically powered to rotate a drillstring that includes a bit that can crush rock. As another example, fluid pumps can be electrically powered to pump drilling fluid downhole to lubricate a drillstring, lubricate a drill bit, carry crushed rock to surface, and provide for well control. Electrical power may be generated at a rig site using one or more types of gensets, which generally include a prime mover and a generator. For example, a genset can include a combination of an engine and an electrical generator used to produce electrical power. In various scenarios, a power system at a rig site may include a number of gensets that may be controlled, for example, to meet demand of one or more electrically driven tools (e.g., drives, pumps, etc.).SUMMARY

[0004] A method may include acquiring data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets; determining optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, where the objective function includes utility and cost terms; and controlling a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters. A system may include one or more processors; memory accessible to at least one of the one or more processors; processor-executable instructions stored in the memory and executable to instruct the system to: acquire data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets; determine optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, where the objective function includes utility and cost terms; and control a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters. One or more computer-readable storage media may include processor-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to: acquire data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets; determine optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, where the objective function includes utility and cost terms; and control a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient Features and advantages of the described implementations may be more readily understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0007] Fig. 1 shows an example of a system;

[0008] Fig. 2 shows an example of a system;

[0009] Fig. 3 shows an example of a system;

[0010] Fig. 4 shows an example of a system;

[0011] Fig. 5 shows an example of a method;

[0012] Fig. 6 shows an example of a plot;

[0013] Fig. 7 shows an example of a plot;

[0014] Fig. 8 shows an example of a plot;

[0015] Fig. 9 shows an example of a plot;

[0016] Fig. 10 shows an example of a plot;

[0017] Fig. 11 shows an example of a method and an example of a system; and

[0018] Fig. 12 shows an example of a system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the implementations. The scope of the described implementations should be ascertained with reference to the issued claims.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows an example of a system 100 that includes a workspace framework 110 that may provide for instantiation of, rendering of, interactions with, etc., a graphical user interface (GUI) 120. In the example of Fig. 1, the GUI 120 may include graphical controls for computational frameworks (e.g., applications, etc.) 121, projects 122, visualization features 123, one or more other features 124, data access 125, and data storage 126.

[0021] In the example of Fig. 1, the workspace framework 110 may be tailored to a particular geologic environment such as an example geologic environment 150. For example, the geologic environment 150 may include layers (e.g., stratification) that include a reservoir 151 and that may be intersected by a fault 153. As an example, the geologic environment 150 may be outfitted with a variety of sensors, detectors, actuators, etc. For example, equipment 152 may include communication circuitry to receive and to transmit information with respect to one or more networks 155. Such information may include information associated with downhole equipment 154, which may be equipment to acquire information, to assist with resource recovery, etc. Other equipment 156 may be located remote from a wellsite and include sensing, detecting, emitting or other circuitry. Such equipment may include storage and communication circuitry to store and to communicate data, instructions, etc. As an example, one or more satellites may be provided for purposes of communications, data acquisition, etc. For example, Fig. 1 shows a satellite in communication with the network 155 that may be configured for communications, noting that the satellite may additionally or alternatively include circuitry for imagery (e.g., spatial, spectral, temporal, radiometric, etc.).

[0022] Fig. 1 also shows the geologic environment 150 as optionally including equipment 157 and 158 associated with a well that includes a substantially horizontal portion that may intersect with one or more fractures 159. For example, consider a well in a shale formation that may include natural fractures, artificial fractures (e.g., hydraulic fractures) or a combination of natural and artificial fractures. As an example, a well may be drilled for a reservoir that is laterally extensive. In such an example, lateral variations in properties, stresses, etc. may exist where an assessment of such variations may assist with planning, operations, etc. to develop a laterally extensive reservoir (e.g., via fracturing, injecting, extracting, etc.). As an example, the equipment 157 and / or 158 may include components, a system, systems, etc. for fracturing, seismic sensing, analysis of seismic data, assessment of one or more fractures, etc.

[0023] In the example of Fig. 1, the GUI 120 shows some examples of computational frameworks, including the DRILLPLAN, DRILLOPS, PETREL, TECHLOG, PETROMOD, ECLIPSE, PIPESIM, and INTERSECT frameworks (SLB, Houston, Texas).

[0024] The DRILLPLAN framework provides for digital well construction planning and includes features for automation of repetitive tasks and validation workflows, enabling improved quality drilling programs (e.g., digital drilling plans, etc.) to be produced quickly with assured coherency.

[0025] The DRILLOPS framework may execute a digital drilling plan and ensures plan adherence, while delivering goal-based automation. The DRILLOPS framework may generate activity plans automatically individual operations, whether they are monitored and / or controlled on the rig or in town. Automation may utilize data analysis and learning systems to assist and optimize tasks, such as, for example, setting ROP to drilling a stand. A preset menu of automatable drilling tasks may be rendered, and, using data analysis and models, a plan may be executed in a manner to achieve a specified goal, where, for example, measurements may be utilized for calibration. The DRILLOPS framework provides flexibility to modify and replan activities dynamically, for example, based on a live appraisal of various factors (e.g., equipment, personnel, and supplies). Well construction activities (e.g., tripping, drilling, cementing, etc.) may be continually monitored and dynamically updated using feedback from operational activities. The DRILLOPS framework may provide for various levels of automation based on planning and / or re-planning (e.g., via the DRILLPLAN framework), feedback, etc.

[0026] The PETREL framework may be part of the DELFI environment for utilization in geosciences and geoengineering, for example, to analyze subsurface data from exploration to production of fluid from a reservoir. The DELFI cognitive exploration and production (E&P) environment (SLB, Houston, Texas), referred to herein as the DELFI environment or DELFI framework, is a secure, cognitive, cloud-based collaborative environment that integrates data and workflows with digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

[0027] The PETREL framework provides components that allow for optimization of various exploration, development and production operations. The PETREL framework includes seismic to simulation software components that may output information for use in increasing reservoir performance, for example, by improving asset team productivity. Through use of such a framework, various professionals (e.g., geophysicists, geologists, and reservoir engineers) may develop collaborative workflows and integrate operations to streamline processes (e.g., with respect to one or more geologic environments, etc.). Such a framework may be considered an application (e.g., executable using one or more devices) and may be considered a data-driven application (e.g., where data is input for purposes of modeling, simulating, etc.).

[0028] The TECHLOG framework may handle and process field and laboratory data for a variety of geologic environments (e.g., deepwater exploration, shale, etc.). The TECHLOG framework may structure wellbore data for analyses, planning, etc.

[0029] The PETROMOD framework provides petroleum systems modeling capabilities that may combine one or more of seismic, well, and geological information to model the evolution of a sedimentary basin. The PETROMOD framework may predict if, and how, a reservoir has been charged with hydrocarbons, including the source and timing of hydrocarbon generation, migration routes, quantities, and hydrocarbon type in the subsurface or at surface conditions.

[0030] The ECLIPSE framework provides a reservoir simulator (e.g., as a computational framework) with numerical solutions for fast and accurate prediction of dynamic behavior for various types of reservoirs and development schemes.

[0031] The INTERSECT framework provides a high-resolution reservoir simulator for simulation of detailed geological features and quantification of uncertainties, for example, by creating accurate production scenarios and, with the integration of precise models of the surface facilities and field operations, the INTERSECT framework may produce reliable results, which may be continuously updated by real-time data exchanges (e.g., from one or more types of data acquisition equipment in the field that may acquire data during one or more types of field operations, etc.). The INTERSECT framework, as with the other example frameworks, may be utilized as part of the DELFI environment, for example, for rapid simulation of multiple concurrent cases. For example, a workflow may utilize one or more of the DELFI environment on demand reservoir simulation features.

[0032] The aforementioned DELFI environment provides various features for workflows as to subsurface analysis, planning, construction and production, for example, as illustrated in the workspace framework 110. As shown in Fig. 1, outputs from the workspace framework 110 may be utilized for directing, controlling, etc., one or more processes in the geologic environment 150 and, feedback 160, may be received via one or more interfaces in one or more forms (e.g., acquired data as to operational conditions, equipment conditions, environment conditions, etc.).

[0033] As an example, a workflow may progress to a geology and geophysics (“G&G”) service provider, which may generate a well trajectory, which may involve execution of one or more G&G frameworks (e.g., consider the PETREL framework, etc.).

[0034] In the example of Fig. 1, the visualization features 123 may be implemented via the workspace framework 110, for example, to perform tasks as associated with one or more of subsurface regions, planning operations, constructing wells and / or surface fluid networks, and producing from a reservoir.

[0035] As an example, a visualization process may implement one or more of various features that may be suitable for one or more web applications. For example, a template may involve use of the JAVASCRIPT object notation format (JSON) and / or one or more other languages / formats. As an example, a framework may include one or more converters. For example, consider a JSON to PYTHON converter and / or a PYTHON to JSON converter. Such an approach may provide for compatibility of devices, frameworks, etc., with respect to one or more sets of instructions.

[0036] As an example, visualization features may provide for visualization of various earth models, properties, etc., in one or more dimensions. As an example, visualization features may provide for rendering of information in multiple dimensions, which may optionally include multiple resolution rendering. In such an example, information being rendered may be associated with one or more frameworks and / or one or more data stores. As an example, visualization features may include one or more control features for control of equipment, which may include, for example, field equipment that may perform one or more field operations. As an example, a workflow may utilize one or more frameworks to generate information that may be utilized to control one or more types of field equipment (e.g., drilling equipment, wireline equipment, fracturing equipment, etc.).

[0037] While several simulators are illustrated in the example of Fig. 1, one or more other simulators may be utilized, additionally or alternatively. For example, consider the KINETIX reservoir-centric stimulation-to-production framework (SLB, Houston, Texas), which efficiently integrates geology, petrophysics, completion engineering, reservoir engineering, and geomechanics to help optimize completion and fracturing designs for a well, a pad, or a whole field (e.g., via integration with the PETREL framework). As an example, geometric completions and 3D mechanical and petrophysical models may be utilized in the KINETIX framework, optionally coupled with the INTERSECT framework and / or the VISAGE finite-element geomechanics simulator framework. As an example, a workflow may include planning and / or execution of one or more stimulation processes, which can include, for example, hydraulic fracturing.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows an example of a wellsite system 200 (e.g., at a wellsite that may be onshore or offshore). As shown, the wellsite system 200 may include a mud tank 201 for holding mud and other material (e.g., where mud may be a drilling fluid), a suction line 203 that serves as an inlet to a mud pump 204 for pumping mud from the mud tank 201 such that mud flows to a vibrating hose 206, a drawworks 207 for winching drill line or drill lines 212, a standpipe 208 that receives mud from the vibrating hose 206, a kelly hose 209 that receives mud from the standpipe 208, a gooseneck or goosenecks 210, a traveling block 211, a crown block 213 for carrying the traveling block 211 via the drill line or drill lines 212, a derrick 214, a kelly 218 or a top drive 240, a kelly drive bushing 219, a rotary table 220, a drill floor 221, a bell nipple 222, one or more blowout preventors (BOPs) 223, a drillstring 225, a drill bit 226, a casing head 227 and a flow pipe 228 that carries mud and other material to, for example, the mud tank 201.

[0039] In the example system of Fig. 2, a borehole 232 is formed in subsurface formations 230 by rotary drilling; noting that various example embodiments may also use one or more directional drilling techniques, equipment, etc.

[0040] As shown in the example of Fig. 2, the drillstring 225 is suspended within the borehole 232 and has a drillstring assembly 250 that includes the drill bit 226 at its lower end. As an example, the drillstring assembly 250 may be a bottom hole assembly (BHA).

[0041] The wellsite system 200 may provide for operation of the drillstring 225 and other operations. As shown, the wellsite system 200 includes the traveling block 211 and the derrick 214 positioned over the borehole 232. As mentioned, the wellsite system 200 may include the rotary table 220 where the drillstring 225 pass through an opening in the rotary table 220.

[0042] As shown in the example of Fig. 2, the wellsite system 200 may include the kelly 218 and associated components, etc., or a top drive 240 and associated components. As to a kelly example, the kelly 218 may be a square or hexagonal metal / alloy bar with a hole drilled therein that serves as a mud flow path. The kelly 218 may be used to transmit rotary motion from the rotary table 220 via the kelly drive bushing 219 to the drillstring 225, while allowing the drillstring 225 to be lowered or raised during rotation. The kelly 218 may pass through the kelly drive bushing 219, which may be driven by the rotary table 220. As an example, the rotary table 220 may include a master bushing that operatively couples to the kelly drive bushing 219 such that rotation of the rotary table 220 may turn the kelly drive bushing 219 and hence the kelly 218. The kelly drive bushing 219 may include an inside profile matching an outside profile (e.g., square, hexagonal, etc.) of the kelly 218; however, with slightly larger dimensions so that the kelly 218 may freely move up and down inside the kelly drive bushing 219.

[0043] As to a top drive example, the top drive 240 may provide functions performed by a kelly and a rotary table. The top drive 240 may turn the drillstring 225. As an example, the top drive 240 may include one or more motors (e.g., electric and / or hydraulic) connected with appropriate gearing to a short section of pipe called a quill, that in turn may be screwed into a saver sub or the drillstring 225 itself. The top drive 240 may be suspended from the traveling block 211, so the rotary mechanism is free to travel up and down the derrick 214. As an example, a top drive 240 may allow for drilling to be performed with more joint stands than a kelly / rotary table approach.

[0044] In the example of Fig. 2, the mud tank 201 may hold mud, which may be one or more types of drilling fluids. As an example, a wellbore may be drilled to produce fluid, inject fluid or both (e.g., hydrocarbons, minerals, water, etc.).

[0045] In the example of Fig. 2, the drillstring 225 (e.g., including one or more downhole tools) may be composed of a series of pipes threadably connected together to form a long tube with the drill bit 226 at the lower end thereof. As the drillstring 225 is advanced into a wellbore for drilling, at some point in time prior to or coincident with drilling, the mud may be pumped by the pump 204 from the mud tank 201 (e.g., or other source) via the lines 206, 208 and 209 to a port of the kelly 218 or, for example, to a port of the top drive 240. The mud may then flow via a passage (e.g., or passages) in the drillstring 225 and out of ports located on the drill bit 226 (see, e.g., a directional arrow). As the mud exits the drillstring 225 via ports in the drill bit 226, it may then circulate upwardly through an annular region between an outer surface(s) of the drillstring 225 and surrounding wall(s) (e.g., open borehole, casing, etc.), as indicated by directional arrows. In such a manner, the mud lubricates the drill bit 226 and carries heat energy (e.g., frictional or other energy) and formation cuttings to the surface where the mud (e.g., and cuttings) may be returned to the mud tank 201, for example, for recirculation (e.g., with processing to remove cuttings, etc.).

[0046] The mud pumped by the pump 204 into the drillstring 225 may, after exiting the drillstring 225, form a mudcake that lines the wellbore which, among other functions, may reduce friction between the drillstring 225 and surrounding wall(s) (e.g., borehole, casing, etc.). A reduction in friction may facilitate advancing or retracting the drillstring 225. During a drilling operation, the entire drillstring 225 may be pulled from a wellbore and optionally replaced, for example, with a new or sharpened drill bit, a smaller diameter drillstring, etc. As mentioned, the act of pulling a drillstring out of a hole or replacing it in a hole is referred to as tripping. A trip may be referred to as an upward trip or an outward trip or as a downward trip or an inward trip depending on trip direction.

[0047] As an example, consider a downward trip where upon arrival of the drill bit 226 of the drillstring 225 at a bottom of a wellbore, pumping of the mud commences to lubricate the drill bit 226 for purposes of drilling to enlarge the wellbore. As mentioned, the mud may be pumped by the pump 204 into a passage of the drillstring 225 and, upon filling of the passage, the mud may be used as a transmission medium to transmit energy, for example, energy that may encode information as in mud-pulse telemetry.

[0048] As an example, mud-pulse telemetry equipment may include a downhole device configured to effect changes in pressure in the mud to create an acoustic wave or waves upon which information may modulated. In such an example, information from downhole equipment (e.g., one or more modules of the drillstring 225) may be transmitted uphole to an uphole device, which may relay such information to other equipment for processing, control, etc.

[0049] As an example, telemetry equipment may operate via transmission of energy via the drillstring 225 itself. For example, consider a signal generator that imparts coded energy signals to the drillstring 225 and repeaters that may receive such energy and repeat it to further transmit the coded energy signals (e.g., information, etc.).

[0050] As an example, the drillstring 225 may be fitted with telemetry equipment 252 that includes a rotatable drive shaft, a turbine impeller mechanically coupled to the drive shaft such that the mud may cause the turbine impeller to rotate, a modulator rotor mechanically coupled to the drive shaft such that rotation of the turbine impeller causes said modulator rotor to rotate, a modulator stator mounted adjacent to or proximate to the modulator rotor such that rotation of the modulator rotor relative to the modulator stator creates pressure pulses in the mud, and a controllable brake for selectively braking rotation of the modulator rotor to modulate pressure pulses. In such an example, an alternator may be coupled to the aforementioned drive shaft where the alternator includes at least one stator winding electrically coupled to a control circuit to selectively short the at least one stator winding to electromagnetically brake the alternator and thereby selectively brake rotation of the modulator rotor to modulate the pressure pulses in the mud.

[0051] In the example of Fig. 2, an uphole control and / or data acquisition system 262 may include circuitry to sense pressure pulses generated by telemetry equipment 252 and, for example, communicate sensed pressure pulses or information derived therefrom for process, control, etc.

[0052] The assembly 250 of the illustrated example includes a logging-while-drilling (LWD) module 254, a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) module 256, an optional module 258, a rotary-steerable system (RSS) and / or motor 260, and the drill bit 226. Such components or modules may be referred to as tools where a drillstring may include a plurality of tools.

[0053] As to an RSS, it involves technology utilized for directional drilling. Directional drilling involves drilling into the Earth to form a deviated bore such that the trajectory of the bore is not vertical; rather, the trajectory deviates from vertical along one or more portions of the bore. As an example, consider a target that is located at a lateral distance from a surface location where a rig may be stationed. In such an example, drilling may commence with a vertical portion and then deviate from vertical such that the bore is aimed at the target and, eventually, reaches the target. Directional drilling may be implemented where a target may be inaccessible from a vertical location at the surface of the Earth, where material exists in the Earth that may impede drilling or otherwise be detrimental (e.g., consider a salt dome, etc.), where a formation is laterally extensive (e.g., consider a relatively thin yet laterally extensive reservoir), where multiple bores are to be drilled from a single surface bore, where a relief well is desired, etc.

[0054] One approach to directional drilling involves a mud motor; however, a mud motor may present some challenges depending on factors such as rate of penetration (ROP), transferring weight to a bit (e.g., weight on bit, WOB) due to friction, etc. A mud motor may be a positive displacement motor (PDM) that operates to drive a bit (e.g., during directional drilling, etc.). A PDM operates as drilling fluid is pumped through it where the PDM converts hydraulic power of the drilling fluid into mechanical power to cause the bit to rotate.

[0055] As an example, a mud motor (e.g., PDM) may be operated in different modes, which may include a rotating mode and a sliding mode. A sliding mode involves drilling with a mud motor rotating the bit downhole without rotating the drillstring from the surface. Such an operation may be conducted when a BHA has been fitted with a bent sub or a bent housing mud motor, or both, for directional drilling. Sliding may be used in building and controlling or adjusting hole angle. In directional drilling, pointing of a bit may be accomplished through a bent sub, which may have a relatively small angle offset from the axis of a drillstring, and a measurement device to determine the direction of offset. Without turning the drillstring, the bit may be rotated with mud flow through the mud motor to drill in the direction it is pointed. With steerable motors, when a desired wellbore direction is attained, the entire drillstring may be rotated to drill straight rather than at an angle. By controlling the amount of hole drilled in the sliding mode versus the rotating mode, a wellbore trajectory may be controlled rather precisely.

[0056] As an example, a PDM may operate in a combined rotating mode where surface equipment is utilized to rotate a bit of a drillstring (e.g., a rotary table, a top drive, etc.) by rotating the entire drillstring and where drilling fluid is utilized to rotate the bit of the drillstring. In such an example, a surface RPM (SRPM) may be determined by use of the surface equipment and a downhole RPM of the mud motor may be determined using various factors related to flow of drilling fluid, mud motor type, etc. As an example, in the combined rotating mode, bit RPM may be determined or estimated as a sum of the SRPM and the mud motor RPM, assuming the SRPM and the mud motor RPM are in the same direction.

[0057] As an example, a PDM mud motor may operate in a so-called sliding mode, when the drillstring is not rotated from the surface. In such an example, a bit RPM may be determined or estimated based on the RPM of the mud motor.

[0058] An RSS may drill directionally where there is continuous rotation from surface equipment, which may alleviate the sliding of a steerable motor (e.g., a PDM). An RSS may be deployed when drilling directionally (e.g., deviated, horizontal, or extended-reach wells). An RSS may aim to minimize interaction with a borehole wall, which may help to preserve borehole quality. An RSS may aim to exert a relatively consistent side force akin to stabilizers that rotate with the drillstring or orient the bit in the desired direction while continuously rotating at the same number of rotations per minute as the drillstring.

[0059] The LWD module 254 may be housed in a suitable type of drill collar and may contain one or a plurality of selected types of logging tools. It will also be understood that more than one LWD and / or MWD module may be employed. Where the position of an LWD module is mentioned, as an example, it may refer to a module at the position of the LWD module 254, the MWD module 256, etc. An LWD module may include capabilities for measuring, processing, and storing information, as well as for communicating with the surface equipment. In the illustrated example, the LWD module 254 may include a seismic measuring device.

[0060] The MWD module 256 may be housed in a suitable type of drill collar and may contain one or more devices for measuring characteristics of the drillstring 225 and the drill bit 226. As an example, the MWD module 256 may include equipment for generating electrical power, for example, to power various components of the drillstring 225. As an example, the MWD module 256 may include the telemetry equipment 252, for example, where the turbine impeller may generate power by flow of the mud; it being understood that other power and / or battery systems may be employed for purposes of powering various components. As an example, the MWD module 256 may include one or more of the following types of measuring devices: a weight-on-bit measuring device, a torque measuring device, a vibration measuring device, a shock measuring device, a stick slip measuring device, a direction measuring device, and an inclination measuring device.

[0061] Fig. 2 also shows some examples of types of holes that may be drilled. For example, consider a slant hole 272, an S-shaped hole 274, a deep inclined hole 276 and a horizontal hole 278.

[0062] As an example, a drilling operation may include directional drilling where, for example, at least a portion of a well includes a curved axis. For example, consider a radius that defines curvature where an inclination with regard to the vertical may vary until reaching an angle between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees or, for example, an angle to about 90 degrees or possibly greater than about 90 degrees.

[0063] As an example, a directional well may include several shapes where each of the shapes may aim to meet particular operational demands. As an example, a drilling process may be performed on the basis of information as and when it is relayed to a drilling engineer. As an example, inclination and / or direction may be modified based on information received during a drilling process.

[0064] As an example, deviation of a bore may be accomplished in part by use of a downhole motor and / or a turbine. As to a motor, for example, a drillstring may include a positive displacement motor (PDM).

[0065] As an example, a system may be a steerable system and include equipment to perform method such as geosteering. As mentioned, a steerable system may be or include an RSS. As an example, a steerable system may include a PDM or of a turbine on a lower part of a drillstring which, just above a drill bit, a bent sub may be mounted. As an example, above a PDM, MWD equipment that provides real time or near real time data of interest (e.g., inclination, direction, pressure, temperature, real weight on the drill bit, torque stress, etc.) and / or LWD equipment may be installed. As to the latter, LWD equipment may make it possible to send to the surface various types of data of interest, including for example, geological data (e.g., gamma ray log, resistivity, density and sonic logs, etc.).

[0066] The coupling of sensors providing information on the course of a well trajectory, in real time or near real time, with, for example, one or more logs characterizing the formations from a geological viewpoint, may allow for implementing a geosteering method. Such a method may include navigating a subsurface environment, for example, to follow a desired route to reach a desired target or targets.

[0067] As an example, a drillstring may include an azimuthal density neutron (ADN) tool for measuring density and porosity; a MWD tool for measuring inclination, azimuth and shocks; a compensated dual resistivity (CDR) tool for measuring resistivity and gamma ray related phenomena; one or more variable gauge stabilizers; one or more bend joints; and a geosteering tool, which may include a motor and optionally equipment for measuring and / or responding to one or more of inclination, resistivity and gamma ray related phenomena.

[0068] As an example, geosteering may include intentional directional control of a wellbore based on results of downhole geological logging measurements in a manner that aims to keep a directional wellbore within a desired region, zone (e.g., a pay zone), etc. As an example, geosteering may include directing a wellbore to keep the wellbore in a particular section of a reservoir, for example, to minimize gas and / or water breakthrough and, for example, to maximize economic production from a well that includes the wellbore.

[0069] Referring again to Fig. 2, the wellsite system 200 may include one or more sensors 264 that are operatively coupled to the control and / or data acquisition system 262. As an example, a sensor or sensors may be at surface locations. As an example, a sensor or sensors may be at downhole locations. As an example, a sensor or sensors may be at one or more remote locations that are not within a distance of the order of about one hundred meters from the wellsite system 200. As an example, a sensor or sensor may be at an offset wellsite where the wellsite system 200 and the offset wellsite are in a common field (e.g., oil and / or gas field).

[0070] As an example, one or more of the sensors 264 may be provided for tracking pipe, tracking movement of at least a portion of a drillstring, etc.

[0071] As an example, the system 200 may include one or more sensors 266 that may sense and / or transmit signals to a fluid conduit such as a drilling fluid conduit (e.g., a drilling mud conduit). For example, in the system 200, the one or more sensors 266 may be operatively coupled to portions of the standpipe 208 through which mud flows. As an example, a downhole tool may generate pulses that may travel through the mud and be sensed by one or more of the one or more sensors 266. In such an example, the downhole tool may include associated circuitry such as, for example, encoding circuitry that may encode signals, for example, to reduce demands as to transmission. As an example, circuitry at the surface may include decoding circuitry to decode encoded information transmitted at least in part via mud-pulse telemetry. As an example, circuitry at the surface may include encoder circuitry and / or decoder circuitry and circuitry downhole may include encoder circuitry and / or decoder circuitry. As an example, the system 200 may include a transmitter that may generate signals that may be transmitted downhole via mud (e.g., drilling fluid) as a transmission medium.

[0072] As an example, one or more portions of a drillstring may become stuck. The term stuck may refer to one or more of varying degrees of inability to move or remove a drillstring from a bore. As an example, in a stuck condition, it might be possible to rotate pipe or lower it back into a bore or, for example, in a stuck condition, there may be an inability to move the drillstring axially in the bore, though some amount of rotation may be possible. As an example, in a stuck condition, there may be an inability to move at least a portion of the drillstring axially and rotationally.

[0073] As to the term “stuck pipe”, this may refer to a portion of a drillstring that cannot be rotated or moved axially. As an example, a condition referred to as “differential sticking” may be a condition whereby the drillstring cannot be moved (e.g., rotated or reciprocated) along the axis of the bore. Differential sticking may occur when high-contact forces caused by low reservoir pressures, high wellbore pressures, or both, are exerted over a sufficiently large area of the drillstring. Differential sticking may have time and financial cost.

[0074] As an example, a sticking force may be a product of the differential pressure between the wellbore and the reservoir and the area that the differential pressure is acting upon. This means that a relatively low differential pressure (delta p) applied over a large working area may be just as effective in sticking pipe as may a high differential pressure applied over a small area.

[0075] As an example, a condition referred to as “mechanical sticking” may be a condition where limiting or prevention of motion of the drillstring by a mechanism other than differential pressure sticking occurs. Mechanical sticking may be caused, for example, by one or more of junk in the hole, wellbore geometry anomalies, cement, keyseats or a buildup of cuttings in the annulus.

[0076] As explained, a wellsite system may include various types of equipment for handling fluid such as, for example, drilling fluid (e.g., mud). As explained, drilling fluid may provide one or more functions (e.g., lubrication, transport of cutting, etc.). A wellsite system may include various pumps such as, for example, pumps for pumping drilling fluid.

[0077] Drilling fluid may be composed of a number of liquid and / or gaseous fluids and mixtures of fluids and solids (e.g., as solid suspensions, mixtures and emulsions of liquids, gases and solids) as may be used in various operations to drill boreholes into the earth. Classifications of drilling fluids may utilize one or more types of classification schemes. For example, consider water-based mud (WBM), oil-based mud (OBM), nonaqueous-based mud (NQBM), gaseous-based mud (e.g., pneumatic, etc.) (GBM), etc.

[0078] As an example, drilling fluid may be lost to a formation and / or reservoir fluid may enter drilling fluid. Hence, one or more functions of drilling fluid may be compromised by changes to drilling fluid. For example, if density of drilling fluid is altered by introduction of reservoir fluid, the drilling fluid may diminish in its ability to transport cuttings to surface. As a consequence, cuttings may build up within an annulus between a drillstring and a borehole wall or cased wellbore, which may increase risk of sticking (e.g., stuck pipe). To address changes to drilling fluid, one or more actions may be taken, for example, consider adding one or more components to the drilling fluid, adding additional drilling fluid, etc.

[0079] As to lost circulation or circulation loss, these terms may refer to loss of drilling fluid to a formation, for example, caused when the hydrostatic head pressure of the column of drilling fluid exceeds the formation pressure. This loss of fluid may be loosely classified as seepage losses, partial losses, or catastrophic losses, each of which may be handled differently depending on the risk to equipment, materials, borehole quality, characteristics of drilling fluid, personnel, etc.

[0080] As to influx of formation fluid (e.g., reservoir fluid, etc.), it may include an event known as a kick. A kick may be defined as a flow of formation fluid into a bore during drilling operations. A kick may be physically caused by the pressure in the bore being less than that of the formation fluid, thus causing flow. This condition of lower bore pressure than formation pressure may be caused in various ways. For example, if mud weight is too low, then hydrostatic pressure exerted on a formation by the fluid column may be insufficient to hold the formation fluid in the formation. This may happen if the mud density is suddenly lightened or is not to specification to begin with, or if a drilled formation has a higher pressure than expected. This type of kick might be called an underbalanced kick. As another example, consider a kick that may occur if dynamic and transient fluid pressure effects (e.g., due to motion of the drillstring or casing), effectively lower the pressure in a bore below that of the formation. Such a type of kick may be referred to as an induced kick.

[0081] Additional phenomena that may occur during drilling operations include swab and surge. As to swab, it may involve a reduction in pressure in a bore by moving pipe, wireline tools or where rubber-cupped seals up the bore. If the pressure is reduced sufficiently, reservoir fluid may flow into the bore and towards surface. Swabbing tends to be detrimental in drilling operations as it may lead to kick and borewall stability problems. As to surge, consider an example where a drillstring is being tripped-out (e.g., pulled out of hole (POOH)) where upward movement of the drillstring causes friction between the drillstring and drilling fluid. In surge, pressure may decrease in a bore due to the surge effect; noting that the opposite effect may happen when a drillstring is tripping-in (e.g., running in hole (RIH)), as downward movement may cause a pressure increase (e.g., a swab effect).

[0082] As explained, a drillstring may include a mud motor that is rotationally driven by flow of drilling fluid. In such a mode of drilling, the characteristics of drilling fluid may impact mud motor performance. For example, density (e.g., mud weight) may impact how much energy the mud motor may deliver to a drill bit for a given drilling fluid flow rate.

[0083] As to a stuck pipe or risk of sticking event, as explained, one or more actions may be taken. For example, consider addition of acid as a remedial action to address the stuck pipe event or to reduce the risk of a sticking event. In such an example, a number of barrels of acid may be added to drilling fluid that is circulated downhole to an annular region between a drilling string and a bore wall in an effort to “dissolve” material that is causing sticking or a risk of sticking. While addition of acid is mentioned, it may be an action within a tiered series of actions that may be taken, where, for example, each action may have associated benefits and detriments. As to detriments, these may include non-productive time (NPT), cost, further remedial actions (e.g., impact of acid on one or more additives in drilling fluid), etc. Hence, where an event occurs or a risk of an event is heightened, in an effort to maintain adherence to a plan, one or more actions may be implemented in a strategic manner to resolve the event or otherwise reduce the risk.

[0084] Fig. 3 shows an example of a wellsite system 300, specifically, Fig. 3 shows the wellsite system 300 in an approximate side view and an approximate plan view along with a block diagram of a system 370.

[0085] In the example of Fig. 3, the wellsite system 300 may include a cabin 310, a rotary table 322, drawworks 324, a mast 326 (e.g., optionally carrying a top drive, etc.), mud tanks 330 (e.g., with one or more pumps, one or more shakers, etc.), one or more pump buildings 340, a boiler building 342, an HPU building 344 (e.g., with a rig fuel tank, etc.), a combination building 348 (e.g., with one or more generators, etc.), pipe tubs 362, a catwalk 364, a flare 368, etc. Such equipment may include one or more associated functions and / or one or more associated operational risks, which may be risks as to time, resources, and / or humans.

[0086] As shown in the example of Fig. 3, the wellsite system 300 may include a system 370 that includes one or more processors 372, memory 374 operatively coupled to at least one of the one or more processors 372, instructions 376 that may be, for example, stored in the memory 374, and one or more interfaces 378. As an example, the system 370 may include one or more processor-readable media that include processor-executable instructions executable by at least one of the one or more processors 372 to cause the system 370 to control one or more aspects of the wellsite system 300. In such an example, the memory 374 may be or include the one or more processor-readable media where the processor-executable instructions may be or include instructions. As an example, a processor-readable medium may be a computer-readable storage medium that is not a signal and that is not a carrier wave.

[0087] Fig. 3 also shows a battery 380 that may be operatively coupled to the system 370, for example, to power the system 370. As an example, the battery 380 may be a back-up battery that operates when another power supply is unavailable for powering the system 370. As an example, the battery 380 may be operatively coupled to a network, which may be a cloud network. As an example, the battery 380 may include smart battery circuitry and may be operatively coupled to one or more pieces of equipment via a SMBus or other type of bus.

[0088] In the example of Fig. 3, services 390 are shown as being available, for example, via a cloud platform. Such services may include data services 392, query services 394 and drilling services 396. As an example, the services 390 may be part of a system such as the system 100 of Fig. 1 (e.g., consider planning services and / or operational services). As an example, the services 390 may include one or more services for directional drilling (e.g., consider a computational framework that may provide for one or more services that utilize real-time data to estimate one or more parameters, etc.).

[0089] As an example, the system 370 may be utilized to generate one or more rate of penetration drilling parameter values, which may, for example, be utilized to control one or more drilling operations.

[0090] Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a power system 400. As shown, the power system 400 may include a number of gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413. Such gensets may be substantially similar (or even identical), such as instances of the same model number from a given manufacturer, each having the same load ratings. However, one or more of such gensets may also be different relative to one or more other gensets, whether with respect to size, ratings, manufacturer, and / or other characteristics.

[0091] In the example of Fig. 4, each of the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413 includes a generator 420, 421, 422 and 423 driven by an engine 430, 431, 432 and 433, which may be diesel engines, gasoline engines, natural gas engines, and / or others. As an example, an engine may be an internal combustion engine with pistons set in cylinders or, for example, an engine may be a turbine engine that includes one or more turbines. As an example, an engine may be supercharged, turbochargers or otherwise boosted or fitted with equipment that may supply and / or extract energy. In the example of Fig. 4, operation of the engines 430, 431, 432 and 433 drives the generators 420, 421, 422 and 423, which output electrical power. For example, consider a power system with one or more busbars 160 that can receive power and / or a power system with one or more other components for power distribution.

[0092] As an example, a power system may include one or more storage devices that may operate as sources and / or sinks. For example, consider a battery or system of batteries that can supply power and / or receive power. As an example, a power system may provide for supplying power to equipment via one or more types of power supply equipment such as, for example, one or more gensets and / or one or more batteries; noting that one or more other types of power equipment may be available (e.g., consider wind turbines, solar panels, water wave driven generators, etc.).

[0093] In the example of Fig. 4, various drilling rig components 470 are operatively coupled to the one or more busbars 460, for example, to receive electrical power such that the one or more of the drilling rig components 470 may be electrically powered by the power distribution system 400.

[0094] In the example of Fig. 4, each of the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413 may include or be operatively coupled to a controller 440, 441, 442 and 443 configured to communicate signals with a corresponding one of the engines 430, 431, 432 and 433 and / or a corresponding one of the generators 420, 421, 422 and 423.

[0095] In the example of Fig. 4, a load-dependent start-stop (LDSS) controller 450 is connected to one or more of the controllers 440, 441, 442 and 443 and / or one or more other components of one or more of the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413, for example, to control load sharing of the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413. As an example, the LDSS controller 450 may be operatively coupled to one or more other components, which, for example, may include one or more batteries, one or more wind turbines, one or more solar panels, one or more water wave driven generators, etc. As an example, one or more components may generate power from the environment (e.g., sun, wind, water, etc.).

[0096] As an example, the LDSS controller 450 may control how the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413 start, run, and stop in a manner that aims to maintain a minimum reserve power delivered to the power distribution system, which includes the one or more busbars 460, etc. Consequently, the reserve power may be managed to be sufficient to meet the demands of load swings on the power distribution system regardless of loads at the generators 420, 421, 422 and 423. In various instances, the actual reserve power in the power system 400 may be defined using the difference between the total rated power of the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413 (e.g., online and offline) connected to the power distribution system and the actual total power being generated by an online number of the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413.

[0097] As an example, the LDSS controller 450 may provide for control as to how the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413 start, run, and stop in a manner based on the loads experienced by a number of the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413 that are online. For example, if the gensets 410, 411 and 412 are online and each experiences a load at or above a genset-addition load (LGA), the LDSS controller 450 may automatically start the remaining genset 413. Similarly, if the gensets 410, 411 and 412 are online and each experiences a load at or below a genset-removal load (LGR), the LDSS controller 450 may halt operation of one of the gensets 410, 411 and 412.

[0098] As an example, a genset-addition load and a genset-removal load may each be determined using one or more techniques. For example, consider a human-selected input percentage of a manufacturer power rating of one or more of the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413. As an example, a technique may provide for automated and / or adjustable addition load and removal load values. As an example, the LDSS controller 450 may utilize an input dynamic parameter (DP) that aids in preventing the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413 from being started and stopped continuously when just two, three, or four of the gensets 410, 411, 412 and 413 are online. For example, a dynamic parameter (DP) may be selected from among a high level of dynamism, a moderate level of dynamism, and a low level of dynamism.

[0099] As an example, the LDSS controller 450 may dynamically revise one or both of the genset-addition load and the genset-removal load based on a dynamic characteristic (DC) that depends on an initial genset-addition load, a genset-removal load, and a dynamic parameter. An example for how DC may be determined is set forth below in Equation (1). DC = [(LGA−LGR)*DP]+(LGR)  (1) 

[00100] As an example, a revised genset-removal load (LGRR) may be determined based on the dynamic characteristic, such as set forth below in the example of Equation (2). LGRR= DC / 2  (2) 

[00101] As an example, considering an example where the genset-addition load is 70%, the initial genset-removal load is 30%, and just the gensets 410 and 411 are online (e.g., and have the same power ratings), dynamic characteristic values, revised genset-removal loads, and resulting load on the genset 410 after the genset 411 is stopped, for scenarios where the lower dynamic setting is 25%, the moderate dynamic setting is 50%, and the higher dynamic setting is 75% may be computed. Such values may be determined for various scenarios. For example, consider an example with the gensets 110-112 online, Table 2 set forth below lists the dynamic characteristic values, the revised genset-removal loads, the total resulting load on the gensets 410 and 411 (e.g., cumulative) after the genset 412 is stopped, and the individual resulting load on each of the genset 410 and the genset 411 after genset 412 is stopped.

[00102] In various instances, a resulting load on gensets remaining online for an approach to determination of the load level before stopping a genset may be based just on two gensets being online without considering whether more than two gensets are online. Consequently, in such an approach, the resulting load on each individual genset remaining online may be substantially below a rated value such that the individual gensets are running inefficiently. However, this source of inefficiency may be rectified by taking into account the number of online gensets when revising a genset-removal load. For example, a dynamic characteristic DCNOG based on the number of online gensets (NOG) may be determined according to Equation (3) set forth below. DCNOG = {[(LGA−LGR)*DP]+(LGR)}*(NOG−1)  (3) 

[00103] As an example, an updated genset-removal load (LGRU) may be determined based on the NOG-based dynamic characteristic, such as set forth below in the example of Equation (4). LGRU = DCNOG / NOG  (4) 

[00104] Using such an approach, values may be computed for different scenarios (e.g., for when one of two online gensets is removed, for when one of three gensets is removed, for when one of four gensets is removed, etc.).

[00105] As explained, one or more types of gensets may be utilized for electrical power generation. As an example, consider a diesel engine such as the CAT 3512C industrial diesel engine, which has a rating of 1120 bkW (1500 bhp) at 1800 rpm. As another example, consider a turboshaft engine such as, for example, an aviation type of turboshaft engine that may be coupled to a generator. For example, consider a HONEYWELL 1 megawatt generator that may be relatively lightweight and hence readily portable. As an example, a genset may operate on one or more types of fuels such as, for example, diesel, gasoline, natural gas, ethanol, etc. As an example, a turboshaft genset may run on an aviation biofuel or another type of fuel. As an example, the LDSS controller 450 may include features for controlling power to and / or from one or more gensets.

[00106] As explained, a power system may include one or more power storage units. For example, consider one or more containerized lithium-based power storage units (e.g., consider one or more standard 40 ft containers, etc.). For example, consider a containerized 2 MW (2.17 MWh) Li-ion battery power storage system that may be implemented for one or more purposes (e.g., peak shaving, frequency regulation, back-up, etc.). As an example, one or more of such units may be utilized in the field where the units may be operated independently and / or interdependently. As an example, the LDSS controller 450 may include features for controlling power to and / or from one or more power storage units.

[00107] As an example, an LDSS controller may include one or more features that can provide for computations as to consumption and / or emissions. For example, an LDSS controller may be operatively coupled to one or more sensors that may sense consumption and / or emissions. In such an example, consider a fuel tank sensor, a fuel line sensor, an emissions sensor, etc. As an example, input from one or more temperature sensors, one or more pressure sensors, etc., may be utilized. As an example, an LDSS controller may be operable to control consumption and / or emissions on a type of power source, which may be a type of fuel or types of fuels basis. In such an example, where one or more power storage units are available, control decisions (e.g., control strategy or strategies) may take delivering power to and / or taking power from one or more storage units, which may be in a manner that depends on state or states of power storage units (e.g., charge state, operational state, state of health, etc.).

[00108] As an example, an LDSS controller may aim to improve sustainability of drilling rig operations through effective power system control. For example, consider an approach that aims to consistently and efficiently manage fuel consumptions and CO2 emissions (e.g., or one or more other types of emissions). As explained, an LDSS controller can provide for at least genset start and stop, for example, based on load (e.g., demand of drilling rig operations). As an example, an LDSS controller can implement a systematic procedure that sets up explicit control rules on when to remove and when to add a genset with using the equation below:  , (5) 

[00109] In Equation (5), is the threshold value to add a genset to be online, is a hysteresis setpoint and , is number of online gensets and , and is the threshold value to remove a genset to be offline. As and are determined, an LDSS controller can control one or more gensets to be turned on and / or shut down accordingly. In addition to such parameters, an LDSS controller may operate according to a time parameter, which may be an interval time parameter. For example, consider a time parameter that may be a debounce time parameter (DebneTm). Such a parameter may be a wait time to remove another genset after adding / removing a genset for avoiding too much and frequent genset switching actions.

[00110] Examples of LDSS controllers are described in a US Patent Publication having Publication No. US 2020 / 0371,484 A1 (Ramakrishnan Madhireddy, Dynamic Settings for Genset Automatic Load Dependent Start Stop Control), published November 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein and referred to as the ‘484 publication. The ‘484 publication describes various examples of an explicit way to establish two threshold values for adding and removing a genset. It considers number of gensets, how to use one threshold value to decide the other threshold and develops an analytical equation. The ‘484 publication does not provide details as to how to initially determine as well as other LDSS controller parameters to provide for highly optimized performance.

[00111] As an example, an LDSS controller may be improved in its ability to control a power system through management of genset and optionally one or more other pieces of equipment (e.g., batteries, renewable sources of energy, etc.). As an example, an LDSS controller may provide for improved operations of prime movers, whether a prime mover is a piston shaft engine or a turboshaft engine. In various scenarios, an LDSS controller may account for how frequently starting and / or stopping occurs as, for example, frequent starting and stopping of an engine or engines can cause wear and tear that eventually degrades engine performance. As an example, an LDSS controller may aim to consider multiple factors to help optimize operations of a power system. For example, desired performance may involve rapidly responding to the load with start / stop of one or more engines to achieve better fuel efficiency and / or reduced emissions while also limiting the number of switching actions.

[00112] As an example, a framework may be a computational framework suitable for use in an environment that involves equipment control. As an example, a framework may include or be operatively coupled to an LDSS controller. As an example, a framework may provide a systematic approach to establish LDSS controller parameters that provide desirable performance.

[00113] As an example, to find the LDSS parameters that would optimize LDSS system performance, a framework may implement a systematic data-based optimization method. For example, consider using the following three LDSS parameters: (1) Genset-Addition Load Threshold at which a genset would be added to share the operation load; (2) Hysteresis Setpoint that is used with the number of online gensets to determine the genset-removal load threshold; and (3) Debounce Time that is set to avoid immediate removal of another genset following a genset removal or a genset addition, and thus prevents excessive power switching actions. In such an example, a framework may utilize an objective function that involves utility and cost terms. For example, a utility term can represent positive impacts with using an LDSS controller, which can include savings of fuel consumption (e.g., and / or lesser emissions) and engine run hours while cost terms can include one or more negative parts that may be associated with on / off switching actions on one or more gensets. In such an example, given the objective function, a framework may implement one or more search techniques (e.g., grid search and / or random search) to find one or more optimal solutions with using large sets of rig gensets operation data. In such an example, a resulting parameter set may represent a satisfying balance between more fuel / run hours saving and CO2emission reductions, and less engine switching actions.

[00114] Fig. 5 shows an example of a method 500 that can include various blocks that can provide for performing one or more actions. For example, the method 500 can include an acquisition block 510 that provides for acquiring rig power related operation data that includes data that at least involve real power of each genset. In such an example, the data collected may cover a minimum time period for drilling a full hole where a sampling time may be less than approximately 20 seconds and, for example, less than approximately 10 seconds (e.g., consider less than or equal to approximately 5 seconds). As an example, the method 500 can include provision block 520 for providing an objective function, which may be an objective function to be maximized or minimized. For example, consider providing an objective function to be maximized that utilizes the three aforementioned LDSS parameters whereby:  (6)where Utility (7)andCost (8) 

[00115] In the foregoing approach: S(.) can represent the total savings in fuel consumption and / or engine run hours with using a LDSS controller; C(.) can represent the resulting numbers of switching of engines given a certain parameter set, which can be represented in one or more of different forms, for example, total number of switching events, counts of different time intervals between switching off-then-on with using an LDSS controller, etc.; and and can be weighting factors as constants, functions, vectors, arrays, etc.

[00116] As an example, and / or can be tailored for one or more factors. For example, consider temperature as a factor. In such an example, where temperature is low (e.g., winter), weightings may be tailored to reduce the impact of temperature on cold-start scenarios for one or more types of gensets. As to a cold-start, it may refer to an attempt to start an engine when it is cold relative to its normal operating temperature. A cold-start scenario may be defined in one or more manners, for example, when lubricant and / or water are in still position for a minimum of 90 minutes before an attempted start. A cold-start, by itself (e.g., due to lack of distribution of lubricant, etc.), may act to cause wear and tear, detrimental to operational life of an engine. As to diesel engines, they tend to have more difficulty starting at low outside temperatures than gasoline engines because diesel fuel tends to be thicker (e.g., more viscous) than gasoline fuel. Due to low outside temperatures, diesel fuel tends to become thicker (e.g., more viscous) and thereby combust less efficiently. Cold-start scenarios may cause engine compression to be higher as the lack of heat can make ignition more difficult. Cold-start scenarios at low temperatures may involve reduced efficiency due to more viscous lubricant, making it more difficult to circulate the lubricant. Cold-start scenarios at low temperatures may involve alterations in air-fuel ratio due to increased density of air, which may affect flammability of an air-fuel mixture. Hence, at low temperatures, cold-start issues may be exacerbated. As an example, and / or may be tailored using data, physics, etc., to reduce instances that an engine of a genset cools below a threshold temperature in a particular amount of time given heat transfer to a cooler environment (e.g., ambient air, etc.). As an example, in various instances, one or more electrically powered heaters may be utilized to heat an engine or otherwise reduce rate of cooling and / or one or more fluid circulation systems may be utilized to heat an engine or otherwise reduce rate of cooling. As an example, an LDSS controller may be operatively coupled to one or more types of equipment that may be operable to heat an engine or otherwise reduce rate of cooling. In such an example, a time between stop and start of an engine or engines of one or more gensets may be tailored, for example, through use of one or more terms in cost and / or utility of an objective function.

[00117] As explained, CO2 and / or other emissions (e.g., nitrogen containing, etc.) may be taken into account. For example, a reduction in CO2 emissions may be part of a utility term of an objective function. As mentioned, temperature may be a factor. For example, where an engine includes a treatment unit that include a catalyst, the catalyst may be more active above a threshold temperature. Hence, in a cold-start scenario, if the catalyst is below the threshold temperature, emissions may be greater. As an example, one or more pieces of equipment may be operatively coupled to an LDSS controller that may help to heat or otherwise reduce rate of cooling of a treatment unit (e.g., one or more catalysts, etc.).

[00118] During drilling operations, as mentioned, drilling fluid (e.g., mud) may be pumped using electric pumps driven by power generated by one or more gensets (e.g., and / or one or more other sources). In various instances, a majority of electrical power utilized may be for drilling fluid pumps. As an example, during one or more types of cementing operations, one or more pumps may be utilized to move cement and / or drilling fluid and / or specialized fluid that may be associated with cementing (e.g., pills, etc.). As an example, an LDSS controller may provide for control of one or more gensets during one or more cementing operations.

[00119] As an example, the method 500 can include a definition block 530 for defining a parameter space for solving Equations (6), (7) and (8) for searching for a set of {} that gives maximum objective function values. As an example, a grid search technique may be employed to find a solution. As an example, a random search may be taken first to find a smaller solution space to reduce computational cost. As to the parameters of the parameter space, these parameters may include respective ranges. As an example, a method may implement, for practicality, one or more quantization processes, for example, to make each of the parameters representable by a finite set of discrete values. For example, a range of values and precisions may be considered for deciding how many points are to be generated (e.g., for resolution of a solution, etc.). As a result of quantization, a method may provide for creation of a finite number of discrete-valued parameter sets to represent these three parameters; noting that where one or more additional parameters may be introduced (e.g., for power storage units, etc.), one or more dimensions may be added to a parameter space. As to a three-parameter example, all possible combinations of three sets, P, can define the parameter space in which the best parameter set can be found by an appropriate search technique or techniques (e.g., grid search and / or random search).

[00120] As an example, the method 500 can include a run block 540 for running computations using Equation (5), along with the acquired dataset from the acquisition block 510 and each subset in P from the definition block 530. As an example, a fundamental rule of computation can be that the sum of gensets power is the same as the collected data set at any time. In such an example, the resulting new data sets of real power of each genset may be generated by applying an LDSS equation and parameter subsets. And, these results, from every computation, may be logged where, for example, statistical computations may be performed that may result in indications such as total number of gensets switching and / or how long the time intervals are between switching off and on.

[00121] As an example, the method 500 of Fig. 5 can include an application block 550 that can provide for applying results from running the computations of the run block 540 to thereby run through the objective function of Equations (6), (7) and (8) to identify (e.g., to find, etc.) the set of parameters that offers the maximum value of the objective function. In such an example, the set of parameters may be implemented by an LDSS controller to control at least genset operation at a rig site.

[00122] In an example trial, a framework was utilized to implement a method for optimization on LDSS controller parameters using a 24-day rig power dataset. In this example, the dataset was acquired from an operating drilling rig that included four 1101 KW diesel generators. The total genset power at each sample time over the 24 days’ operation are kept as the system load for the subsequent computations, which are running with all different LDSS controller parameters while generating the same amount of power as these collected field values.

[00123] In a trial example, for a step size of quantization for and , values of 5%, 2% and 60 seconds were utilized, respectively.

[00124] For setting the objective function, the utility Equation (7) may take the total fuel saving that is the difference in gallons between cumulated fuel consumption without LDSS control and calculated fuel consumption with using the certain LDSS control parameter subset generated from quantization. The cost Equation (8) is in fact a penalty term against frequent switching actions. As to , which may be a vector of weight factors, these were set to be equal to fuel needed to run half of the load on a generator for a certain time period (e.g., 1 hour) with multiplying a vector of coefficients that is defined as [1 ½ ¼ … 1 / 512]. As to corresponding switching intervals these were [1min, 2min, … 10min] where generates the statistical results as counts of the different time intervals of switching by using the LDSS control parameter subset. Therefore, the cost term (8) is cross product in gallons of defined weight factors and the statistical results of genset switching.

[00125] After performing computations through the subsets of parameters and sorting their corresponding objective function values, the subset offering the maximum objective function values, simply called the “best” set, can be found. In this example trial, baseline parameters were determined previously by experience.

[00126] Fig. 6 shows an example plot 600 of values of an objective function versus hysteresis setpoint and debounce time. The data tip point denotes the point with the maximum objective function value. In this example, the best parameter set derived based on the above settings and computations is {, . As shown, an objective function value of 5,092 is achieved for values of 6% () and 480 seconds (). Such an approach to LDSS control may provide for improvement over a base case (e.g., a baseline) with a parameter set. For example, consider a baseline parameter set with 5% () and 300 seconds (), which may be a best guess. As can be discerned, 480 seconds may be more beneficial than 300 seconds as to stopping and starting one or more gensets with respect to wear and tear.

[00127] As an example, one or more LDSS control parameters may be revised in real-time during operations responsive to acquisition of data such that, for example, a baseline parameter set, a prior optimal parameter set, etc., becomes more optimal for conditions represented by the acquired data. As explained, one or more weights, etc., may be dependent on one or more conditions (e.g., temperature, etc.). As an example, one or more types of revisions may occur in real-time in a data-dependent manner, whether the data pertain to operations, type of fuel, type of equipment and / or environmental conditions.

[00128] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show example plots 700 and 800 for fuel consumption without LDSS control, with LDSS control baseline parameters, and with LDSS control best parameters as computed. It can be seen that the optimized set further improved savings on fuel consumption and run hours compared to the baseline parameter set.

[00129] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show example plots 900 and 1000 for switching. As shown, the optimized set results in considerably less switching than the baseline. For example, in the plot 900 of Fig. 9, the peak bar is between 60 and 120 seconds; whereas, in the plot 1000 of Fig. 10, the peak bar is between 120 and 240 seconds. Further, note that the times (e.g., counts) in the plot 900 range from 0 to 60 while the times (e.g., counts) in the plot 1000 range from 0 to 14. Hence, where the plots 900 and 1000 are scaled, the differences would become even more apparent.

[00130] As explained, Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 show results from an example trial that results in lesser switching and hence wear and tear on gensets. As explained, the plot 600 of Fig. 6 shows resulting objective function values versus hysteresis setpoint and debounce time; the plot 700 of Fig. 7 shows cumulated fuel consumption without LDSS control, with LDSS control baseline and with LDSS control best parameters; the plot 800 of Fig. 8 shows cumulated run hours without LDSS control, with LDSS control baseline and with LDSS control best parameters; the plot 900 of Fig. 9 shows a distribution of switching time interval using LDSS control baseline parameters; and the plot 1000 of Fig. 10 shows a distribution of switching time interval using LDSS control best parameters.

[00131] As an example, a method may include performing a type of inversion that takes various types of data from field operations and inverts for parameter sets that correspond to the field operations. In such an example, the parameter sets may be deemed candidate sets, which may be discretized, interpolated, etc., and utilized to form a parameter space. As explained, an objective function may be defined in a multidimensional space, which may be referred to as a parameter space (e.g., consider an n-dimensional parameter space). As explained, an objective function may be maximized (e.g., or minimized) within a parameter space to arrive at an optimal parameter set of values that may be implemented for LDSS control of one or more gensets and / or one or more other pieces of equipment that may be involved in power supply and / or power consumption.

[00132] As an example, an LDSS controller may operate using optimal control parameters derived from data acquired at a site that differs from the site where the LDSS controller is applied. In such an example, data may be acquired at the LDSS controller site and utilized to determine site specific optimal control parameters. For example, an initial set of parameters may be a best guess that can be further refined once data acquired at a site. As an example, a background process may be executed using data from a site where upon acquisition and assessment of a sufficient amount of data, a trigger may be issued to update one or more power system control parameters (e.g., one or more LDSS controller parameters). In such an example, a controller may be a foreground process while a background process may update the foreground process, if or when appropriate.

[00133] As an example, a site may include one or more genset where, for example, data may be associated with the one or more gensets, optionally in combination with one or more other components (e.g., sources of power such as, for example, a battery, a grid, a renewable source, etc.).

[00134] As an example, power demand at a rig site to perform rig operations may vary during the course of operations (e.g., drilling, logging, completions, etc.). as an example, demand may change when a bit encounters hard formation, when a bit is to rotate faster, when a bit encounters a soft formation, when a drilling fluid flow rate is changed, when a borehole becomes longer (e.g., increased measured depth), etc. As an example, a well may take a number of weeks to drill. For example, consider a North American wellsite that may take two-weeks to three-weeks to drill a well that is around 20,000 feet in measured depth where, for example, each day, drilling may achieve 1,000 to 2,000 feet. As an example, an offshore well may take longer (e.g., due to being deeper, more complex, etc.). During field operations at a rig site, various types of data may be acquired by a data logger. For example, RPM, fuel, ROP, KW, and genset on / off and / or other data. As an example, a rig control system (RCS) may provide for acquisition of data and control of rig and / or other equipment at a site.

[00135] Fig. 11 shows an example of a method 1100 and an example of a system 1090. As shown, the method 1100 may include an acquisition block 1110 for acquiring data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets; a determination block 1120 for determining optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, where the objective function includes utility and cost terms; and a control block 1130 for controlling a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters.

[00136] Fig. 11 also shows various computer-readable media (CRM) blocks 1111, 1121 and 1131. Such blocks may include instructions that are executable by one or more processors, which may be one or more processors of a computational framework, a system, a computer, etc. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable storage medium that is not a signal, not a carrier wave and that is non-transitory. For example, a computer-readable medium may be a physical memory component that may store information in a digital format.

[00137] In the example of Fig. 11, a system 1190 includes one or more information storage devices 1191, one or more computers 1192, one or more networks 1195 and instructions 1196. As to the one or more computers 1192, each computer may include one or more processors (e.g., or processing cores) 1193 and memory 1194 for storing the instructions 1196, for example, executable by at least one of the one or more processors. As an example, a computer may include one or more network interfaces (e.g., wired or wireless), one or more graphics cards, a display interface (e.g., wired or wireless), etc. The system 1190 may be specially configured to perform one or more portions of the method 1100 of Fig. 11.

[00138] As an example, a method can include acquiring data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets; determining optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, where the objective function includes utility and cost terms; and controlling a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters. In such an example, the optimal control parameters can include optimal control parameter values, for example, an optimal value for each of the control parameters.

[00139] As an example, utility and cost terms may include a switching penalty term as a cost term. As an example, utility and cost terms may include a fuel consumption savings term and / or a reduction in emissions term (e.g., as one or more utility terms). As an example, utility and cost terms may include a genset run time savings term as a utility term.

[00140] As an example, a method may include controlling in a manner that balances genset fuel consumption and genset switching. In such an example, the controlling may reduce genset switching while conserving fuel and / or reducing emissions.

[00141] As an example, optimal control parameters may include a time parameter and a hysteresis parameter. In such an example, the time parameter may be of the order of hundreds of seconds and the hysteresis parameter may be given as a percentage. As an example, a time parameter may be a debounce time parameter.

[00142] As an example, a rig site power system may include one or more power storage units where, for example, at least one of the one or more power storage units includes at least one lithium-based battery.

[00143] As an example, one or more gensets may include at least one piston shaft engine genset (e.g., consider pistons coupled to a crankshaft) and / or one or more gensets may include at least one turboshaft engine genset.

[00144] As an example, one or more gensets may operate using one or more of a fossil fuel and a biofuel.

[00145] As an example, a method may include controlling that includes, responsive to a change in power demand by rig site equipment, switching one of one or more gensets off. In such an example, the controlling may include, responsive to another change in power demand by the rig site equipment, switching the one of the gensets on.

[00146] As an example, controlling may include on / off genset switching where an average time between switching on and off is greater than approximately two minutes (e.g., approximately 120 seconds).

[00147] As an example, data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets may include data from rig equipment at a first rig site where controlling a rig site power system using a rig site power system controller controls the rig equipment at a second rig site (e.g., consider moving the rig equipment from the first rig site to the second rig site).

[00148] As an example, a rig site power system may include one or more of gensets of a number of gensets for which data have been acquired from power system operations that utilize the number of gensets;

[00149] As an example, a system may include one or more processors; memory accessible to at least one of the one or more processors; processor-executable instructions stored in the memory and executable to instruct the system to: acquire data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets; determine optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, where the objective function includes utility and cost terms; and control a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters.

[00150] As an example, one or more computer-readable storage media may include processor-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to: acquire data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets; determine optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, where the objective function includes utility and cost terms; and control a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters.

[00151] As an example, a computer program product that may include computer-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to perform one or more methods such as one or more of the methods described herein (e.g., in part, in whole and / or in various combinations).

[00152] In some embodiments, a method or methods may be executed by a computing system. Fig. 12 shows an example of a system 1200 that may include one or more computing systems 1201-1, 1201-2, 1201-3 and 1201-4, which may be operatively coupled via one or more networks 1209, which may include wired and / or wireless networks. As shown, the system 1200 may include one or more other components 1208.

[00153] As an example, a system may include an individual computer system or an arrangement of distributed computer systems. In the example of Fig. 12, the computer system 1201-1 may include one or more modules 1202, which may be or include processor-executable instructions, for example, executable to perform various tasks (e.g., receiving information, requesting information, processing information, simulation, outputting information, etc.).

[00154] As an example, a module may be executed independently, or in coordination with, one or more processors 1204, which is (or are) operatively coupled to one or more storage media 1206 (e.g., via wire, wirelessly, etc.). As an example, one or more of the one or more processors 1204 may be operatively coupled to at least one of one or more network interface 1207. In such an example, the computer system 1201-1 may transmit and / or receive information, for example, via the one or more networks 1209 (e.g., consider one or more of the Internet, a private network, a cellular network, a satellite network, etc.). As shown, one or more other components 1208 may be included in the computer system 1201-1.

[00155] As an example, the computer system 1201-1 may receive from and / or transmit information to one or more other devices, which may be or include, for example, one or more of the computer systems 1201-2, etc. A device may be located in a physical location that differs from that of the computer system 1201-1. As an example, a location may be, for example, a processing facility location, a data center location (e.g., server farm, etc.), a rig location, a wellsite location, a downhole location, etc.

[00156] As an example, a processor may be or include a microprocessor, microcontroller, processor module or subsystem, programmable integrated circuit, programmable gate array, or another control or computing device.

[00157] As an example, the storage media 1206 may be implemented as one or more computer-readable or machine-readable storage media. As an example, storage may be distributed within and / or across multiple internal and / or external enclosures of a computing system and / or additional computing systems.

[00158] As an example, a storage medium or storage media may include one or more different forms of memory including semiconductor memory devices such as dynamic or static random access memories (DRAMs or SRAMs), erasable and programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable and programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs) and flash memories, magnetic disks such as fixed, floppy and removable disks, other magnetic media including tape, optical media such as compact disks (CDs) or digital video disks (DVDs), BLUERAY disks, or other types of optical storage, or other types of storage devices.

[00159] As an example, a storage medium or media may be located in a machine running machine-readable instructions, or located at a remote site from which machine-readable instructions may be downloaded over a network for execution.

[00160] As an example, various components of a system such as, for example, a computer system, may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software (e.g., including firmware), including one or more signal processing and / or application specific integrated circuits.

[00161] As an example, a system may include a processing apparatus that may be or include a general-purpose processors or application specific chips (e.g., or chipsets), such as ASICs, FPGAs, PLDs, or other appropriate devices.

[00162] As an example, a device may be a mobile device that includes one or more network interfaces for communication of information. For example, a mobile device may include a wireless network interface (e.g., operable via IEEE 802.11, ETSI GSM, BLUETOOTH, satellite, etc.). As an example, a mobile device may include components such as a main processor, memory, a display, display graphics circuitry (e.g., optionally including touch and gesture circuitry), a SIM slot, audio / video circuitry, motion processing circuitry (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope), wireless LAN circuitry, smart card circuitry, transmitter circuitry, GPS circuitry, and a battery. As an example, a mobile device may be configured as a cell phone, a tablet, etc. As an example, a method may be implemented (e.g., wholly or in part) using a mobile device. As an example, a system may include one or more mobile devices.

[00163] As an example, a system may be a distributed environment, for example, a so-called “cloud” environment where various devices, components, etc. interact for purposes of data storage, communications, computing, etc. As an example, a device or a system may include one or more components for communication of information via one or more of the Internet (e.g., where communication occurs via one or more Internet protocols), a cellular network, a satellite network, etc. As an example, a method may be implemented in a distributed environment (e.g., wholly or in part as a cloud-based service).

[00164] As an example, information may be input from a display (e.g., consider a touchscreen), output to a display or both. As an example, information may be output to a projector, a laser device, a printer, etc. such that the information may be viewed. As an example, information may be output stereographically or holographically. As to a printer, consider a 2D or a 3D printer. As an example, a 3D printer may include one or more substances that may be output to construct a 3D object. For example, data may be provided to a 3D printer to construct a 3D representation of a subterranean formation. As an example, layers may be constructed in 3D (e.g., horizons, etc.), geobodies constructed in 3D, etc. As an example, holes, fractures, etc., may be constructed in 3D (e.g., as positive structures, as negative structures, etc.).

[00165] Although only a few examples have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the examples. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. 

[00166] Documents incorporated by reference herein:[1] Ramakrishnan Madhireddy, Dynamic Settings for Genset Automatic Load Dependent Start Stop Control, US20200371484A1, Nov 2020[2] M. Bilgin, J. Donen, V. Scainiand and M. Snijder, World’s First Hybrid Drilling Rig, SPE 199573MS. IADC / SPE International Drilling Conference and Exhibition, Mar 2020.

Claims

1. A method comprising:acquiring data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets;determining optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, wherein the objective function comprises utility and cost terms; andcontrolling a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the utility and cost terms comprise a switching penalty term as a cost term.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the utility and cost terms comprise a fuel consumption savings term and / or a reduction in emissions term.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the utility and cost terms comprise a genset run time savings term as a utility term.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling balances genset fuel consumption and genset switching.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the controlling reduces genset switching while conserving fuel.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the optimal control parameters comprise a time parameter and a hysteresis parameter.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the time parameter comprises a debounce time parameter.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the rig site power system comprises one or more power storage units.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one of the one or more power storage units comprises a lithium-based battery.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the gensets comprise at least one piston shaft engine genset.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the gensets comprise at least one turboshaft engine genset.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the gensets operate using one or more of a fossil fuel and a biofuel.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling comprises, responsive to a change in power demand by rig site equipment, switching one of the gensets off.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the controlling comprises, responsive to another change in power demand by the rig site equipment, switching the one of the gensets on.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling comprises on / off genset switching wherein an average time between switching on and off is greater than approximately two minutes.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the data from the power system operations that utilize the number of gensets comprise data from rig equipment at a first rig site and wherein the controlling the rig site power system using the rig site power system controller controls the rig equipment at a second rig site.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the rig site power system comprises one or more of the gensets of the number of gensets.

19. A system comprising:one or more processors;memory accessible to at least one of the one or more processors;processor-executable instructions stored in the memory and executable to instruct the system to:acquire data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets;determine optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, wherein the objective function comprises utility and cost terms; andcontrol a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters.

20. One or more computer-readable storage media comprising processor-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to:acquire data from power system operations that utilize a number of gensets;determine optimal control parameters for a rig site power system controller based at least a portion of the data and an objective function, wherein the objective function comprises utility and cost terms; andcontrol a rig site power system using the rig site power system controller and the optimal control parameters.

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