Device for generating electrical energy from a vibrating tool

Abstract

A device for generating electrical energy from the vibrations generated by a well bore drill tool during the operation of the tool when drilling oil wells, the device comprising an array of piezoelectric elements mounted in the tool and connected to a vibrating part of the tool for converting vibrations of the tool into electrical energy.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a new device for obtaining energy, preferably electrical energy, from the vibrations generated by a system, machine, mechanism or tool. [0003] While in this specification the invention will be described in relation to a well bore drilling tool, it should be clear that the invention is not restricted to this field of application. Thus, the word tool intend to mean any tool, machine, mechanism and device that vibrates in operation or having at least a part thereof capable of generating vibrations during operation. Vibrations should be understood as pressure variations either in solid, hydraulic and / or gaseous means. [0004] The inventive device is preferably for use in tools for drilling well bores either wells producing gas, water, petroleum, etc. and the energy generated by the device is available to be directed or undirected fed to electrical, electronic and / or electromechanical equi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] It is even another object of the present invention to provide an almost stationary device for generating electricity from the vibrations of a tool during operation thereof, the device being independent from the drill fluid employed in the tool and having extended periods of operation with low need of service.

Problems solved by technology

The lithium batteries have been employed for many years in the oil field and, while they have been reliable, the cost thereof is very high.

In addition, they have a chemical composition that makes them very contaminating for the natural environment as well as they require costly procedures for manipulating, transporting and finally disposing thereof.

However, these generators produce alterations in the magnetic field around the device thus interfering in the measuring devices such as the magnetic guiding devices in the bottom hole assembly.

Also, these generators do not tolerate the blocking material employed in the drilling fluid and, because of the high rates of the turbine and the abrasion produced by the solids in the drill fluid, these generators require frequent servicing.

The immediate solution for this is to place more batteries, which is expensive, or to extend the life of the hydraulic generators what is not easy to do.

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