System and method for driving multiple pumps electrically with a single prime mover

Abstract

A converterless motor-driven pump system includes an off-grid prime mover. The prime mover includes a rotational driveshaft that operates in response to a throttle or fuel input controller to control a rotation speed of the prime mover driveshaft. Operation of the throttle or fuel input controller is based on desired output characteristics of a pumping load. One or more electric power generators are driven by the off-grid prime mover to generate AC or DC power on an electrical bus shared by a plurality of variable speed electric motors. A plurality of pumps is connected to a common manifold shared by the plurality of pumps. The plurality of pumps is driven by the plurality of variable speed electric motors to generate a desired wellhead pressure or pumping load flow rate via the shared common manifold.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The subject matter of this disclosure relates generally to motor-driven pumps, and more particularly, to a multiplicity of motor-driven pumps being fed from a singularity of generators tied to a single, throttle controlled prime mover.[0002]A common way to drive multiple pumps uses multiple prime movers. The gas fracking industry, for example, generally employs a single diesel engine powering a single pump through a mechanical gear box. This technique employs many engines, gearboxes and pumps on many trailers, resulting in a very busy and very crowded pumping structure.[0003]FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional system 1 that is known in the gas fracking industry for operating a pump. The system 1 uses a single prime mover including a diesel engine 2 that is fueled by either natural gas or diesel fuel to drive a fracking pump 3. Each fracking pump 3 is mechanically coupled via a transmission and corresponding gearbox 5 to a single reciprocating pump 3 to achieve optimiza...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system and method for controlling the speed of a motor-driven pump, using a single off-grid prime mover and multiple generators to supply power to a shared electrical bus. The system includes a plurality of variable speed motors connected to a shared high pressure manifold, which is driven by the prime mover to generate the desired wellhead pressure. The speed of the prime mover is controlled based on the pumping load, while the speed of the motors is controlled to regulate the flow rate of the pumps. Overall, this system allows for efficient and effective control of pump speed and output, reducing downtime and increasing production efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

This technique employs many engines, gearboxes and pumps on many trailers, resulting in a very busy and very crowded pumping structure.

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