Underground power generation device

Abstract

The invention provides a downhole power generation device. The device comprises a power generation module and an energy storage module, the power generation module comprises a central column, a plurality of coils, a plurality of permanent magnets and a hose; the lower end of the hose is fixed at the bottom of the central column; the upper end of the hose is fixed to the top of the center column. The central column is sleeved and fixed in the hose; the plurality of permanent magnets are embedded into the inner wall of the hose; the plurality of coils are fixed on the outer wall of the central column; the energy storage unit is connected with the plurality of coils; when the hose is squeezed by underground natural gas or water, the permanent magnet is driven to move in the direction of the center column, displacement is generated between the permanent magnet and the coil, and therefore the coil cuts magnetic induction lines of the permanent magnet to generate first current. The energy storage module is used for receiving and storing the first current. The device can spontaneously generate electricity and store electricity in an underground environment, so as to provide electric energy for underground equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of natural gas underground power generation, and in particular to an underground power generation device. Background Art

[0002] In the process of natural gas production, measuring instruments are required to measure various parameters underground for a long time to provide reference for underground operations. In the existing technology, batteries are usually used to power measuring instruments. The capacity of batteries is limited, and the measuring instruments need to be frequently taken out of the well and the batteries need to be replaced, which greatly reduces the logging efficiency.

[0003] Currently, no effective solution has been proposed for the above technical problems. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides an underground power generation device, which utilizes the flow of natural gas or water underground to generate electricity, thereby achieving the technical effect of providing long-term and stable power supply to target equipment underground.

[0005] The purpose of the embodiments of this specification is to provide a downhole power generation device, which includes a power generation module and an energy storage module; the power generation module includes at least a central column, multiple coils, multiple permanent magnets, and a hose; the lower end of the hose is fixed to the bottom of the central column; the upper end of the hose is fixed to the top of the central column; the central column is sleeved and fixed inside the hose; the lower end of the hose is sealed with the bottom of the central column; the upper end of the hose is sealed with the top of the central column; the multiple permanent magnets are embedded in the inner wall of the hose; the multiple coils are fixed to the outer wall of the central column; the energy storage unit is electrically connected to the multiple coils; when the hose is squeezed by natural gas or water in the well, the permanent magnet is driven to move along the direction of the central column, and displacement is generated between the permanent magnet and the coil, so that the coil cuts the magnetic flux lines of the permanent magnet to generate a first current; the energy storage module is used to receive and store the first current.

[0006] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, insulating oil is injected between the hose and the center column.

[0007] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, the device also includes a flange; the bottom of the center column is connected to the flange; and the lower end of the hose is fixed between the bottom of the center column and the flange.

[0008] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, the device also includes a short section; the top of the center column and the bottom of the short section are connected; the upper end of the hose is fixed between the top of the center column and the short section; and the energy storage module is fixed inside the short section.

[0009] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, a first thread is provided on the top of the short section; and the short section is connected to a second thread of the target device through the first thread.

[0010] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, the energy storage module includes at least: a boost unit, a conversion unit, a filter unit, and a power storage unit; the boost unit is used to increase the voltage of the first current to obtain the second current.

[0011] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, the conversion unit is connected to the boost unit; the conversion unit is used to convert the second current into a third current; wherein the third current is direct current.

[0012] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, the filtering unit is connected to the conversion unit; the filtering unit is used to filter the third current to reduce the pulse voltage in the third current to obtain the fourth current.

[0013] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, the power storage unit is connected to the filter unit; and the power storage unit is used to store the fourth current.

[0014] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the apparatus, the power storage unit is connected to a power supply interface of the target device; and the power storage unit is used to supply power to the target device through the power supply interface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this specification, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. The drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a downhole power generation device provided in this specification;

[0017] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of an energy storage module provided in this specification;

[0018] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of a downhole power generation device provided in this specification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this specification, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0020] During the natural gas production process, measuring instruments are required to measure various parameters underground for a long time to provide a reference for underground operations. One of the existing technologies is to use batteries to power the measuring instruments, but the battery capacity is limited, and the measuring instruments need to be frequently taken out of the well and replaced, which greatly reduces the logging efficiency. The second existing technology is to use turbine generators to power the measuring instruments, but in the underground environment, the sand used for sealing and fracturing may jam the turbine.

[0021] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the existing methods and the specific reasons for the above-mentioned problems, the present application proposes an underground power generation device that can spontaneously generate and store electricity for a long time in an underground environment to provide power for underground instruments and equipment.

[0022] Based on the above ideas, see Figure 1 As shown, this specification proposes an underground power generation device, which includes a power generation module and an energy storage module 7; the power generation module at least includes a central column 10, a plurality of coils, a plurality of permanent magnets, and a hose 2; the lower end of the hose 2 is fixed to the bottom of the central column 10; the upper end of the hose 2 is fixed to the top of the central column 10; the central column 10 is sleeved and fixed inside the hose 2; the lower end of the hose 2 is sealed with the bottom of the central column 10; the upper end of the hose 2 is sealed with the top of the central column 10; the plurality of permanent magnets are embedded in the inner wall of the hose 2; the plurality of coils are fixed to the outer wall of the central column 10; the energy storage unit 7 is electrically connected to the plurality of coils; when the hose 2 is squeezed by natural gas or water in the well, the permanent magnet is driven to move along the direction of the central column 10, and a displacement is generated between the permanent magnet and the coil, so that the coil cuts the magnetic flux lines of the permanent magnet to generate a first current; the energy storage module 7 is used to receive and store the first current.

[0023] In some embodiments, the device can be connected to the target device and fixed together in the oil pipe of the natural gas well. The device is used to generate electricity and power the target device, and the target device can be a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. In the oil pipe of the natural gas well, there is liquid water and gaseous natural gas. After the device is lowered into the oil pipe of the natural gas well, the hose 2 is squeezed by natural gas or water, driving the permanent magnet to move up and down along the direction of the central column 10, so that a displacement is generated between the permanent magnet and the coil, so that the coil cuts the magnetic flux lines of the permanent magnet and generates a first current in the coil. Since the permanent magnet moves upward or downward irregularly along the direction of the central column 10 over time, the direction of the coil cutting the magnetic flux lines changes, so the direction of the first current will also change irregularly over time. The energy storage module 7 receives the first current through the electrical connection between the coil, and stores the electric energy of the first current after processing the first current to power the target device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the hose 2 may be made of rubber or silicone, which is resistant to high temperature, acid and alkali. The outer wall of the hose 2 is provided with a protrusion, so that the hose 2 is more easily squeezed by natural gas or water to produce displacement along the direction of the central column 10. The permanent magnet is integrally formed and embedded in the inner wall of the hose 2.

[0025] In some embodiments, the material of the coil is an insulating enameled wire, which is wound to form a disc-shaped coil, and the coil can maintain good insulation in the high temperature environment of the oil pipe of the natural gas well. The coil is bonded and fixed to the outer wall of the central column 10. The multiple coils specifically include: a first coil 301, a second coil 302, a third coil 303, a fourth coil 304, a fifth coil 305, and a sixth coil 306.

[0026] In some embodiments, the plurality of permanent magnets specifically include: a first permanent magnet 401, a second permanent magnet 402, a third permanent magnet 403, a fourth permanent magnet 404, a fifth permanent magnet 405, and a sixth permanent magnet 406. The more coils and permanent magnets there are, the greater the current generated. This application does not limit the number of coils and permanent magnets, and the number of coils and permanent magnets can be set according to the required power of the target device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the central column 10 is made of a non-metallic material of polyetheretherketone resin, which can maintain good mechanical properties in an environment below 300° C. and can withstand the tensile and compressive forces during the lifting and lowering process. The permanent magnet will not magnetize the central column 10 during the power generation process.

[0028] In some embodiments, there is a cavity 5 between the hose 2 and the center column 10, and insulating oil is filled in the cavity 5. In the downhole natural gas well oil pipe environment, the downhole power generation device will be subjected to huge pressure, so the insulating oil can provide support for the hose 2 to prevent the hose 2 from being dented by the downhole pressure and sticking to the center column 10. The insulating oil has the characteristics of high temperature resistance and insulation, and can provide insulation isolation for the coil. At the same time, the insulating oil is also not easy to evaporate, and will not evaporate to form gas to cause the hose 2 to expand and block the natural gas well oil pipe.

[0029] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a flange 1; the bottom of the center column 10 is connected to the flange 1; the lower end of the hose 2 is fixed between the bottom of the center column 10 and the flange 1. The flange 1 can seal the lower end of the hose 2 and the bottom of the center column 10 to prevent water or other liquids in the natural gas well oil pipe from entering the cavity 5 where the insulating oil is located. The flange 1 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the center column 10 by a first bolt 601 and a second bolt 602.

[0030] In some embodiments, the device further includes a short section 12; the top of the center column 10 is connected to the bottom of the short section 12; the upper end of the hose 2 is fixed between the top of the center column 10 and the short section 12; and the energy storage module 7 is fixed inside the short section 12. The short section 12 can seal the upper end of the hose 2 and the top of the center column 10 to prevent water or other liquids in the natural gas well oil pipe from entering the cavity 5 where the insulating oil is located. The bottom of the short section 12 is fixedly connected to the top of the center column 10 by a third bolt 603 and a fourth bolt 604.

[0031] In some embodiments, the top of the short section 12 is provided with a first thread; the short section 12 is connected to the second thread of the target device through the first thread. For example, the target device is a temperature sensor, and the outer wall of the temperature sensor is provided with a second thread, and the model of the first thread matches the model of the second thread. The short section 12 is connected to the second thread of the temperature sensor through the first thread, so the downhole power generation device and the temperature sensor can be fixedly connected together and then placed in the natural gas well oil pipe. There will be no relative displacement between the downhole power generation device and the target device, and there will be no relative displacement between the downhole power generation device and the natural gas well oil pipe.

[0032] In some embodiments, a wire hole 11 is provided at the top of the center column 10 and the bottom of the short section 12. The starting end and the end of the coil pass through the wire hole 11 and are electrically connected to the energy storage module 7. The wire hole 11 is sealed with a special glue after passing through the starting end and the end of the coil. After sealing, it can withstand the bottom hole pressure and high temperature of the natural gas well oil pipe and prevent the insulating oil from penetrating into the internal space of the short section 12 from the wire hole 11.

[0033] In some embodiments, the device further includes an end cap plug 9 and an O-shaped rubber ring 8. When the downhole power generation device is in the well and non-working state, the end cap plug 9 can be sleeved with the top of the short section 12, and the end cap plug 9 can protect the energy storage module 7 in the short section 12 in the non-working state. When the downhole power generation device is in the well and non-working state, the O-shaped rubber ring 8 can seal the end cap plug 9 and the top of the short section 12. When the downhole power generation device is in the well and working state, the end cap plug 9 is removed, the top of the short section 12 is connected to the target device, and the O-shaped rubber ring 8 can seal the first thread and the second thread.

[0034] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage module 7 at least includes: a boost unit 701 , a conversion unit 702 , a filter unit 703 , and a power storage unit 704 .

[0035] In some embodiments, the boost unit 701 is used to increase the voltage of the first current to obtain a second current; the direction of the second current may also change irregularly over time. The boost unit 701 is specifically a boost transformer. The boost unit 701 is connected to the starting end and the end of the coil. Since the direction of the second current changes irregularly over time, the second current cannot be used directly to power the target device, and the second current needs to be converted into direct current to power the target device.

[0036] In some embodiments, the conversion unit 702 is connected to the boost unit 701; the conversion unit 702 is used to convert the second current into a third current; wherein the third current is direct current. The conversion unit 702 is specifically a germanium diode. The voltage of the second current is greater than or equal to the conduction voltage of the germanium diode.

[0037] In some embodiments, the filtering unit 703 is connected to the conversion unit 702; the filtering unit 703 is used to filter the third current to reduce the pulse voltage in the third current to obtain the fourth current. In the process of converting the second current into the third current, due to factors such as the characteristics of the germanium diode and the working principle of the circuit, the output third current will have a certain voltage fluctuation. This voltage fluctuation is called a pulse voltage. The pulse voltage will generate interference and noise, affecting the normal operation of the target device. The filtering unit 703 can specifically be a capacitor or an inductor device. The filtering unit 703 can smooth the third current and reduce the pulse voltage, thereby providing a more stable fourth current.

[0038] In some embodiments, the power storage unit 704 is connected to the filter unit 703; the power storage unit 704 is used to store the fourth current. The power storage unit 704 can be a storage capacitor, which can store the electric energy of the fourth current. When the target device needs to be charged, the storage capacitor is used to supply power to the target device.

[0039] In some embodiments, the power storage unit 704 is connected to a power supply interface of the target device; the power storage unit 704 is used to supply power to the target device through the power supply interface. The power storage unit 704 can supply power to the target device using pre-stored power or using a fourth current.

[0040] In some embodiments, the energy storage module 7 may also include a circuit board 706 and a control chip 705; the control chip 705, the boost unit 701, the conversion unit 702, the filter unit 703, and the storage unit 704 are all arranged on the circuit board 706. The control chip 705 is used to send a start charging instruction and a stop charging instruction to the storage unit 704. When the amount of electricity stored in the storage unit 704 is lower than the electricity threshold, the control chip 705 may also send a low-power warning to the user on the well. The above-mentioned control chip 705, the boost unit 701, the conversion unit 702, the filter unit 703, and the storage unit 704 can all work normally below 150°C. The control chip 705 is connected to the storage unit 704, and the control chip 705 may specifically be a single-chip microcomputer chip.

[0041] In some embodiments, the capacity of a single storage capacitor is relatively small, so multiple storage capacitors can be connected in parallel on the circuit board 706 to increase the amount of stored electricity.

[0042] In some embodiments, the displacement amplitude of the permanent magnet is not fixed each time, so the voltage emitted by the coil may also change irregularly. A step-up transformer may be connected to each coil on the circuit board 706 to ensure full utilization of the generated electricity.

[0043] This application provides another embodiment of a downhole power generation device, see Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a top view of the downhole power generation device at the location of the coil 301. The downhole power generation device can be centered on the central column 10, and the first coil 301, the fourth coil 304, the seventh coil 307, and the eighth coil 308 are arranged; the first permanent magnet 401, the fourth permanent magnet 404, the seventh permanent magnet 407, and the eighth permanent magnet 408 are embedded in the wall of the hose 2 and close to the inner wall of the hose 2.

[0044] Based on the above embodiments, the downhole power generation device provided in the present application does not involve mechanical rotating parts, and generates electricity by using the flow of natural gas or water in the well. Therefore, the problem of the device being stuck by sand in the well can be avoided, thereby achieving the technical effect of long-term and stable power supply to the target equipment in the well.

[0045] It should be noted that the units, devices or modules described in the above embodiments can be implemented by computer chips or entities, or by products with certain functions. For the convenience of description, the above devices are described separately by functions divided into various modules. Of course, when implementing this specification, the functions of each module can be implemented in the same or more software and / or hardware, or the modules that implement the same function can be implemented by a combination of multiple sub-modules or sub-units. The device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0046] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0047] Although the present specification is described through embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many modifications and changes to the present specification without departing from the spirit of the present specification, and it is intended that the appended claims include these modifications and changes without departing from the spirit of the present specification.

Claims

1. A downhole power generation device, characterized in that: The device comprises a power generation module and an energy storage module; The power generation module at least includes a central column, a plurality of coils, a plurality of permanent magnets, and a hose; The lower end of the hose is fixed to the bottom of the center column; the upper end of the hose is fixed to the top of the center column; the center column is sleeved and fixed inside the hose; the lower end of the hose is sealed with the bottom of the center column; the upper end of the hose is sealed with the top of the center column; The plurality of permanent magnets are embedded in the inner wall of the hose; The plurality of coils are fixed to the outer wall of the central column; The energy storage unit is electrically connected to the plurality of coils; When the hose is squeezed by the natural gas or water in the well, the permanent magnet is driven to move along the direction of the central column, and displacement is generated between the permanent magnet and the coil, so that the coil cuts the magnetic flux lines of the permanent magnet to generate a first current; The energy storage module is used to receive and store a first current.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that Insulating oil is injected between the hose and the center column.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device also includes a flange; the bottom of the center column is connected to the flange; the lower end of the hose is fixed between the bottom of the center column and the flange.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The device also includes a short section; the top of the central column and the bottom of the short section are connected; the upper end of the hose is fixed between the top of the central column and the short section; and the energy storage module is fixed inside the short section.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that A first thread is disposed on the top of the short section; the short section is connected to a second thread of a target device through the first thread.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The energy storage module at least includes: a boost unit, a conversion unit, a filter unit, and a power storage unit; The boost unit is used to boost the voltage of the first current to obtain a second current.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The conversion unit is connected to the boost unit; The conversion unit is used to convert the second current into a third current; wherein the third current is direct current.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The filtering unit is connected to the conversion unit; The filtering unit is used for filtering the third current to reduce the pulse voltage in the third current to obtain the fourth current.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The power storage unit is connected to the filter unit; The power storage unit is used to store the fourth current.

10. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The power storage unit is connected to a power supply interface of a target device; The power storage unit is used to supply power to the target device through the power supply interface.

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