A downhole power generation device

Abstract

This specification discloses a downhole power generation device. The device includes a power generation module and an energy storage module. The power generation module includes a central column, multiple coils, multiple permanent magnets, and a flexible hose. The lower end of the hose is fixed to the bottom of the central column, and the upper end is fixed to the top of the central column. The central column is sleeved and fixed inside the hose. Multiple permanent magnets are embedded in the inner wall of the hose. Multiple coils are fixed to the outer wall of the central column. The energy storage module is connected to the multiple coils. When the hose is compressed by downhole natural gas or water, it drives the permanent magnets to move along the central column, causing displacement between the permanent magnets and the coils. This displacement causes the coils to cut the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnets, generating a first current. The energy storage module receives and stores this first current. This device can spontaneously generate and store electricity in the downhole environment, providing power to downhole equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual pertains to the field of natural gas downhole power generation technology, and particularly relates to a downhole power generation device. Background Technology

[0002] In the natural gas production process, measuring instruments are needed for extended periods to measure various downhole parameters and provide reference data for downhole operations. Current technology typically uses batteries to power these instruments; however, battery capacity is limited, requiring frequent removal of the instruments from the well for battery replacement, significantly reducing logging efficiency.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the aforementioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a downhole power generation device that uses the flow of natural gas or water downhole to generate electricity, achieving the technical effect of providing long-term and stable power to target equipment downhole.

[0005] The purpose 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 flexible hose. The lower end of the flexible hose is fixed to the bottom of the central column. The upper end of the flexible hose is fixed to the top of the central column. The central column is sleeved and fixed inside the flexible hose. The lower end of the flexible hose is sealed to the bottom of the central column. The upper end of the flexible hose is sealed to the top of the central column. The multiple permanent magnets are embedded in the inner wall of the flexible hose. The multiple coils are fixed to the outer wall of the central column. The energy storage module is electrically connected to the multiple coils. When the flexible hose is squeezed by downhole natural gas or water, it drives the permanent magnets to move along the direction of the central column, and displacement occurs between the permanent magnets and the coils, so that the coils cut the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnets 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 central column.

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

[0008] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, the device further 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.

[0009] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, the top of the short section is provided with a first thread; the short section is connected to the target device via the first thread and a second 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 an energy storage unit; the boost unit is used to increase the voltage of the first current to obtain a second current.

[0011] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, the conversion unit and the boost unit are connected; 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 and the conversion unit are connected; the filtering unit is used to filter the third current to reduce the pulse voltage in the third current and obtain the fourth current.

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

[0014] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the device, the energy storage unit is connected to the power supply interface of the target device; the energy storage unit is used to supply power to the target device through the power supply interface. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this specification, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. The drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

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

[0017] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the energy storage module provided in this specification.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of a downhole power generation device provided in this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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 with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this specification, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0020] In natural gas production, measuring instruments are needed for extended periods to measure various downhole parameters, providing a reference for downhole operations. One existing technology uses batteries to power the measuring instruments; however, battery capacity is limited, requiring frequent removal of the instruments from the well for battery replacement, significantly reducing logging efficiency. Another existing technology uses turbine generators to power the measuring instruments; however, in the downhole environment, sealing and fracturing sand can jam the turbine.

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

[0022] Based on the above ideas, see Figure 1 As shown, this specification proposes a downhole power generation device, which includes a power generation module and an energy storage module 7. The power generation module includes at least a central column 10, multiple coils, multiple permanent magnets, and a flexible hose 2. The lower end of the flexible hose 2 is fixed to the bottom of the central column 10. The upper end of the flexible hose 2 is fixed to the top of the central column 10. The central column 10 is sleeved and fixed inside the flexible hose 2. The lower end of the flexible hose 2 is sealed to the bottom of the central column 10. The upper end of the flexible hose 2 is sealed to the top of the central column 10. The multiple permanent magnets are embedded in the inner wall of the flexible hose 2. The multiple coils are fixed to the outer wall of the central column 10. The energy storage module 7 is electrically connected to the multiple coils. When the flexible hose 2 is squeezed by downhole natural gas or water, it drives the permanent magnets to move along the direction of the central column 10, and displacement occurs between the permanent magnets and the coils, so that the coils cut the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnets 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 a target device and fixed together in the tubing of a natural gas well. The device generates electricity and supplies power to the target device, which may be a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, etc. The tubing of the natural gas well contains liquid water and gaseous natural gas. After the device is lowered into the tubing, the hose 2, when squeezed by natural gas or water, causes the permanent magnet to move up and down along the central column 10. This displacement between the permanent magnet and the coil causes the coil to cut the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet, generating a first current in the coil. Because the permanent magnet moves irregularly upwards or downwards along the central column 10 over time, the direction in which the coil cuts the magnetic field lines changes, and therefore the direction of the first current also changes irregularly over time. The energy storage module 7 receives the first current through an electrical connection with the coil, processes the first current, and stores the electrical energy of the first current to supply power to the target device.

[0024] In some embodiments, the hose 2 may be made of rubber or silicone, possessing properties of high temperature resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and silica. The outer wall of the hose 2 is provided with protrusions to facilitate displacement along the central column 10 by natural gas or water pressure. A permanent magnet is integrally molded and embedded in the inner wall of the hose 2.

[0025] In some embodiments, the coil is made of insulated enameled wire, which is wound to form a disc-shaped coil. The coil maintains good insulation in the high-temperature environment of the oil pipe in 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 includes: 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; the number of coils and permanent magnets can be set according to the power requirements of the target device.

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

[0028] In some embodiments, a cavity 5 exists between the hose 2 and the central column 10, and insulating oil is filled into the cavity 5. In the downhole natural gas well tubing environment, the downhole power generation device is subjected to enormous pressure; therefore, the insulating oil provides support for the hose 2, preventing it from collapsing under downhole pressure and sticking tightly to the central column 10. The insulating oil has high-temperature resistance and insulating properties, providing insulation for the coil. Simultaneously, the insulating oil is also non-evaporative, preventing it from evaporating and forming gas that could cause the hose 2 to expand and block the natural gas well tubing.

[0029] In some embodiments, the device further includes a flange 1; the bottom of the central column 10 is connected to the flange 1; the lower end of the hose 2 is fixed between the bottom of the central column 10 and the flange 1. The flange 1 can seal the lower end of the hose 2 and the bottom of the central column 10 to prevent water or other liquids in the natural gas well tubing from entering the cavity 5 where the insulating oil is located. The flange 1 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the central 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 central column 10 and the bottom of the short section 12 are connected; the upper end of the hose 2 is fixed between the top of the central 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 central column 10 to prevent water or other liquids in the natural gas well tubing 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 central column 10 by a third bolt 603 and a fourth bolt 604.

[0031] In some embodiments, the top of the sub-section 12 is provided with a first thread; the sub-section 12 is connected to the target device via the first thread and a second thread. For example, the target device is a temperature sensor, and the outer wall of the temperature sensor is provided with a second thread, the type of the first thread matching the type of the second thread. The sub-section 12 is connected to the temperature sensor via the first thread, thus allowing the downhole generator and the temperature sensor to be fixedly connected together before being inserted into the natural gas well tubing. No relative displacement occurs between the downhole generator and the target device, nor between the downhole generator and the natural gas well tubing.

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

[0033] In some embodiments, the device further includes an end cap plug 9 and an O-ring 8. When the downhole power generation device is above ground and in a non-operating state, the end cap plug 9 can be fitted onto the top of the sub-section 12, protecting the energy storage module 7 inside the sub-section 12 when not in operation. When the downhole power generation device is above ground and in a non-operating state, the O-ring 8 seals the end cap plug 9 against the top of the sub-section 12. When the downhole power generation device is downhole and in operation, the end cap plug 9 is removed, connecting the top of the sub-section 12 to the target device, and the O-ring 8 seals the first and second threads.

[0034] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage module 7 includes at least: a boost unit 701, a conversion unit 702, a filter unit 703, and an energy 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 also changes irregularly over time. The boost unit 701 is specifically a step-up transformer. The boost unit 701 is connected to the start and end terminals of the coil. Because the direction of the second current changes irregularly over time, it cannot be directly used to power the target device; it needs to be converted into direct current to power the target device.

[0036] In some embodiments, the conversion unit 702 and the boost unit 701 are connected; 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 forward voltage of the germanium diode.

[0037] In some embodiments, the filtering unit 703 and the conversion unit 702 are connected; the filtering unit 703 is used to filter the third current to reduce the pulse voltage in the third current and obtain the fourth current. During the conversion of 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 certain voltage fluctuations. These voltage fluctuations are called pulse voltages, which can generate interference and noise, affecting the normal operation of the target device. The filtering unit 703 can specifically be a capacitor or an inductor. The filtering unit 703 can smooth the third current, reduce pulse voltages, and thus provide a more stable fourth current.

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

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

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

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

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

[0043] This application provides another embodiment of a downhole power generation device, see reference. Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a top view of the downhole power generation device at the location of coil 301. The downhole power generation device can be arranged with the central column 10 as the center, 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 this application does not involve mechanical rotating parts and generates electricity by utilizing the flow of natural gas or water downhole. Therefore, it can avoid the problem of the device being stuck by sand downhole and achieve the technical effect of providing long-term and stable power to the target equipment downhole.

[0045] It should be noted that the units, devices, or modules described in the above embodiments can be implemented by computer chips or physical entities, or by products with certain functions. For ease of description, the above devices are described by dividing them into various modules according to their functions. Of course, in implementing this specification, the functions of each module can be implemented in one or more software and / or hardware, or the module that implements the same function can be implemented by a combination of multiple sub-modules or sub-units, etc. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the devices or units shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

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

[0047] Although this specification has been described by way of examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this specification, and it is intended that the appended claims cover such variations and modifications without departing from the spirit of this specification.

Claims

1. A downhole power generation device, characterized in that, The device is connected to the target equipment and fixed together in the oil pipe of the natural gas well. The device is used to supply power to the target equipment. The device includes a power generation module, an energy storage module, a sub-section, and a flange. The power generation module includes at least a central column, multiple coils, multiple permanent magnets, and flexible tubing; 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 to the bottom of the central column; the upper end of the hose is sealed to the top of the central column; insulating oil is injected between the hose and the central column; the bottom of the central column is connected to the flange; the lower end of the hose is fixed between the bottom of the central column and the flange. The bottom of the short section is fixedly connected to the top of the central column by a third bolt and a fourth bolt; the upper end of the hose is fixed between the top of the central column and the short section; the energy storage module is fixed inside the short section; the top of the short section is provided with a first thread; the short section is connected to the target device by the first thread and the second thread; the short section is used to seal the upper end of the hose and the top of the central 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 module is electrically connected to the plurality of coils; When the hose is squeezed by natural gas or water downhole, it causes the permanent magnet 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 field lines of the permanent magnet to generate a first current; the outer wall of the hose is provided with protrusions; The energy storage module is used to receive and store the first current.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage module includes at least: a boost unit, a conversion unit, a filtering unit, and an energy storage unit; The boost unit is used to increase the voltage of the first current to obtain the second current.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conversion unit and the boost unit are connected; The conversion unit is used to convert the second current into a third current; wherein the third current is direct current.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filtering unit and the conversion unit are connected; The filtering unit is used to filter the third current to reduce the pulse voltage in the third current and obtain the fourth current.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The energy storage unit and the filter unit are connected; The energy storage unit is used to store the fourth current.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The energy storage unit is connected to the power supply interface of the target device; The energy storage unit is used to supply power to the target device through the power supply interface.

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