Thermal downhole differential pressure power generation system and method thereof

Abstract

The thermal underground differential pressure power generation system comprises a differential pressure power generation module, an input pipeline and an output pipeline, the differential pressure power generation module is suitable for being electrically connected with an underground battery box, and differential pressure mechanical energy of water can be converted into electric energy to be conveyed to the underground battery box; the input pipeline is suitable for being connected with a water supply pipeline and the differential pressure power generation module in the thermal underground pipeline and providing a water source for the differential pressure power generation module, and the output pipeline is suitable for being connected with a water return pipeline and the differential pressure power generation module in the thermal underground pipeline and discharging the water source of the differential pressure power generation module. And the electric energy is converted into electric energy to supply power to the underground battery box, so that a worker does not need to enter a thermal well to replace a battery of the battery box, the working content of the worker is reduced, and the safety of the worker is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of downhole thermal equipment, and in particular to a downhole differential pressure power generation system for thermal wells and a method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the downhole thermal environment, there are a large number of devices that need power supply, such as monitoring sensors, communication devices, etc., which usually rely on downhole battery boxes for power supply. However, the downhole environment is complex, the battery replacement and maintenance work is difficult and costly, and the battery capacity is limited, which is difficult to meet the demand for long-term stable power supply. Therefore, how to use the existing resources in the downhole to realize continuous and stable power generation and charge the downhole battery box has become a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0003] To solve the problem of replacing the battery of the traditional downhole battery box by workers, the present application provides a downhole differential pressure power generation system for thermal wells, which is suitable for being connected to the downhole pipeline and the downhole battery box, comprising:

[0004] A differential pressure power generation module is suitable for being electrically connected to the downhole battery box, and can convert the mechanical energy of the water pressure difference into electrical energy and deliver it to the downhole battery box.

[0005] An input pipeline is suitable for being connected to the water supply pipeline in the downhole pipeline and the differential pressure power generation module, and provides water source for the differential pressure power generation module.

[0006] An output pipeline is suitable for being connected to the backwater pipeline in the downhole pipeline and the differential pressure power generation module, and discharges the water source of the differential pressure power generation module.

[0007] In a possible implementation, the differential pressure power generation module comprises an automatic on-off valve, a self-powered differential pressure valve and a generator.

[0008] The input pipeline, the automatic on-off valve, the self-powered differential pressure valve, the generator and the output pipeline are connected in sequence.

[0009] The automatic on-off valve is electrically connected to the downhole battery box.

[0010] The generator is electrically connected to the downhole battery box.

[0011] In a possible implementation, a filter is further included.

[0012] The filter is communicatively arranged on the input pipeline.

[0013] In a possible implementation, a check valve is further included.

[0014] The check valve is communicatively arranged on the output pipeline.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the system further comprises an input manual ball valve and the output manual ball valve.

[0016] The input manual ball valve is arranged on the input pipeline.

[0017] The output manual ball valve is arranged on the output pipeline.

[0018] A method for using the geothermal downhole pressure difference power generation system comprises the following steps:

[0019] Turning on the pressure difference power generation module.

[0020] The pressure difference power generation module converts the mechanical energy of the water in the input pipeline into electric energy, and transmits the converted electric energy to the downhole electric box.

[0021] The pressure difference power generation module discharges the water through the output pipeline.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the pressure difference power generation module converts the mechanical energy of the water in the input pipeline into electric energy, and transmits the converted electric energy to the downhole electric box, and the method further comprises the following steps:

[0023] The self-powered pressure difference valve of the pressure difference power generation module stabilizes the water pressure in the input pipeline.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0025] The generator of the pressure difference power generation module converts the pressure potential energy of the water stabilized by the self-powered pressure difference valve into electric energy.

[0026] The geothermal downhole pressure difference power generation system and the method thereof have the following beneficial effects: the natural pressure difference mechanical energy in the geothermal downhole pipeline is converted into electric energy to power the downhole battery box, so that the staff can replace the battery of the battery box without entering the geothermal downhole, reducing the work content of the staff and improving the safety of the staff. Without additional external energy input, the energy is self-sufficient, greatly reducing the dependence on battery replacement, reducing maintenance costs and work difficulty. At the same time, through reasonable pipeline connection, the smooth flow of water is ensured, providing a stable water source for energy conversion, improving the reliability and stability of the system.

[0027] Other features and aspects of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description of example embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this application together with the specification and serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0029] Figure 1 This diagram shows the main connection of a thermal downhole differential pressure power generation system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the method steps of a thermal downhole differential pressure power generation system according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0032] It should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention or simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0035] Furthermore, to better illustrate this application, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application can be implemented without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well-known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this application.

[0036] In the downhole environment of a thermal well, there are a large number of devices that need power supply, such as monitoring sensors, communication devices, etc., which usually rely on downhole battery boxes for power supply. However, the downhole environment is complex, battery replacement and maintenance work is difficult and costly, and the battery has limited power, which is difficult to meet the demand for long-term stable power supply. Therefore, how to use the existing resources in the downhole to realize continuous and stable power generation and charge the downhole battery box has become a problem to be solved.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1 The downhole pressure differential power generation system and method of the present application comprises a pressure differential power generation module, an input pipeline and an output pipeline. The pressure differential power generation module is adapted to be electrically connected to the downhole battery box and can convert the pressure differential mechanical energy of water into electrical energy to be delivered to the downhole battery box. The input pipeline is adapted to connect the water supply pipeline 210 in the downhole pipeline and the pressure differential power generation module to provide water source for the pressure differential power generation module. The output pipeline is adapted to connect the backwater pipeline 220 in the downhole pipeline and the pressure differential power generation module to discharge the water source of the pressure differential power generation module.

[0038] In this embodiment, the naturally occurring pressure differential mechanical energy in the downhole pipeline of the thermal well is used to convert it into electrical energy to power the downhole battery box. The staff can not need to enter the downhole of the thermal well to replace the battery of the battery box, reducing the work content of the staff and improving the safety of the staff. Without additional external energy input, energy self-sufficiency is achieved, greatly reducing the dependence on battery replacement and reducing maintenance costs and work difficulty. At the same time, through reasonable pipeline connection, the smooth flow of water flow is ensured to provide a stable water source for energy conversion, improving the reliability and stability of the system.

[0039] In this embodiment, the pressure differential power generation module can convert the pressure differential mechanical energy of water into electrical energy to be delivered to the downhole battery box. The pressure differential mechanical energy here refers to the energy possessed by the water flow during the flow process due to the pressure difference between the water supply pipeline 210 and the backwater pipeline 220 in the downhole pipeline of the thermal well. The pressure differential power generation module captures and converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy through the self-powered pressure differential valve 50 and the generator 60 to charge the downhole battery box, thereby realizing effective utilization of energy.

[0040] The input pipeline is adapted to connect the water supply pipeline 210 in the downhole pipeline and the pressure differential power generation module to provide water source for the pressure differential power generation module. Specifically, the input pipeline introduces water with a certain pressure and flow rate in the water supply pipeline 210 into the pressure differential power generation module, so that the water flow can flow through the pressure differential power generation module to provide the necessary conditions for energy conversion.

[0041] The output pipeline is suitable for connecting the backwater pipeline 220 in the downhole pipeline and the differential pressure power generation module, and functions to discharge the water source of the differential pressure power generation module. The water after energy conversion by the differential pressure power generation module flows back to the backwater pipeline 220 through the output pipeline, and the whole water flow circulation process is completed.

[0042] In a specific embodiment, the differential pressure power generation module comprises an automatic on-off valve 40, a self-operated differential pressure valve 50, and a generator 60, and the input pipeline, the automatic on-off valve 40, the self-operated differential pressure valve 50, the generator 60, and the output pipeline are sequentially connected. The automatic on-off valve 40 is electrically connected with the downhole battery box, and the generator 60 is electrically connected with the downhole battery box.

[0043] In this specific embodiment, the self-operated differential pressure valve 50 stabilizes the water pressure, avoids the adverse effects of water pressure fluctuations on the generator 60, ensures that the generator 60 can work in stable working conditions, improves the power generation efficiency and power quality, and enables the whole system to stably and continuously supply power to the downhole battery box. In this way, the water flow stabilized by the self-operated differential pressure valve 50 has stable pressure, which drives the rotor of the generator 60 to rotate, thereby generating electric energy and delivering the electric energy to the downhole battery box for storage.

[0044] In this specific embodiment, the automatic on-off valve 40 is electrically connected with the downhole battery box, and its on-off state is controlled by the downhole battery box. When the downhole battery box needs to be charged, the automatic on-off valve 40 is opened to allow the water flow to enter the differential pressure power generation module through the input pipeline. When charging is not needed or the system fails, the automatic on-off valve 40 is closed to cut off the water flow and protect the system safety. The self-operated differential pressure valve 50 in the system plays a role in stabilizing the water pressure in the input pipeline. It does not need external power, but relies on its own internal structure and the change of water pressure to automatically adjust the opening of the valve, so that the water pressure input to the generator 60 is maintained within a stable range, providing a guarantee for the stable operation of the generator 60.

[0045] In a specific embodiment, it further comprises a filter 30, which is communicatively arranged on the input pipeline.

[0046] In this specific embodiment, the filter 30 solves the problem of the influence of water impurities on the system, ensures the smoothness of each component in the differential pressure power generation module, reduces the frequency of equipment failure, and enables the system to operate stably for a long time.

[0047] In a specific embodiment, it further comprises a check valve 70, which is communicatively arranged on the output pipeline.

[0048] In this embodiment, the installation of the check valve 70 improves the safety and reliability of the system, prevents damage to system components caused by reverse flow, ensures that water flow only flows in the specified direction, maintains the normal working process of the system, and prolongs the service life of the system.

[0049] In one embodiment, the system further comprises an input manual ball valve and an output manual ball valve, the input manual ball valve is arranged on the input pipeline, and the output manual ball valve is arranged on the output pipeline.

[0050] In this embodiment, the installation of the input manual ball valve and the output manual ball valve improves the operability and maintainability of the system, facilitates the daily management and maintenance of the system by the operator, and better meets the use requirements under different working conditions. In this way, the input manual ball valve and the output manual ball valve are mainly used for manual control and maintenance of the system. During system installation, debugging or maintenance, the operator can close the input manual ball valve and the output manual ball valve to cut off the water flow, and facilitate the inspection, replacement and maintenance of the pressure difference power generation module and other components. At the same time, during normal operation of the system, the operator can also adjust the opening of the input manual ball valve 20 and the output manual ball valve 90 to adjust the flow of water flow, so as to adapt to different working requirements.

[0051] In one embodiment, the system further comprises an input pressure transmitter 10, an output pressure transmitter 90 and a control unit, the input pressure transmitter 10 is arranged on the input pipeline, the output pressure transmitter 90 is arranged on the output pipeline, the water pressure inside the input pipeline and the output pipeline is obtained respectively, and the input pressure transmitter 10 and the output pressure transmitter 90 are in communication connection with the control unit, and the obtained data is uploaded to the control unit.

[0052] Specifically, by monitoring the input and output water pressure in real time, the system can automatically adapt to the pressure fluctuation of the downhole pipeline network, and avoid the decrease of power generation efficiency or equipment damage caused by unstable water pressure.

[0053] In this embodiment, the control unit is in communication connection with the automatic on-off valve 40, and the control unit adjusts the opening and closing degree of the automatic on-off valve 40 by obtaining the water pressure inside the input pipeline and the output pipeline.

[0054] A method for using the thermal downhole pressure difference power generation system, comprising the following steps: Figure 2

[0055] S100, start the pressure difference power generation module;

[0056] In this specific step, the downhole battery box sends a start signal to the automatic on-off valve 40, and after receiving the signal, the valve core of the automatic on-off valve 40 moves to open the valve, so that the input pipeline is communicated with the pressure difference power generation module, and the water flow is prepared.​

[0057] S200, the differential pressure power generation module converts the mechanical energy of the water in the input pipeline into electrical energy and transmits the converted electrical energy to the downhole electric box;

[0058] In this specific step, the differential pressure power generation module converts the mechanical energy of the water in the input pipeline into electrical energy and transmits the converted electrical energy to the downhole electric box. The water in the water supply pipeline 210 enters the differential pressure power generation module under the action of the pressure difference, first passes through the automatic switch valve 40, and then flows through the self-powered differential pressure valve 50. After the self-powered differential pressure valve 50 stabilizes the water pressure, the water flow drives the rotor of the generator 60 to rotate. The generator 60 converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using the principle of electromagnetic induction. The electrical energy is transmitted to the downhole battery box for storage through the wire.

[0059] S300, the differential pressure power generation module discharges the water through the output pipeline;

[0060] In this specific step, the differential pressure power generation module discharges the water through the output pipeline. In this way, the water after passing through the generator 60 loses part of the pressure potential energy and flows back to the backwater pipeline 220 in the thermal downhole pipeline through the output pipeline, completing the water flow circulation of the entire power generation process.

[0061] In one specific embodiment, the differential pressure power generation module converts the mechanical energy of the water in the input pipeline into electrical energy and transmits the converted electrical energy to the downhole electric box, and further includes the following steps:

[0062] S201, the self-powered differential pressure valve 50 of the differential pressure power generation module stabilizes the water pressure in the input pipeline.

[0063] In this specific step, it is ensured that the generator 60 works in a stable water pressure environment, avoiding problems such as power generation efficiency reduction and equipment wear caused by water pressure fluctuation, improving the efficiency and stability of energy conversion, and ensuring the quality of electrical energy output. Specifically, before the water flow enters the generator 60, the self-powered differential pressure valve 50 plays a role. When the water pressure in the input pipeline fluctuates, the sensitive element inside the self-powered differential pressure valve 50 will feel the change of the pressure, thereby driving the opening of the valve to make corresponding adjustment. When the water pressure rises, the valve opening decreases, reducing the flow of the water flow and reducing the water pressure; when the water pressure decreases, the valve opening increases, increasing the flow of the water flow and increasing the water pressure, so that the water pressure input to the generator 60 is stabilized within a certain range, creating stable water pressure conditions for the stable work of the generator 60.

[0064] In one specific embodiment, the differential pressure power generation module converts the mechanical energy of the water in the input pipeline into electrical energy and transmits the converted electrical energy to the downhole electric box, and further includes the following steps:

[0065] S202, the generator 60 of the differential pressure power generation module converts the stable pressure potential energy of the self-acting differential pressure valve 50 into electric energy.

[0066] In this specific step, the generator 60 converts the stable pressure potential energy into electric energy, ensuring efficient use of energy and maximizing the conversion of energy contained in the water flow into electric energy to provide sufficient power support for downhole equipment. Specifically, after being stabilized by the self-acting differential pressure valve 50, the water flow has stable pressure and flow rate, and the impeller or rotor of the generator 60 is driven to rotate by the water flow. The stator winding of the generator 60 cuts the magnetic induction lines to generate an induced electromotive force, thereby converting the pressure potential energy of the water flow into electric energy. The electric energy generated by the generator 60 is transmitted to the downhole battery box through the wire and stored in the battery box for use by the downhole equipment.

[0067] In a specific embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0068] S300, the input pressure transmitter and the output pressure transmitter acquire the water pressure in the input pipe and the output pipe, respectively, to control the opening degree of the automatic on-off valve 40.

[0069] In this specific step, the input pressure transmitter and the output pressure transmitter can transmit the water pressure on the water supply side and the water return side to the water supply communication control unit in real time, and then upload the data to the cloud platform for the user to monitor the water pressure data in real time. At the same time, the input pressure transmitter and the output pressure transmitter can participate in the control of the automatic on-off valve 40, such as when the automatic on-off valve 40 receives an alarm of excessively high water pressure, the opening degree of the automatic on-off valve 40 will be reduced.

[0070] Specifically, by monitoring the input and output water pressure in real time, the system can automatically adapt to the pressure fluctuations of the downhole pipe network, avoiding the decrease of power generation efficiency or equipment damage caused by unstable water pressure. The controller can dynamically optimize the opening degree of the automatic on-off valve 40 according to the water pressure data, so that the generator 60 always works in the best speed range, and the mechanical energy of the water flow is maximized. When an abnormally high or low pressure is detected, the controller can quickly close the automatic on-off valve 40 to prevent pipe burst or generator 60 idling, prolonging the service life of the equipment. The pressure data can be transmitted to the ground monitoring center through wired or wireless communication module, and the operation and maintenance personnel can master the running state of the downhole system in real time and give early warning of potential faults.

[0071] In a specific embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0072] S400, the downhole battery box is electrically connected with the automatic on-off valve 40, and the opening degree of the automatic on-off valve 40 is controlled according to the electric quantity of the downhole battery box.

[0073] In this specific step, the automatic switch valve 40 is an important component for controlling the start and stop of the entire power generation system. Since the power generation system can cause unstable heating, it is not powered all day. When the battery box underground is less than 50%, the battery box underground sends a command to the automatic switch valve 40 through the power supply system to control the valve opening and opening size. After about 5-6 hours, the battery power will reach 90%, at which time the automatic switch valve 40 will be closed. At this time, a charge is completed.

[0074] Specifically, the traditional differential pressure power generation system "fixed power output" mode is broken through, the real-time matching of power generation power and battery demand is realized, and the technical gap of underground energy management is filled. The battery state monitoring and power generation control are deeply integrated, the battery life is prolonged through the optimization of charging and discharging strategy, and the industry pain point of rapid battery aging in the underground harsh environment is solved. From single device control to system level energy management, the stability of the differential pressure power generation system is ensured, and the overall efficiency of the underground energy network is improved.

[0075] The above has described the embodiments of the present application, and the above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and changes are obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The selection of the terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles, practical application or improvement of the technology in the market of the embodiments, or to enable other ordinary skilled persons in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A thermal well differential pressure power generation system, suitable for connection between a thermal well pipeline and a downhole battery box, characterized in that, include: The differential pressure power generation module is suitable for electrical connection to the downhole battery box and can convert the mechanical energy of water differential pressure into electrical energy and transmit it to the downhole battery box; The input pipeline is suitable for connecting the water supply pipeline inside the thermal well pipeline and the differential pressure power generation module, providing a water source for the differential pressure power generation module; The output pipe is suitable for connecting the return water pipe in the thermal well downhole pipeline and the differential pressure power generation module, and discharging the water source of the differential pressure power generation module.

2. The thermal downhole differential pressure power generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The differential pressure power generation module includes: an automatic switching valve, a self-operated differential pressure valve, and a generator; The input pipeline, the automatic switching valve, the self-operated differential pressure valve, the generator, and the output pipeline are connected in sequence; The automatic switching valve is electrically connected to the downhole battery box; The generator is electrically connected to the downhole battery box.

3. The thermal downhole differential pressure power generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Filter; The filter is connected to the input pipe.

4. The thermal downhole differential pressure power generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Check valve; The check valve is connected to the output pipe.

5. The thermal downhole differential pressure power generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The input manual ball valve and the output manual ball valve; The manual ball valve for input is installed on the input pipe; The manual ball valve for output is installed on the output pipe.

6. A method using the thermal downhole differential pressure power generation system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Turn on the differential pressure power generation module; The differential pressure power generation module converts the mechanical energy of the water supplied in the input pipeline into electrical energy, and then transmits the converted electrical energy to the underground electrical box. The differential pressure power generation module discharges water through the output pipe.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The differential pressure power generation module converts the mechanical energy of the water supplied in the input pipeline into electrical energy, and transmits the converted electrical energy to the downhole electrical box, and also includes the following steps: The self-regulating differential pressure valve of the differential pressure power generation module stabilizes the water supply pressure in the input pipeline.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The generator of the differential pressure power generation module converts the pressure potential energy of the water supplied after the self-regulating differential pressure valve is stabilized into electrical energy.

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