COMPLETION COLUMN WITH A BOTTOM-HOLE ELECTRICAL NETWORK

Abstract

A plurality of flow control nodes are spaced along a production conduit to control the flow of formation fluids into the conduit at various locations within the wellbore. Each flow control node defines a flow path for the formation fluids to enter the production conduit. A closure can be used to regulate the flow of formation fluids within the production conduit. A generator in each zone produces electrical power in response to a portion of the flow directed through the generator. An electrical grid interconnects the plurality of flow control nodes to collectively supply electrical power to the electrical grid. Each closure and other device components can operate using electrical power from the grid.

Description

Description Title of the invention: COMPLETION COLUMN WITH A DOWNHOLE ELECTRICAL NETWORK

[0001] Hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas, are generally obtained from underground formations that can be on land or at sea. The development of underground operations and processes involved in the disposal of hydro- carbides from an underground formation are complex. Typically, operations underground involves a number of different steps, including drilling of a wellbore, treatment of the wellbore to optimize production hydrocarbons and well completion by installing well components and performing steps to produce and process hydrocarbons from the formation terrain.

[0002] — Smart well technology relates to well completion technology of oil and gas integrated with elements such as underground monitoring in real-time, data analysis decision making and control distance from downhole tools. A smart well can reference in some contexts to a well equipped with equipment that can be controlled automatically- automatically or by a remote operator. Smart wells can use components such as valves, starters, sensors and actuators that are monitored remotely by humans and software.

[0003] = The use of electronic components downhole requires a source appropriate electronic power supply. The supply and storage of Downhole power supply can be a challenge as the components of the system are located very deep underground in an environ- harsh corrosive environment, e.g. high temperature, high pressure. Brief description of the drawings

[0004] — These drawings illustrate certain aspects of certain of the embodiments of the present disclosure and shall not be used to limit or define the method.

[0005] [Fig.1] is an elevational view of a well site illustrating a production well in which a wireless smart well node system can be implemented depending on aspects of disclosure.

[0006] [Fig.2] is a sectional side view of one of the flow control nodes according to an example configuration.

[0007] [Fig.3] is another sectional side view of the flow control node of the [Fig.2], the sleeve being moved to an intermediate position which closes flow to the primary flow path while leaving the path open secondary flow. [Fig.4] is another sectional side view of the flow control node of [Fig.3], the sleeve then being moved to a fully closed position, closing both the primary flow path 44 and the secondary flow path. [Fig.5] is a schematic diagram of an electrical network interconnecting multiple nodes 140 spaced along the production conduit at different locations in the wellbore. [Fig.6] is a schematic diagram of an example energy management circuit for managing a smart node sink system with a power grid. [Fig.7A] describes an energy management method using an AC type electrical network according to examples of the disclosure. [Fig.7B] continues the energy management process of [Fig.7 A]. [Fig.8] describes an energy management method using a DC type power grid according to examples of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Flow control systems and methods are provided for controlling the production of formation fluids by controlling flow at a plurality of different locations along a well, such as in different production zones and at different locations within a production zone. Some aspects include a smart well node system that generates electrical power using the flow at each of these locations by directing a portion of this fluid flow through a generator at each flow control node. The generated electrical power can be used to operate components, such as the same valves used to control flow. Some applications require temporarily stopping flow at one or more locations.When flow is stopped or reduced below a threshold at a given location, the generator at that location may not provide enough power to operate its own devices, such as to reopen a valve used to control flow. The disclosed systems and methods provide a means to selectively reopen flow at these locations even when the power falls below the threshold. The nodes may also communicate wirelessly with each other or with a central control device. Various technical advantages are provided. For example, the disclosure allows an area to completely stop flow and later reopen the flow of selectively using power from neighboring zones. If a zone's generator fails, for example, the zone can continue to operate using power generated by neighboring zones. More overall power is also available, which can increase the forces exerted by the motors to move the flow control valves / sleeves. Instead of having a processor for each zone, a central processor can be used to control all zones. This approach reduces costs, simplifies wireless communication to the surface, and can increase reliability by having one or more redundant central processors. More power also means the system can provide intermittent power to an auxiliary device by combining power from multiple generators.Higher overall power means more sensors and other electrical instruments can be added. Higher overall power means a more powerful and capable central processor. A central battery pack can be used to charge and power downhole devices if a complete well shutdown is required. [Fig. 1] is an elevational view of a wellsite illustrating a production well 10 in which a wireless smart well node system may be implemented according to aspects of the disclosure. This and other figures are simplified for discussion, e.g., using schematic representations of elements, and are not intended to imply any particular scale unless otherwise indicated. As shown, the production well 10 includes a wellbore 12 that has been drilled through various earth strata of an earth formation 17. The wellbore 12 may be formed using directional drilling techniques to conform to any given wellbore trajectory to traverse one or more zones containing hydrocarbons to be produced, e.g., production zones 18A and 18B.For example, the wellbore 12 has a substantially vertical section 14 that transitions into a substantially horizontal section 16 that traverses the production zones 18A, 18B. The respective portions of the wellbore 12 extending over the production zones 18A, 18B may be referred to as production intervals 19A, 19B. Hydrocarbon fluids such as oil and gas from the production zones (i.e., formation fluids) are captured along the production intervals 19A, 19B and transported to the surface 15 of the well site in a burned form. The produced fluids may be temporarily stored and / or transported via pipelines or vessels to refineries for further processing. During a completion phase of well construction, the wellbore 12 may be lined with a cemented tubular casing 20 to help strengthen the wellbore 12. For example, the upper portion of the wellbore 12 is cased along of the vertical section 14, while a lower portion of the wellbore passing through the horizontal section 16 is uncased and may be referred to as an "open hole." A string of production tubing 24 may also be installed in the wellbore 12 as part of a completion. The production tubing 24 extends from an aboveground (i.e., surface) location 15 to a lower completion 22 installed in the horizontal section 16 of the wellbore 12. The production tubing 24 functions as at least a portion of a conduit disposed in the wellbore 12 for the production of formation fluids to the surface 15. The production tubing 24 may be included with equipment generally classified as an upper completion, which is removable from the lower completion 22 installed in the wellbore. The lower completion 22 includes equipment used to divide the wellbore 102 into production intervals 19A, 19B.For example, any number of wellbore packers 26 may be deployed to provide a fluid seal between the lower completion 22 and the wellbore 12. A smart well node system 100 according to some aspects of the disclosure is included with the completions for controlling the production of formation fluids. The system 100 may include a plurality of flow control nodes 40 spaced along the wellbore 12 for controlling the entry of formation fluid 28 into the lower completion 22 at different locations in the well 10. The plurality of flow control nodes 40 in this example extend over a plurality of production intervals 19A, 19B spaced apart in the formation, with at least one (i.e., a first) flow control node 40 being in a first production interval 19A and at least one other (i.e., a second) flow control node 40 being in a second production interval 19B.Two or more flow control nodes may also be located in a single production interval, for example at least two flow control nodes 40 in each of the production intervals 19A, 19B. Each flow control node 40 may include a sand control screen assembly or other filtration mechanism (not expressly shown) to filter particulates out of the formation fluid 28 in that open hole portion of the wellbore 12. Alternative examples may have one or more of the flow control nodes 40 arranged within cased portions of the wellbore 12. The flow control nodes 40 may operate to regulate the flow of the formation fluid 28 at their respective locations. Thus, the relative flow of the formation fluid 28 at each flow control node 40 may be controlled at different production zones 18A, 18B or within a particular production interval. 19A or 19B. The flow may be controlled, for example, to maximize the production of desired hydrocarbons such as oil while minimizing the production of less desirable fluids such as water. The smart well node system may also include a downhole controller 30 for coordinating the flow control nodes 40. The downhole controller 30 may be located at any suitable location in the completion string. For example, the downhole controller 30 may be positioned upstream of the flow control nodes 40 as shown in [Fig. 1], in relatively close proximity to the flow control nodes 40 to minimize signal transmission losses. The downhole controller 30 is in communication with the flow control nodes 40 along a schematically shown signal path 32 for carrying electrical data and / or energy signals. The signal path 32 may be wired, wireless, or a combination thereof.In some configurations, at least a portion of the signal path 32 is wireless, thereby serving as a wireless connection between the flow control nodes 40 and the controller 30 such that the downhole controller 30 can communicate wirelessly with the flow control nodes 40 through electromagnetic signals or pressure signals. The downhole controller 30 may include a processor operable with control logic, either alone or in combination with processors embedded at each flow control node 40. For example, network controller logic may be included to manage power between the different flow control nodes 40. Extending uphole from the downhole controller 30 are one or more control lines 38, such as hydraulic tubing, pressure fluid tubing, electrical cable, and the like, which extend to the surface 15 and may be used for control of completion string components. The control lines 38 may extend to the downhole controller 30 for transmission of data or control signals between the surface 15 and the downhole controller 30. The downhole controller 30 may also include a telemetry device 34 facilitating communication with a surface controller 36. The telemetry device 34 may communicate with the flow control nodes 40 via, for example, the optionally wireless connection of the signal path 32.The telemetry device 34 may communicate along one or more of the control lines 38 routed along the completion string, or wirelessly, for example using a network of spaced wireless signal repeaters. along the completion string, a fluid pulse telemetry device, or a combination thereof. Together, the various communication devices described may form a communication network for electronic communication between each flow control node and a wellsite surface. In some examples, the downhole controller 30 may also receive data from various sensors 65 located in the wellbore 12 and transmit the data to the surface controller 36. The sensors 65 may include an electromagnetic radiation sensitive receiver for measuring formation resistivity, a gamma ray device for measuring formation gamma ray intensity, devices for measuring tubing string inclination and azimuth, pressure sensors for measuring fluid pressure, temperature sensors for measuring wellbore temperature, distributed optical sensors, a flow meter for measuring flow rates, geophones or accelerometers for taking seismic, microseismic, or vibration measurements, a device for measuring fluid composition, etc.Data may also be provided by the surface control device 36, received by the telemetry device 34, and transmitted to the various electronic devices located in the wellbore 12 to perform functions, such as actuating a valve. In an exemplary configuration, these sensors 66 in the smart well node system 100 measure downhole parameters, e.g., pressure, temperature, flow, oil / water / gas ratio, etc., and are powered by the electrical grid described in more detail below. The sensors 65 may transmit this data to a processor, where the processor may use this data to autonomously optimize sleeve positions to optimize production / injection. The data may also be transmitted via a wired or wireless relay to the surface and receive instructions from the surface to modify sleeve positions. Other peripheral equipment that may be powered by the grid includes, for example, tools that release chemicals into the production stream to control corrosion, emulsion, etc., control an underground safety valve to stop flow in an emergency, modify a multilateral junction (MLT) to switch intervention access from one side to the other eV / or facilitate access to remove / install components from the side pocket discussed below. The surface control device 36 may be located on-site, such as in a facility control room, or off-site. The surface control device 36 may include a computer system for processing and storing measurements collected by sensors located in the wellbore 12. The surface control device 36 may include a computer system for processing and storing measurements collected by sensors located in the wellbore 12. surface control 36, the downhole control device 30 and / or onboard control devices on the flow control nodes 40 may include any of a variety of components such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a hard disk drive and / or memory) capable of executing instructions to perform such tasks. In addition to gathering and processing measures, the surface control device 36 may be capable of controlling completion, stimulation and production operations, including, but not limited to, the installation of packers 26, acidizing, gravel packing of screens or hydraulic fracturing.The surface control device 36 may further include a user interface 37, for example a monitor or printer, which displays the measurements and allows an operator to implement and monitor production among the different production intervals. [Fig. 2] is a cross-sectional side view of one of the flow control nodes 40 according to an exemplary configuration. The flow control node 40 includes a flow control body (i.e., a valve body) 42, an onboard electrical generator 50, a valve closure (i.e., a closure) 52 movably coupled to the flow control body 42, an electronics package 60, and an actuator 66. The electronics package 60 includes various electronic components such as a local wireless transceiver used to communicate with other components of the smart well node system, a local (onboard) controller including a processor (i.e., a local processor), and control logic for controlling the operation of onboard components, an optional battery pack, and various sensors or peripherals.The closure 52 is movable relative to the flow control body 42 to control flow through the flow control body 42 along one or more flow paths through the flow control body 42. The actuator 66 is used to drive the closure 52 to control the flow of formation fluids at that location. The electronics package 60 and the actuator 66 are examples of downhole components that require electrical power. In an exemplary configuration, the electronics package 60 may be modular. The modular electronics package 60 may be preconfigured with selected components specific to a particular system or desired tool configuration.The modular electronics housing may be removably secured, for example by inserting it laterally into an exterior side pocket 61 of the flow control body 42, wherein the flow control body 42 may include a mandrel having the side pocket 61. When inserted into . the side pocket 61, the modular electronics housing 60 may automatically physically couple to the flow control body (e.g., by snap-fitting) and / or electrically connect to a portion of an electrical network within a larger smart node well system as described in more detail below. The actuator 66 may also be modular and similarly attached to a respective side pocket 63. The flow control body 42 is fluidly coupled to a production conduit 70, defining an annular space 27 between the flow control body 42 and the wellbore 12. Formation fluid 28 flows from the formation 17 into the annular space 27 and from the annular space 27 into the production conduit 70 through the flow control node 40. The production conduit 70 may include a production tubing 24 and / or other tubular members for transporting a formation fluid 28 to the surface. A portion of the production conduit 70 may also be defined by the flow control body 42 and other components fluidly coupled to the flow control body 42, such as a base pipe of a sand control assembly.The flow control body 42 may be generally round or tubular to conform to the wellbore 12 and to be positioned around or otherwise in line with the production tubing 24 (one half of the cross-sectional view of the flow control body 42 is omitted in this figure). The flow control body 42 defines at least one primary flow path 44 extending from an exterior 43 of the flow control body 42 to an interior 45 of the flow control body 42 for producing formation fluids 28 into the production conduit 70. The primary flow path 44 shown may be one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced primary flow paths for entry of the formation fluids 28 into the production conduit 70. A portion of the flow through the flow control body 42 is also directed to the generator 50. In this example, the flow through the generator 50 is directed through the flow control body 42 along one or more secondary flow paths 46 spaced from the primary flow path 44 that also extends from the exterior 43 to the interior 45 of the flow control body 42. 45 of the flow control node 40.Alternatively, the primary flow path 44 could be diverted within the flow control node 40 along one or more secondary flow paths to the generator 50. In either case, the flow through the generator 50 may be expelled into the production conduit 70 along with other produced formation fluids. The closure 52 can be operated using the actuator 66 to adjust the flow formation fluids 28 through the primary and secondary flow paths 44, 46 of the flow control body 42. The actuator 66 may include an electric motor, solenoid, or other electronic actuation mechanism. The closure 52 may include any device operable by the actuator 66 to control the flow. In this example, the closure 52 includes a sleeve 54 that is movable through a range of positions relative to the flow control body 42, to selectively close the primary flow path 42 and / or the secondary flow path 44. Other exemplary closures may alternatively include any suitable mechanism for controlling the flow of formation fluids 28 through the flow control body 42, both into the production conduit 70 and / or through the generator 50. In [Fig.2], the sleeve 54 is in a fully open position allowing maximum flow of the formation fluids 28 to flow both through the primary flow path. Thus, the formation fluids 28 flow into the production conduit 70 through the primary flow path 44 for production to the surface and through the secondary flow path 46 to drive the generator 50. The onboard electrical generator 50 may include a turbine, flow vane, or other mechanism within the flow control body 42 that generates an electrical current in response to fluid flow through the flow control body 42. The onboard electrical generator 50 may be capable of generating sufficient electrical power to operate its own components, such as the actuator 66 and the electronics package 60. In some cases, the generator 50 may directly power these components on the same flow control node. However, the generator 50 at this node and other flow control nodes may power an electrical grid (i.e., a power grid) discussed below.The flow control node 40 could then consume power as needed from the electrical grid, even when the flow control node 40 is not currently generating power, for example when the sleeve 54 is in a fully closed position. The size of the generator 50 and the corresponding range of flow rates to power the generator 50 may depend, for example, on the electrical power requirements of each flow control node 40 or the collective power requirements of all the flow control nodes 40 in the smart well node system. The power requirement and flow rate through the generator 50 may depend, directly or indirectly, on the size of the production conduit 70 and the power requirements of the closure 52 and its actuator 66, and the electronics housing 60. As As an example of an order of magnitude type, a flow control node 40 may have a nominal bore less than about six inches, and the flow rate through the generator 50 of a flow control node 40 may be on the order of one gallon per minute (GPM) or less. However, a variety of different bore sizes and nominal flow rates are also possible, above or below these values. A typical flow rate through the secondary flow port 44 to feed the generator 50 may therefore be significantly less than a flow rate through the primary flow path 44, which has sufficient capacity to produce a significant amount of formation fluids to be captured at the surface. [Fig. 3] is another sectional side view of the flow control node 40 of [Fig. 2] with the sleeve 54 moved to an intermediate position that closes off flow to the primary flow path 44 while leaving the secondary flow path 46 open. This intermediate position effectively blocks the production of formation fluids at this node, while still allowing sufficient flow through the secondary flow paths 46 to operate the generator 50 and generate enough electrical power to operate its own shutoff 52 if necessary. Since the generator 50 is still receiving flow in this intermediate position, the flow control node 40 is able to optionally use power from its own generator 50 to return the sleeve 54 to the fully open position of [Fig. 2] or further to a fully closed position of [Fig. 4]. [Fig. 4] is another sectional side view of the flow control node 40 of [Fig. 3], with the sleeve 54 then being moved to a fully closed position, closing both the primary flow path 44 and the secondary flow path 56. Thus, no formation fluid is currently being produced and the onboard generator 50 is not generating any electrical power. The sleeve 54 may be moved to this fully closed position if, for example, stakeholders determine that oil or gas is no longer being produced in economical quantities at that node, in which case there may be no expected desire to reopen the sleeve. However, the stakeholders may desire the ability to reopen flow at that node, in case an error was made in stopping flow at the node, or if formation conditions have changed.Fortunately, flow control nodes can be interconnected on a power grid as shown in [Fig.5], with central flow management to selectively reopen the flow control node to revive a node that was previously shut down. [Fig.5] is a schematic diagram of an electrical network 110 interconnecting multiple nodes 140 spaced along the production conduit 70 at different locations in the wellbore 12. The electrical network 110 interconnects the plurality of flow control nodes 140, which collectively provide electrical power to the electrical network 110 and individually receive electrical power from the electrical network 110. The electrical network 110 may include conductive paths schematically shown at 112, 114, 116 of any suitable shape, including, but not limited to, individual wires, printed circuit board traces, inductive or capacitive couplers, and the like. For example, conductive paths 112, 114 may form a bus for communicating power or data between nodes 140 or components of each node 140, while individual conductive paths 116 may couple specific components or specific nodes 140 to other conductive paths 112, 114.These conductive paths may be routed within the structure of the various completion components, for example within the structure of a flow housing and along segments of fittings or tubing interconnecting the nodes 140. Other electrical components not expressly shown in this figure, such as diodes, transformers, AC / DC converters and the like, may be included with the electrical network 110. Two nodes 140A, 140B are shown as an example, but any number of nodes 140 may be interconnected on the electrical network 110. The nodes 140 may represent the electronic subsystem of the flow control nodes 40 in the preceding figures, for example. Each node 140 includes the circuitry of an electronics box 160, including component circuitry for a local controller (LC) 162, sensors / peripherals 164, an electric actuator 166, and a generator 150 to alternatively provide electrical power to the electrical grid 110 and / or its own electronics box 160. A battery pack 168 may also be included on each node 140. A controller (GC) 130 is also shown, which may manage the power and / or operation of all or a subset of the nodes 140, such as the nodes 140 in a particular area. In some examples, as illustrated here in [Fig.5], the network controller 130 may be a separate component connected to the various flow control nodes 40 of the smart well node system 100 of [Fig. 1]. In other examples, the network controller 130 may be part of the downhole controller 30 of [Fig. 1]. . The grid controller 130 is coupled to the electrical grid 110 and includes control logic to dynamically coordinate which generators supply electrical power to the grid 110. In at least some examples of a flow control system, such as grid integration electrical system 110 of [Fig.5] in the exemplary system of [Fig.1], each closure may operate alternatively with electrical power from the electrical grid 110 or with electrical power from its own generator 150. In at least some examples, each closure may operate normally with electrical power from its own generator 150 when sufficient, for example when sufficient flow is passing through that generator 150. Each closure may operate alternatively from the electrical grid 110 when electrical power from its own generator 150 is insufficient. Thus, for example, each closure may be movable between the open position and the intermediate position using its own generator 150 when the portion of the flow directed through the generator 150 is sufficient to provide the electrical energy necessary for the operation of the respective closure. The closure may automatically switch to a supply of energy from the electrical network 110 when the portion of the flow directed through its generator 150 is insufficient to operate the respective closure, Any electrical power from each node 140 beyond its own needs at a given time may be provided to the electrical grid 110 for use by other nodes 140. For example, when the closure of a node 140 is completely closed, it may be reopened using power from the electrical grid 110 provided by at least one other node 140. Thus, at any given time, one or more flow control nodes 140 may be providing electrical power to the electrical grid 110 while at least one other flow control node 140 is simultaneously being powered by the electrical grid. In other examples, each node 140 may always be powered by electrical power from the electrical grid 110, whether or not that node 140 is also providing power to the electrical grid 110 at that time.Battery pack 168 may also be included and selectively charged for use in certain contingencies, such as when a complete well shutdown is required. The electrical grid includes circuitry and control logic so that the electrical energy generated at each generator is processed into a usable form by the electrical grid and again into a usable form where it is consumed by various devices. For example, this may include circuit elements such as an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter to convert the electrical energy generated by each generator into DC energy for transmission of the DC energy onto the electrical grid and then converted back into DC energy for use by device components. Phase, voltage, etc., may also be managed. [Fig. 6] is a schematic diagram of an exemplary power management circuit 190 for managing a smart node sink system with a power grid. Generally, the power management circuit 190 is used to convert the output power at each generator 150 into a form suitable for transmission over the power grid and then back into a form usable by various device components at the various nodes. The power management circuit 190 may control aspects such as phase, current type such as alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), and voltage. The power management circuit 190 is divided into, in relative terms, a low voltage section 192, a high voltage section 194, and another low voltage section 196.The plurality of generators 150 powers the phase and diode control circuits 152, passing to the high voltage section 194 using, for example, a step-up transformer 154. The high voltage section 194 is then stepped down to the low voltage section 196 using, for example, a transformer and AC / DC converter section 156. The current is thus transformed into a usable form for supplying to various loads 158, such as the actuator, a local controller, sensors and peripherals used by the various nodes via appropriate interconnections 155, . A battery manager 170 is included for power management of the rechargeable battery 168. The battery manager 170 may include a battery charging circuit including control logic for managing the battery 168. For safety reasons, the battery manager 170 may normally maintain the battery 168 below a charging threshold when the node 140 is receiving electrical power from its own generator 150 or the utility grid 110. The battery manager 170 may then be used to charge the battery 168 above the charging threshold when it is determined that the node 140 will have no available power, for example before moving the closure to a fully closed position. Figures 7A and 7B together depict routines of a power management method 200 using an AC power grid according to examples of the disclosure. Referring first to [Fig. 7A], at block 202, each generator has an output, such as a variable frequency AC power output, that must be processed by a power management circuit to be efficiently distributed along a grid and converted back into a form usable by various devices. The AC power produced at each generator is converted to DC power at block 204. The DC power is then converted to AC power at a predetermined AC frequency at block 206. Optionally, the frequency-matched current from block 206 may be transformed into a higher voltage. raised at block 208. The phase is then matched to a desired phase of the electrical grid at block 210. The phase-matched AC power is then sent to the electrical grid at block 212. The AC power travels along a respective electrical conductor from the generator to a load at block 214. The electrical conductors may comprise wires, inductive couplers, a capacitive coupler, or the like. If couplers are used, then the frequency of the AC grid may be close to the resonant frequency of the couplers. Turning now to [Fig.7B], the power management process starts at block 220, whereby AC power is received from the utility grid. Optionally, the AC power that was at a higher voltage is converted back to a lower voltage at block 222. The power then optionally passes through an electrical interconnect at block 224. This is converted back from AC power to DC power at block 226. The DC power is then used to operate one or more device components at block 228. [Fig. 8] depicts an energy management method 300 utilizing a DC electrical grid according to examples of the disclosure. At block 302, each generator produces AC power at a variable frequency that must be processed to be efficiently distributed along a grid and converted back into a form usable by various devices. Optionally, the AC power is transformed into a different voltage at block 304. The AC power is converted into DC power at block 306. Optionally, the DC power is transformed into a predetermined voltage at block 308. Optionally, the power also passes through an electrical interconnection (diode) at block 310. The DC power is then sent into the electrical grid at block 312. The DC power flows along an electrical conductor from a generator to a load at block 314.At block 316, DC power is sourced from the electrical grid and is optionally transformed to a lower voltage at block 318. The power optionally passes through an electrical interconnect at block 320. The power, now in usable form, is then used to operate a device component at block 322. The foregoing systems and circuits enable methods of controlling production flow in a well according to the disclosure, possibly using all-electrical power generated downhole. One example is a method for controlling a flow of formation fluids in a production conduit at each of a plurality of locations in a well where a flow control node is established. Electrical power is generated at each location in response to a portion of the flow entering the production conduit at that location. The electrical power generated at at the plurality of locations is collectively supplied to an electrical grid. The flow of formation fluids in the production conduit is independently controlled at each location using electrical energy from the electrical grid. Events may occur when flow at a selected one of the locations is closed or otherwise reduced, intentionally or unintentionally, such that insufficient electrical energy is generated at that location to reopen flow at that location. Flow may be reopened at that location using electrical energy from the electrical grid, which is supplied by electrical energy generated at one or more other of the locations.The nodes can communicate wirelessly between each location along the well and a telemetry device and / or between the telemetry device and a surface of a well site. Accordingly, certain aspects of the disclosure relate to a system and method for connecting two or more wireless nodes to a power line forming a downhole power network. This method has several technical advantages. For example, it may allow a zone to completely stop flow and reopen flow using power from neighboring zones. If the generator in one zone fails, the zone can continue to operate using power generated by neighboring zones. More overall power is available, which may increase the forces exerted by motors to move flow control valves / sleeves. Instead of having a processor for each zone, a central processor may be used to control all zones. This reduces costs, simplifies wireless communication to the surface, and can increase reliability by having one or more redundant central processors. Greater power may allow the system to provide intermittent power to an auxiliary device (which requires more power) by combining power from multiple generators. Greater overall power may also allow for the addition of more sensors and other electrical instruments. Greater overall power further allows for a more powerful and capable central processor. As a fail-safe design, a central battery pack may be used to charge and power downhole devices if a complete well shutdown is necessary. The methods, systems, tools, etc. may include any of the various features described herein, including one or more of the following examples. Example 1. A production flow control system, comprising: a production conduit disposeable within a well; a plurality of flow control nodes spaced along the production conduit for controlling a flow of formation fluids in the production conduit at different locations in the well, each flow control node defining at least one flow path for entry of the formation fluids into the production conduit, a closure operable to control the flow of the formation fluids in the production conduit, and a generator that generates electrical power in response to a portion of the flow directed through the generator; and an electrical grid interconnecting the plurality of flow control nodes, the generators of the flow control nodes collectively providing electrical power to the electrical grid and each closure operable with electrical power from the electrical grid. Example 2. The flow control system of Example 1, the at least one flow path comprising a primary flow path bypassing the generator in the production conduit and a secondary flow path through the generator in the production conduit. Example 3. The flow control system of Example 2, wherein the closure is operable to selectively close either the primary flow path or both the primary and secondary flow paths. Example 4. The flow control system according to Examples 1-3, each flow control node comprising a valve body physically coupled to the production conduit and defining the at least one flow path for entry of formation fluids into the production conduit, and each closure comprising a sleeve movable relative to the valve body to selectively close the at least one flow path. Example 5. The flow control system according to Example | to 4, each closure being able to operate alternately with electrical energy from the electrical network or with electrical energy from its own generator. Example 6. The flow control system according to Example 5, each closure normally operating with electrical power from its own generator when sufficient and from the electrical grid when electrical power from its own generator is insufficient. Example 7. The flow control system of Example 6, each closure being movable between at least a first position in which the flow portion directed through the generator is sufficient to provide electrical energy to operate the respective closure and a second position in which the flow portion directed through the generator is insufficient to operate the respective closure. Example 8. The flow control system according to Example 1 to 7, the a plurality of flow control nodes comprising a first flow control node that supplies electrical power to the electrical grid and a second flow control node that is simultaneously powered by the electrical grid. Example 9. The flow control system of Example 8, the plurality of flow control nodes extending over a plurality of spaced production intervals in the formation, the first flow control node being in a first production interval and the second flow control node being in a second production interval. Example 10. The flow control system according to Example 8-9, the first flow control node and the second flow control node being in the same production interval. Example 11. The flow control system of Examples 1-10, further comprising: a grid controller coupled to the electrical grid and comprising control logic for dynamically coordinating which generators supply electrical power to the grid. Example 12. The flow control system according to Examples 1 to 12, each flow control node further comprising an electronics box having a battery, a local processor and a wireless receiver. Example 13. The flow control system of Example 12, the electronics package including a battery manager for maintaining the battery below a charge threshold when the closure is in an open position, and for charging the battery above the charge threshold before moving the closure to a fully closed position. Example 14. The flow control system according to Examples 1 to 13, further comprising: a communication network for electronic communication between each flow control node and a surface of a well site. Example 15. The flow control system of Example 14, the communication network comprising a telemetry device for communicating from a downhole location to the surface, comprising one or both of a wireless connection between the flow control nodes and the telemetry device and a wireless connection between the telemetry device and the wellsite surface. Example 16. The flow control system according to Examples 1 to 15, further comprising an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter, the electrical energy generated by each generator comprising alternating current (AC) converted to DC energy by the AC-DC converter, the DC energy being transmitted over the electrical network. Example 17. A method of controlling production flow in a well, the method comprising: controlling a flow of formation fluids in a production conduit at each of a plurality of locations in a well; generating electrical power at each location in response to a portion of the flow in the production conduit at that location; collectively supplying the electrical power generated at the plurality of locations to an electrical grid; and independently adjusting the flow of formation fluids in the production conduit at each location using electrical power from the electrical grid. Example 18. The method of Example 17, further comprising: closing the flow at a selected one of the locations such that insufficient electrical power is generated at that location to reopen the flow at that location; and selectively reopening the flow at that location using electrical power from the electrical grid provided by electrical power generated at one or more other locations. Example 19. The method of Example 17-18, further comprising: wirelessly communicating between each location along the well and a telemetry device and / or between the telemetry device and a surface of a well site. Example 20. The method of Example 17-19, further comprising: generating the electrical energy at each location as AC energy; converting the AC energy to DC energy; and transmitting the DC energy along the electrical grid to each location to power the flow control at that location. Accordingly, the present embodiments are well adapted to achieve the stated objectives and advantages, as well as those inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent ways that will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings contained herein. Although individual embodiments are discussed, all combinations of each embodiment are contemplated and covered by the disclosure. Furthermore, no limitations are intended on the details of construction or design provided herein, other than those described in the claims below. Furthermore, the terms of the claims have plain and ordinary meanings unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patent owner.It is therefore obvious that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be changed or modified and that all such va- . These statements are considered to be within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

Claims

1. A production flow control system, comprising: a production conduit (70) which can be arranged inside a wells; a plurality of flow control nodes (40) spaced along of the production conduit to control a flow of fluids of training in the production pipeline at different em- placements in the well, each flow control node de- terminating at least one flow path for the entry of fluids from formation in the production conduit, a closure (52) being able operate to regulate the flow of formation fluids in the production conduit, and a generator (50) which generates energy electrical in response to a portion of the flow directed through the generator; and an electrical network (110) interconnecting the plurality of nodes flow control, in which the generators of the nodes of flow control collectively provides energy electrical to the electrical network and in which each closure can operate with electrical power from the electrical grid.

2. A flow control system according to claim 1, in which at least one flow path comprises a path primary flow (44) bypassing the generator in the conduit of production and a secondary flow path (46) through the ge- generator in the production conduit, in which, possibly, the closure can operate to selectively close either path primary flow paths, or both primary flow paths and secondary.

3. A flow control system according to claim 1 or 2, in which each flow control node comprises a body of valve (42) physically coupled to the production conduit and defining at least one flow path for the entry of fluids from training in the production pipeline, and in which each closure comprises a sleeve (54) movable relative to the body of valve for selectively closing the at least one flow path.

4. A flow control system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, in which each closure can operate alternately with electrical energy from the electrical grid or with energy electricity from its own generator, in which event- actually, each closure: operates normally with electrical energy from its own generator when sufficient and coming from the network electric when the electrical energy coming from its own genera- generator is insufficient; and is movable between at least a first position in which the part flow directed through the generator is sufficient to provide electrical energy to operate the respective closure and a second position in which the flow portion directed through the generator is insufficient to operate the closure respective.

5. A flow control system according to claim 1, in wherein the plurality of flow control nodes comprises a first flow control node that provides energy electrical to the electrical grid and a second control node flow which is simultaneously powered by the electrical network.

6. Flow control system according to claim 5, in which the plurality of flow control nodes extend over a plurality of production intervals (19A, 19B) spaced apart in the formation, in which the first flow control node is found in a first production interval (19A) and the second flow control node is in a second interval of production (19B).

7. A flow control system according to claim 5, in which the first flow control node and the second node flow control are in the same interval of production.

8. A flow control system according to any one of the claims- indications 1 to 7, further comprising: a network control device (130) coupled to the electrical network and including control logic to coordinate dynamically- mitically which generators [supply electrical energy to the grid.

9. Flow control system according to any one of the claims- indications 1 to 8, in which each flow control node further comprises an electronic housing (60) comprising a battery (168), a local processor and a wireless receiver, wherein the housing electronics optionally includes a battery manager for keep the battery below a charge threshold when the closure is in an open position, and to charge the battery au- above the load threshold before moving the closure to a fully closed position.

10. A flow control system according to any one of the claims- indications 1 to 9, further comprising: a communication network for electronic communication between each flow control node and a surface (15) of a well site, in which possibly the communication network includes a telemetry device (34) for communicating from a downhole location to the surface, comprising one or more two among a wireless connection between the control nodes flow and telemetry device and wireless connection between the telemetry device and the well site surface.

11. | A flow control system according to any one of the claims indications 1 to 10, further comprising a converter for converting a alternating current to direct current or direct current to current alternating, in which the electrical energy generated by each generator includes an alternating current converted to direct current or a direct current converted into alternating current by the converter for a transmission on the electrical network. |Claim 12] A method of controlling production flow in a well, the method comprising: the control of a flow of formation fluids in a conduit production (70) at each of a plurality of locations in a well; the generation of electrical energy at each location in response to a portion of the flow in the production conduit at level of this location; the collective supply of electrical energy generated at the level of the plurality of locations to an electrical network; and independent adjustment of the flow of formation fluids in the production pipeline at each location using electrical energy from the electrical network (110).

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: closing the flow at a selected location among the locations so that insufficient electrical energy is generated at this location to reopen the flow to the level of this location; and the selective reopening of the flow at this location at using electrical energy from the electricity grid provided by electrical energy generated at one or more other em- investments.

14. A method according to claims 12 or 13, further comprising: wireless communication between each location along the well and a telemetry device (34) and / or between the telemetry device and a surface (15) of a well site.

15. A method according to claims 12, 13 or 14, further comprising: the generation of electrical energy at each location in the form of AC energy or DC energy; the conversion of electrical energy into one of AC energy and DC energy; and the transmission of electrical energy during conversion along the electrical network to each location to power the control flow at this location.