Method and apparatus for safely enabling and disabling energy storage modules in hazardous environments

Abstract

Embodiments presented provide for a connection between high power sources to downhole equipment. In embodiments, methods and apparatus are presented to allow connection of power sources in hazardous environments, such as gaseous environments containing explosive hydrocarbons.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SAFELY ENABLING AND DISABLING ENERGY STORAGE MODULES IN HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 549856, filed February 5, 2024.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Aspects of the disclosure relate to energy storage arrangements. More specifically, aspects of the disclosure relate to methods and apparatus enabling and disabling energy storage modules located in hazardous environments, such as hydrocarbon gaseous environments.BACKGROUND

[0003] Downhole tools are used for a variety of applications. These applications may include geological formation fluid testing, temperature measurement, core sampling, and pressure measurement. The functions may be performed at different elevations in the wellbore and in different environments. Due to the variability of various factors, operators must be prepared for many types of scenarios. Unfortunately, many scenarios that are encountered include dangerous conditions. While drilling for hydrocarbon deposits has occurred for over 100 years, there is still variability that is encountered by operators. While many hydrocarbon recovery operations concentrate on liquid hydrocarbon recovery, some hydrocarbon recovery operations may involve gaseous materials. Even if a liquid hydrocarbon recovery operation is contemplated, discovery of a liquid phase hydrocarbon within the geological stratum does not necessarily equate to retention of a hydrocarbon liquid at the surface.

[0004] During operations, tools may be immersed in the hydrocarbon fluid and then removed. Such removal operations invariably result in hydrocarbons mixing with oxygenat various levels. The mixing of oxygen with hydrocarbons within the wellbore may lead to environments that are explosive. Unintended ignition sources can potentially ignite the hazardous atmosphere; therefore, operations are planned to limit the number of ignition sources.

[0005] While ignition sources may be limited by certain wellbore tool designs, all wellbore tool designs still use electricity as a power source to perform downhole functions. The supply of electrical energy itself may be sufficient to create a spark enough to cause an unintended ignition. There is a need; therefore, to prevent that potential ignition source from occurring. Conventional apparatus do not limit this potential ignition source.

[0006] In downhole logging operations there is a need for connecting downhole logging equipment together before the logging equipment is deployed downhole. Conventionally, energy storage tools, such as battery tools, may be used to power the downhole logging equipment. The energy storage tools can utilize controller boards to enable or disable power to other downhole logging equipment.

[0007] In conventional applications, the connection of the various logging instruments happens above the well head, a hazardous area, where gases from the subsurface could be ignited by a source of energy, leading to catastrophic consequences. Such connections are dangerous and provide an unacceptable risk for field workers. In practice, the connections are made at large distances away from the wellhead to minimize the risk of explosion. This requires lifting and carrying various components, large distances, which increases the overall economic costs.

[0008] Furthermore, in some instances, the 'hot connection or disconnection' of equipment is an issue. Such connections may have high voltages that are connected or disconnected in the same instant as communication lines are being connected ordisconnected. While protection devices exist, they may not be practical or sufficiently efficient.

[0009] Currently, existing apparatus and methods do not exist to limit these hazards. There is a need to limit the exposure of energy sources within the hazardous environment.

[0010] There is a need to provide an apparatus and methods that are easier to operate than conventional apparatus and methods.

[0011] There is a further need to provide apparatus and methods that do not have the drawbacks discussed above, namely excessive transportation of combined energy storage tools with accompanying power equipment to limit the exposure of the workers to dangerous activities within certain environments.

[0012] There is a still further need to reduce economic costs associated with operations and apparatus described above with conventional tools.SUMMARY

[0013] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized below, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments without specific recitation. Accordingly, the following summary provides just a few aspects of the description and should not be used to limit the described embodiments to a single concept.

[0014] In one example, a method for connecting an electrical component is disclosed. The method may comprise precharging an energy storage module away from a hazardous area containing an explosive atmosphere. The method may also comprise disabling an output of the energy storage module to connection joints through a controller. The method may also comprise connecting all energy storage and downhole logging modules using joints. The method may also comprise activating the precharged energy storage module through use of a joint connection sensor as a last electrical connection is established. The method may also comprise powering the electrical component through the energy storage module.

[0015] In another example embodiment, a method for safely disabling an energy storage module from an electrical component is disclosed. The method may comprise retrieving a tool string of downhole logging modules from a downhole location to a surface location. The method may further comprise identifying a surface location of the tool string through use of an environmental sensor. The method may further comprise identifying when an additional interlock method for the method is initiated. The method may further comprise in a condition when an additional interlock is not initiated, disabling output of the energy storage modules prior to any disconnection. The method may further comprise in a condition where an additional interlock is protecting against a hot disconnection initiated, identifying when a disconnection action is starting to occur and disconnecting the energy storage module prior to completion of the disconnection.

[0016] In another example embodiment, an arrangement for safely enabling and disabling electrical connections in a hazardous environment is disclosed. The arrangement may comprise at least one energy storage module. The arrangement may also comprise a electrical connection between the at least one energy storage module and connected components outside of the arrangement. The arrangement may alsocomprise at least one environmental sensor. The arrangement may also comprise at least one electrical board, the board comprising: a voltage regulator, a microcontroller connected to the voltage regulator, and a circuit for enabling and disabling the microcontroller wherein the voltage regulator is configured to control a voltage generated from the at least one energy storage module to the connected components and the environmental sensor is connected to the microcontroller.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted; however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an example of an energy storage module in one non-limiting example embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a method for enabling an energy storage module in a hazardous environment in one example embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a method for disabling an energy storage module in a hazardous environment in one example embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures (“FIGS”). It iscontemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and / or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim. Likewise, reference to “the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of inventive subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered to be an element or limitation of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim.

[0023] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, components, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first”, “second” and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0024] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, coupled to the other element or layer, or interleaving elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no interleaving elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0025] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. Like elements in the various figures will be referenced with like numbers for consistency. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments and / or features. It will be understood; however, by those skilled in the art, that some embodiments may be practiced without many of these details, and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. As used herein, the terms “above” and “below”, “up” and “down”, “upper” and “lower”, “upwardly” and “downwardly”, and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point are used in this description to more clearly describe certain embodiments.

[0026] Aspects of methods described may be included onto a non-volatile memory system. For definitional purposes, a non-volatile memory system may be a memory system that does not wipe clean after termination of electrical power to the system. Examples of non-volatile memory systems may be compact disks, solid-state drives, and universal serial bus devices. These memory systems may be used to store program executable method steps for a computer, server, or computing arrangement.

[0027] Example embodiments of the disclosure provide for a system and method to allow for safely enabling and disabling energy storage modules in hazardous environments. Referring to FIG. 1 , a non-limiting embodiment is illustrated comprising an arrangement 100. The arrangement 100 provides for at least one energy storage module 102. In the embodiment illustrated, there is a single energy storage module 102; however, other numbers of energy storage modules may be used. Each of the energy storage modules 102 may be configured with an energy output disabling mechanism and enabling mechanism. In this instance, the energy output disabling and enabling mechanism 114 may be a switch or a diode. In specific embodiments, a diode configuration may be more applicable in highly explosive environments. The output of the output disabling and enabling mechanism 114 may be used to go to power components in the tool string, as illustrated. The energy storage modules 102 may be, in some embodiments, a battery that is configured to survive downhole environments. Other configurations are possible, including a super capacitor or multiple fault tolerant smaller batteries, connected together as a system.

[0028] Further referring to FIG. 1 , each energy storage module may be configured with a dedicated controller board 104. In embodiments, the dedicated controller board may house the disabling and enabling mechanism 114, as well as a voltage regulator 112, that is connected between the energy storage 102 and the disabling and enabling mechanism 114. The voltage regulator 112 is configured, in one example embodiment, to limit the overall amount of voltage that may be present in the circuit between the energy storage 102 and the disabling and enabling mechanism 114.

[0029] Smart control of the voltage regulator 112 may be performed by a micro controller 110 that acts in concert with the voltage regulator 112. As there may be times where the overall activity of the dedicated controller board 104 and energy storage mechanism 102 may be limited, some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , provide wake-up hardwareto activate the micro controller 110 and voltage regulator 112 after a period of inactivity. In a parallel type of operation, hardware for the voltage regulator 112 and micro controller 110 may be deactivated by internal programming after a specific amount of predefined time has lapsed with no activity. Such suspension or deactivation allows for extended downhole life for the arrangement 100 as power is only drawn from the energy storage mechanism 102 when needed by the arrangement 100.

[0030] In embodiments, the wake-up hardware 108 may be actuated through interaction with a communication box 106 as a portion of the arrangement 100. The actuation of the wake-up hardware 108 may occur through wireless communication through signals transmitted from the communication box 106 to the wake-up hardware. Such actuation may occur through a Wi-Fi signal or other type of signal generated by the communication box.

[0031] In a still further embodiment, communications between the wake-up hardware 108 and the communication box 106 may occur from the controller board 104 to the communications box 106. In a similar fashion, a Wi-Fi signal may be used. Data transmitted between the wake-up hardware 108 and the communication box 106 may include, for example, active voltage regulation conditions and the status of the micro controller. The micro controller 110 may also be fitted with a memory that allows data pertaining to voltage regulation activities to be time stamped and then delivered to the communication box 106 for review by drilling engineers at the surface.

[0032] The communication box 106 may be located in one sealed unit in the vicinity of the controller board 104 and the energy storage modules 102. In other embodiments, the communication box may be located in a sub placed in the tool string. The sub may be strategically positioned to be located far enough away from other machinery, such as running motors or other equipment, that may produce interference with the signalsproduced or processed by the wake-up hardware 108 and / or communication box 106. As will be understood, for longer distances, a longer communication wavelength may be chosen. In a similar manner, a shorter communication wavelength may be used for shorter distances. Optimally, using a shorter overall tool string is preferred compared to longer tool strings; therefore, where possible, shorter distances are preferred, but are not necessary. In some embodiments, signals other than Wi-Fi signals may be used. These signals may be directly transmitted to and from the communication box 106 and the wakeup hardware 108 through a direct connection.

[0033] In some embodiments, a dedicated controller board 104 is provided for each energy storage module 102 that is present. In other configurations, a single controller board 104 for multiple energy storage modules 102. In embodiments, a sensor may be used in conjunction with the arrangement 100. The sensor may be used as a type of proximity switch for placement of the controller board 104 to a hazardous environment. For example, a switch may be provided and placed upon the controller board 104 such as the enable or disable tool power switch 114, to activate or deactivate the flow of electricity. The switch is activated when a target gas is identified by the switch. The sensor may be a type of proximity switch, e.g. Reed or Hall switch, on one side of the joint and magnet on the other side of the joint.

[0034] Enablement of the circuitry provided by the wake-up hardware 108 has its own power source, for redundancy and hazardous environment mitigation. For example, the wake-up hardware 108 may be provided with a pre-charged energy storage device. In one non-limiting embodiment, the wake-up hardware 108 may be coupled with a capacitor that is sealed from the hazardous environment. In embodiments, the wake-up hardware 108 is configured to be activated with a minimum of electrical energy provided. The capacitor placed in conjunction with the wake-up hardware 108 may be insulated fromheat and pressure such that it minimally discharges over time due to environmental factors.

[0035] In embodiments, the pre-charged energy storage device, such as a capacitor, and accompanying wake-up hardware 108, and other enabling circuitry, is completely isolated from joints by the joint connection sensor, to prevent accidental premature discharge due to water, conductive material present on the connector, or human touching of the pins. The isolation provided also slows any potential leakage rate of the precharged energy storage device.

[0036] In embodiments, the pre-charged energy storage device and enabling circuitry are activated when the two joints are connected by using a joint connection sensor. After the joint electrical contacts are connected, the enabling circuitry will then enable the large capacity energy storage module. As defined herein, joints are portions of the electrical circuit that may be disconnected or connected based upon a status of the circuitry. For example, a switch may be used to complete an electrical circuit wherein when the switch is in the off position, two joints are present. When the switch is placed in the on position, the two points are connected, thereby completing the circuit.

[0037] Embodiments described in the disclosure may be equipped with various sensors to aid the arrangement 100 to provide for the goal of safely enabling and disabling energy storage modules in hazardous environments. As will be understood, not all hydrocarbon atmospheres are combustible under all circumstances. Furthermore, other environmental factors may help or hinder combustive activity to which the arrangement 100 is exposed. Other various sensors may be placed on the controller board 104 or may accompany the controller board 104 and interact with the enabling circuitry provided by the wake-up hardware 108 and / or the tool power switch 114. In embodiments, a temperature sensor may be used to record the temperature of the surroundingatmosphere that the arrangement 100 is exposed to. As will be readily understood, higher ambient temperatures surrounding the arrangement may require less overall energy to ignite; therefore, an accurate measurement of temperature may be provided in some embodiments. Such temperature sensors may have their own pre-configured electrical storage devices to ensure that the temperature sensors do not fail to accurately read the ambient temperature environment.

[0038] In other embodiments, pressure may be measured near the arrangement 100. In still further embodiments, an oxygen sensor may be provided with the controller board 104 or, in other arrangements, connected to the wake-up hardware 108 or micro controller 110. As will be understood, an absence of oxygen will decrease the explosive tendency for an environment. Oxygen presence or the lack of oxygen; therefore, may be an important factor on whether a dangerous environment is present. As will be understood, a less explosive atmosphere may be present when there is a lack of oxygen; therefore, connection of the energy storage modules 102 to the tool string may be appropriate. In other instances, if a very high amount of oxygen is present, a combustible or explosive environment may be present, thereby necessitating a curtailment of connection between the energy storage module 102 and the tool string.

[0039] In some embodiments, each of the sensors described above, such as an oxygen sensor, a temperature sensor, other combination sensors, such as a mass density sensor, may be equipped to not only measure a specific value, but may also be stored for further use. Such further use may be, for example, to provide for trending of a wellbore. It may be seen through review of the data from an oxygen sensor that oxygen levels are increasing in the environment near the arrangement 100 for over a period of time (3 hours). It may be deduced from that data that an explosive environment may be present, if the rise continues, in 2 additional hours. In those circumstances, connection in the two hours leading up to that point may be accomplished because an explosiveatmosphere has not been encountered. The storing of the data generated by the sensors may be stored in a central repository on the connector board 104 that may be interconnected with the communication box 106 for sending data to an up-hole environment. Data may be provided at regular intervals or through a query provided by engineers working in the up-hole environment.

[0040] In embodiments, the sensors that are used may be utilized with other types of downhole equipment. In one non-limiting embodiment, different sections of the downhole tool string may be used for different functions. One such function may include logging operations where a memory arrangement is used to store information. In such instances, the sensors may interact with the downhole logging module for transferring data to the surface. The provision of data may be through, in one embodiment, a Wi Fi signal.

[0041] In embodiments, the environmental sensors; for example pressure, temperature, inclinometer, etc. sensors, may have data values buffered within the downhole logging modules, such that during defined times, transfer of data is performed. As such, the data transfer, as well as the power provision may be part of an integrated wellbore plan for engineers.

[0042] In one example embodiment, each downhole logging module may be configured with power and data lines. These configurations may consume power from the power lines and communicate with other modules using data lines.

[0043] Example embodiments of the disclosure also provide a method for enabling or disabling an electrical connection to downhole components. The method provided describes a safe sequence that may be performed by engineers for power up or power down activities. An example of a safe enabling sequence of the energy storage module to prevent hot connection is described in relation to FIG. 2. The method 200 may include,pre-charging an energy device away from a hazardous area, for example during operational checks, prior to job start at 202. At 204, the energy storage module controllers disable the output to the connection joints while away from the hazardous area, for example, at the end of the operational check. At 206, all energy storage and downhole logging modules are connected using joints. As the last joint is connected and sealed from the hazardous environment, the joint connection sensor activates the pre-charged energy storage device and enabling circuitry. At 208, after the last joint electrical contacts were connected, the enabling circuitry activates the energy storage module controller, which enables the output of the energy storage modules, thereby enabling a safe power up of the downhole logging modules.

[0044] An example of a safe disabling method 300 sequence of the energy storage module is described in relation to FIG. 3. At 302, the method entails, at the end of the job, the tool string of downhole logging modules is retrieved back to surface. At 304, when the module is at the surface, an environmental sensor, for example a pressure sensor, in communication with the controller recognizes that the string is back at surface. At 306, there are two possibilities when the tool string is located up-hole. A query is run if there is an additional interlock method initiated. If there is no additional interlock method initiated, then, at 308, protection against hot disconnection is initiated wherein a primary controller within the downhole logging modules recognizes it is back at surface, sends a communication command to disable output of energy storage modules prior to joint disconnections. If, at 306, an additional interlock method is initiated, then, at 310, the primary controller recognizes it is back within the surface environment. It then waits for an electrical disconnection of a module before sending, at 312, a communication to the energy storage modules to disable power output. This sequence happens quickly before a joint is unsealed into the hazardous environment.

[0045] Example embodiments of the claims are described next. The example embodiments should not be considered limiting of the disclosure. In one example, a method for connecting an electrical component is disclosed. The method may comprise precharging an energy storage module away from a hazardous area containing an explosive atmosphere. The method may also comprise disabling an output of the energy storage module to connection joints through a controller. The method may also comprise connecting all energy storage and downhole logging modules using joints. The method may also comprise activating the pre-charged energy storage module through use of a joint connection sensor as a last electrical connection is established. The method may also comprise powering the electrical component through the energy storage module.

[0046] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed where the energy storage module is at least one battery.

[0047] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the energy storage module is at least one super capacitor.

[0048] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the disabling the output of the energy storage module to connection joints through the controller occurs at an end of an operational check.

[0049] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the electrical component is a downhole logging module in a tool string.

[0050] In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise logging at least a portion of a wellbore with the downhole logging module.

[0051] In another example embodiment, a method of safely disabling an energy storage module from an electrical component is disclosed. The method may comprise retrieving a tool string of downhole logging modules from a downhole location to a surface location. The method may further comprise identifying a surface location of the tool string through use of an environmental sensor. The method may further comprise identifying when an additional interlock method for the method is initiated. The method may further comprise in a condition when an additional interlock is not initiated, disabling output of the energy storage modules prior to any disconnection. The method may further comprise in a condition where an additional interlock is protecting against a hot disconnection initiated, identifying when a disconnection action is starting to occur and disconnecting the energy storage module prior to completion of the disconnection.

[0052] In another example embodiment, the method is performed in a hazardous environment and the disconnecting is performed prior to exposure of the disconnection to the hazardous environment.

[0053] In another example embodiment, the method is performed wherein the hazardous environment is an explosive atmosphere.

[0054] In another example embodiment, the method is performed wherein the energy storage module is at least one battery.

[0055] In another example embodiment, the method is performed wherein the energy storage module is at least one super capacitor.

[0056] In another example embodiment, the method is performed wherein the environmental sensor is a pressure sensor.

[0057] In another example embodiment, an arrangement for safely enabling and disabling electrical connections in a hazardous environment is disclosed. The arrangement may comprise at least one energy storage module. The arrangement may also comprise an electrical connection between the at least one energy storage module and connected components outside of the arrangement. The arrangement may also comprise at least one environmental sensor. The arrangement may also comprise at least one electrical board, the board comprising: a voltage regulator, a microcontroller connected to the voltage regulator, and a circuit for enabling and disabling the microcontroller wherein the voltage regulator is configured to control a voltage generated from the at least one energy storage module to the connected components and the environmental sensor is connected to the microcontroller.

[0058] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may be configured wherein the connected components include downhole equipment.

[0059] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may be configured wherein the circuit for enabling and disabling the microcontroller is configured to interact with components outside the arrangement through a Wi Fi signal.

[0060] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may be configured wherein the at least one energy storage module is a battery.

[0061] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may be configured wherein the electrical connection contains a switch.

[0062] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may be configured wherein the switch is one of a Reed switch and a Hall switch.

[0063] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0064] While embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments are envisioned that do not depart from the inventive scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present claims or any subsequent claims shall not be unduly limited by the description of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A method for connecting an electrical component, comprising: pre-charging an energy storage module away from a hazardous area containing an explosive atmosphere; disabling an output of the energy storage module to connection joints through a controller; connecting all energy storage and downhole logging modules using joints; activating the pre-charged energy storage module through use of a joint connection sensor as a last electrical connection is established; and powering the electrical component through the energy storage module.

2. The method according to claim 1 , where the energy storage module is at least one battery.

3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the energy storage module is at least one super capacitor.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the disabling the output of the energy storage module to connection joints through the controller occurs at an end of an operational check.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the electrical component is a downhole logging module in a tool string.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising logging at least a portion of a wellbore with the downhole logging module.

7. A method of safely disabling an energy storage module from an electrical component, comprising: retrieving a tool string of downhole logging modules from a downhole location to a surface location; identifying a surface location of the tool string through use of an environmental sensor; identifying when an additional interlock method for the method is initiated; in a condition when an additional interlock is not initiated, disabling output of the energy storage modules prior to any disconnection; and in a condition where an additional interlock is protecting against a hot disconnection initiated, identifying when a disconnection action is starting to occur and disconnecting the energy storage module prior to completion of the disconnection.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the method is performed in a hazardous environment and the disconnecting is performed prior to exposure of the disconnection to the hazardous environment.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the hazardous environment is an explosive atmosphere.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the energy storage module is at least one battery.11 . The method according to claim 7, wherein the energy storage module is at least one super capacitor.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein the environmental sensor is a pressure sensor.

13. An arrangement for safely enabling and disabling electrical connections in a hazardous environment, comprising: at least one energy storage module; an electrical connection between the at least one energy storage module and connected components outside of the arrangement; at least one environmental sensor; and at least one electrical board, the board comprising: a voltage regulator; a microcontroller connected to the voltage regulator; and a circuit for enabling and disabling the microcontroller wherein the voltage regulator is configured to control a voltage generated from the at least one energy storage module to the connected components and the environmental sensor is connected to the microcontroller.

14. The arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the connected components include downhole equipment.

15. The arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the circuit for enabling and disabling the microcontroller is configured to interact with components outside the arrangement through a Wi Fi signal.

16. The arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the at least one energy storage module is a battery.

17. The arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the electrical connection contains a switch.

18. The arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the switch is one of a Reed switch and a Hall switch.

19. The method as illustrated and described.

20. The apparatus as illustrated and described.

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