Acoustic Wireless Network Nodes for Wellbore Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data transmission mechanisms are ineffective in spectrum-constrained environments, such as hydrocarbon wells, where communication is limited by narrow frequency ranges, making it difficult to transmit data acoustically.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an acoustic wireless network with a plurality of nodes spaced along a tone transmission medium, utilizing predetermined lookup tables to encode and decode characters by selecting specific frequencies for transmission and reception, and power conservation methods to optimize node operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional data transmission mechanisms are used in spectrum-constrained environments, then communication reliability deteriorates, but the frequency range remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the limited frequency spectrum into multiple discrete frequency bins or channels. Each node in the acoustic wireless network can selectively transmit and receive data on specific frequency bins, effectively dividing the narrow frequency range into multiple usable communication paths. This segmentation allows reliable data transmission by distributing information across multiple frequency segments rather than relying on a single frequency channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the frequency-limited acoustic communication by implementing time-division multiplexing and sequential frequency hopping. Nodes transmit on different frequency bins at different time intervals, effectively adding the time dimension to compensate for the limited frequency dimension. This multi-dimensional approach (frequency + time) enables reliable communication despite the narrow available frequency range.
2Reliability
If nodes continuously monitor and transmit acoustic tones to maintain communication, then communication reliability improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and transmission cycles where nodes alternate between active communication phases and low-power sleep phases. During each period, nodes transmit acoustic tones at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, and listen for incoming tones during specific time windows. This periodic operation maintains communication reliability by ensuring regular contact between nodes while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic wireless network implements self-organizing mechanisms where nodes autonomously adjust their transmission and listening schedules based on detected network activity. When a node detects an incoming tone, it automatically wakes from sleep mode to respond, and nodes self-coordinate to avoid collisions. This self-service capability maintains reliable communication without requiring centralized power management, allowing each node to optimize its own power consumption while maintaining network connectivity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable acoustic communication in spectrum-constrained environments by effectively encoding and decoding data across limited frequency ranges while conserving power in the acoustic wireless network.
Implementation Method 1
An acoustic wireless network may be utilized to wirelessly transmit an acoustic signal, such as a vibration, via a tone transmission medium
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of acoustically communicating acoustically within a wellbore and wells that utilize the methods are disclosed herein. The methods generally utilize an acoustic wireless network including a plurality of nodes spaced-apart along a length of a tone transmission medium. In some embodiments, the disclosure includes methods of conserving power in the acoustic wireless network.