Auxiliary Power Segmentation in Well Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Well stimulation operations rely on inefficient diesel engines that require frequent refueling and idle time, leading to high parasitic loads and reduced efficiency, as they power both high-pressure pumping units and auxiliary systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a central electrical power generating system to power low-powered auxiliary systems on mobile well stimulation equipment units, allowing diesel engines to be fully shut down between stages and reducing parasitic loads, thereby increasing the power available for high-pressure pumping and other equipment components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If diesel engines power both high-pressure pumping units and auxiliary systems, then all equipment can be powered independently, but engine idle time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two independent parts: diesel engines exclusively for high-pressure pumping units and a separate central electrical power generating system for auxiliary systems. This segmentation allows each system to operate independently, eliminating the need for diesel engines to idle while powering auxiliary equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power requirement is extracted from the diesel engine system and assigned to a separate central electrical power generating system. This extraction removes the parasitic load of auxiliary systems from the diesel engines, allowing them to be shut down completely when not needed for pumping operations.
2Ease of operation
If diesel engines power all systems, then equipment can operate autonomously, but fuel consumption increases due to frequent refueling
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel consumption problem is addressed by segmenting the power sources: diesel fuel is used only for high-pressure pumping operations when needed, while auxiliary systems are powered by electricity from a central generating system, reducing overall diesel fuel consumption and refueling frequency.
3Power
If diesel engines power auxiliary systems, then complete power independence is achieved, but parasitic load reduces available power for pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The parasitic load of auxiliary systems is extracted from the diesel engine power output by assigning it to a separate central electrical power generating system. This extraction increases the available power from diesel engines exclusively for high-pressure pumping operations, eliminating the energy loss to auxiliary systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual diesel powered units are used, then each unit is self-contained, but refueling operations must be performed multiple times daily
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling frequency problem is solved by segmenting power requirements: the central electrical power generating system handles auxiliary power needs continuously without refueling interruptions, while diesel engines for pumping are refueled only when pumping operations require them, significantly reducing overall refueling frequency and time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, a system and method for using a central electric power generating system on a well stimulation location to drive the lower powered auxiliary systems on one or more mobile well stimulation equipment units is provided. The disclosed system may include an external electric power generating system for generating and outputting electric power, and a separate well stimulation equipment unit coupled to the external electric power generating system. The well stimulation equipment unit may include an on-board engine which provides motive energy to a high power component of the well stimulation equipment unit. The well stimulation equipment unit also includes a low power auxiliary system, which can be electrically coupled to the central electric power generating system. The central electric power generating system provides electric power for operating the low power auxiliary system.