Capacitive Wireline Cable for High-Energy Downhole EH Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage techniques for downhole electro-hydraulic applications are limited by the need for costly specialized conductors and restricted space, which hampers the efficient delivery of high-energy pulses required for electro-hydraulic fracturing in tight reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive cable with integrated wire-shaped capacitors, configured in bundles and connected via thin ribbons, is used to store and rapidly release electrical energy to a downhole electro-hydraulic tool, enhancing energy delivery efficiency and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If specialized conductors are used for energy storage, then energy delivery capacity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy storage function with the existing wireline deployment system by integrating capacitive elements directly into the cable structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate specialized conductors, achieving high energy delivery capacity while using standard, cost-effective wireline materials and deployment infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireline is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the deployment medium for the downhole tool and the energy storage system simultaneously. The capacitive elements integrated into the wireline enable it to store and deliver high-energy pulses required for electro-hydraulic fracturing, while maintaining compatibility with standard wireline deployment operations.
2Power
If more energy is stored downhole, then electro-hydraulic fracturing effectiveness is improved, but available space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from storing energy in discrete downhole components to distributing energy storage along the entire length of the wireline. By integrating capacitive elements throughout the cable structure rather than concentrating them in a single downhowe device, the system achieves high total energy storage capacity while utilizing the extended spatial dimension of the wireline itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive elements are integrated within the existing wireline structure, nesting the energy storage function inside the deployment medium. This allows the energy storage system to occupy the same physical space as the wireline without requiring additional downhole volume, effectively hiding the energy storage capacity within the already-present cable infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If standard wireline is used for deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but energy storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wireline is enhanced to perform dual functions: maintaining its role as a simple deployment medium while simultaneously serving as an energy storage system. The integrated capacitive elements enable standard wireline to deliver high-energy pulses for electro-hydraulic fracturing without complicating the deployment process or requiring specialized handling procedures.
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
The capacitive cable enables efficient and cost-effective storage and release of up to 450 kJ of electrical energy, facilitating effective electro-hydraulic fracturing in tight reservoirs by integrating energy storage within the tool deployment wireline.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive cable with integrated wire-shaped capacitors, configured in bundles and connected via thin ribbons, is used to store and rapidly release electrical energy to a downhole electro-hydraulic tool
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive cable, as well as a method for operating a downhole electro-hydraulic (EH) tool using the capacitive cable, are described herein. The capacitive cable includes at least one standard conductor and at least one capacitive conductor including integrated wire-shaped capacitors. The method includes inserting a tool string including the capacitive cable and an attached downhole EH tool into a wellbore and conducting power from the surface to the downhole EH tool via the standard conductor(s) of the capacitive cable. The method also includes storing electrical energy downhole within the capacitive conductor(s) of the capacitive cable, and activating the downhole EH tool to provide for the rapid release of the electrical energy from the capacitive conductor(s) into the downhole EH tool, initiating an electro-hydraulic event within the wellbore.