Cranked Rod Pump Solar Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walking beam pumping apparatuses are large, complex, and difficult to control, making them inefficient and impractical for remote locations without access to power grids or maintenance roads, and they often require backup energy sources, which is undesirable in some applications.
Innovation Solution
A cranked rod pumping apparatus that imparts reciprocating vertical motion to a sucker-rod pump using a cranked mechanical actuator with a pneumatic counterbalance arrangement, powered by a solar energy source, eliminating the need for electrical storage and allowing operation in remote locations with minimal infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional walking beam pumping apparatus is used, then pumping function is achieved, but the apparatus size becomes large and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The walking beam apparatus is segmented into modular components including a motor assembly, crank mechanism, counterweight system, and rod pump components. This segmentation allows for reduced individual component sizes while maintaining overall functionality, directly addressing the contradiction between complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary mechanical components from the conventional walking beam design, retaining only the essential elements (crank, rod, pump) while removing redundant parts. This extraction reduces both apparatus complexity and physical size while preserving the core pumping function.
2Productivity
If conventional walking beam apparatus with complex drive mechanisms is used, then pumping is achieved, but control difficulty increases and pumping efficiency cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically controllable motor assembly that can adjust operating parameters in real-time based on well conditions. This dynamic control capability enables optimization of pumping efficiency while simplifying operation through automated adjustment, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor pumping performance and well conditions, automatically adjusting motor speed, crank position, and counterweight settings to maintain optimal efficiency. This feedback system eliminates the need for complex manual control while maximizing productivity.
3Reliability
If conventional walking beam apparatus is used in remote locations, then pumping function is achieved, but reliance on backup energy sources is required
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is designed as a universal energy interface that can operate with multiple energy sources including solar panels, wind turbines, or grid power without requiring complex backup systems. This multi-functionality provides reliability in remote locations while maintaining simplicity by using a single integrated motor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to autonomously manage energy input variations through its control system, automatically adjusting operations to match available energy supply. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex backup energy systems while ensuring reliable operation in remote locations.
4Productivity
If continually reversing motor is used in linear rod pump apparatus, then pumping action is achieved, but motor wear increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a counterweight mechanism that balances the reciprocating mass of the rod and pump components, reducing the peak reverse torque requirements on the motor. This counterbalancing allows for more efficient motor operation with reduced energy loss during direction changes, resolving the contradiction between pumping action efficiency and motor energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved apparatus and method are provided, for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, through use of a cranked rod pumping (CRP) apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke. The CRP apparatus includes a motor driven cranked mechanical actuator arrangement. The cranked mechanical actuator arrangement includes a substantially vertically moveable member attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump. The actuator arrangement may include pneumatic counterbalancing.