Downhole Battery Management via Dynamic Switching and Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems for downhole drilling applications lack efficient switching and data collection capabilities, leading to suboptimal battery utilization and potential power shortages during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A battery management system with switching circuitry and data collection circuitry that allows for the connection and disconnection of batteries in parallel, along with a controller to manage battery usage based on thresholds, ensuring optimal power distribution and extending battery life by using multiple batteries as constant or backup power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple batteries are connected in parallel without switching circuitry, then the power capacity is increased, but the battery utilization efficiency deteriorates and potential power shortages occur during drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic battery management through switching circuitry that can connect or disconnect individual batteries from the power bus based on real-time usage levels. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt power distribution to actual operational needs, preventing both power shortages and inefficient battery utilization that would occur with static parallel connections.
2Power
If batteries are continuously connected in parallel, then the available power is increased, but the battery life deteriorates due to suboptimal utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages battery connections based on usage levels, disconnecting batteries that have reached their usage threshold from the power bus. This prevents over-discharge and extends battery life while maintaining sufficient power availability through the controller's ability to switch between available batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The data collection circuitry continuously monitors battery parameters including usage levels, and this feedback information is used by the controller to make informed decisions about which batteries to connect or disconnect. This closed-loop control optimizes both power availability and battery lifespan by preventing suboptimal utilization patterns.
3Productivity
If switching circuitry is added to manage battery connections, then the battery utilization efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery management function into discrete, modular components: individual switching elements for each battery connection point, separate data collection circuitry for monitoring battery parameters, and a controller that processes this information. This segmentation makes the system manageable and scalable while achieving efficient battery utilization.
4Measurement precision
If data collection circuitry is implemented to monitor battery parameters, then the battery management precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives and processes data from the data collection circuitry, determines usage levels based on this data, controls the switching circuitry to connect or disconnect batteries, and manages power distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving precise battery parameter monitoring and management.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed at methods, systems, and techniques for managing batteries for use in a downhole drilling application. The system includes a power bus, pairs of battery terminals for connecting to batteries, switching circuitry that connects and disconnects the batteries to the power bus, data collection circuitry that obtains battery parameters obtained during system operation, and a controller that controls the switching circuitry and receives the battery parameters. A control line connects the controller to the switching circuitry and a data line connects the controller to the data collection circuitry, with the control and data lines being distinct such that control and data signals are not multiplexed with each other.