Downhole Fluid-Powered Pulse Powering for Reduced Transmission Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse power drilling requires substantial electrical power to create high internal pressure for rock fracturing, but conventional electrical power transmission from the surface is inefficient, leading to energy loss and operational challenges in downhole operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole system that generates electrical power from drilling fluid flow, using a downhole motor and generator to convert hydraulic energy into electrical energy, which is then stored and discharged intermittently to power electrodes for pulse power drilling, reducing transmission losses and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electrical power is transmitted from the surface to downhole operations, then devices can be powered, but energy loss increases and transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces drilling fluid as an intermediary energy carrier that transports energy from the surface to downhole operations. The fluid-based power transmission system uses pressurized fluid to drive downhole motors, which then generate electrical power locally, eliminating the need for direct electrical transmission through the drill string and reducing energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical transmission system with a fluid-based mechanical power transmission system. Instead of transmitting electrical power through conductors, the system uses pressurized drilling fluid to drive downhole motors, converting hydraulic energy to mechanical energy, and then to electrical energy at the downhole location.
2Power
If substantial electrical power is supplied for pulse power drilling, then rock fracturing effectiveness improves, but transmission losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary energy storage by accumulating electrical power in capacitors during periods when fluid flow is available, so that substantial power can be delivered to the electrodes during pulse power drilling operations. This allows the system to build up energy reserves in advance and release them when needed for effective rock fracturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling fluid serves as an intermediary that carries hydraulic energy to downhole motors, which convert it to electrical energy stored in capacitors. This indirect energy transmission path avoids the losses associated with direct electrical transmission while enabling substantial power delivery for pulse power drilling.
3Loss of energy
If fluid-based power generation is implemented downhole, then transmission efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the drilling fluid serve multiple functions: it acts as both the drilling medium for cuttings removal and as the power transmission medium for downhole operations. The same fluid that performs conventional drilling functions is also pressurized to drive downhole motors, eliminating the need for separate power transmission infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power generation and drilling operations by using the drilling fluid flow to drive downhole motors that generate electrical power. This combination integrates multiple functions into a unified system where the fluid-based power generation is embedded within the existing drilling infrastructure, minimizing additional complexity.
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
This approach enables efficient power delivery for pulse power drilling by minimizing energy loss and ensuring sufficient power for rock fracturing, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of downhole operations.
Implementation Method 1
A downhole system that generates electrical power from drilling fluid flow, using a downhole motor and generator to convert hydraulic energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
using a downhole motor and generator to convert hydraulic energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
The power can be stored in capacitors in the drill string and periodically discharged therefrom to perform pulse power drilling
Implementation Method 4
Pulse power drilling requires substantial electrical power to create high internal pressure for rock fracturing
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supplying, via an electrical interface, an output electrical power to an electrical load that is downhole in a borehole formed in a subsurface formation, includes generating mechanical energy from a flow of a fluid being delivered into the borehole; converting the mechanical energy into an input electrical power; storing the input electrical power into a primary capacitor, wherein the input electrical power has a variance that is greater than a variance threshold. The method includes performing the following operations while continuing to generate the mechanical energy generated from the flow of the fluid, in response to determining that at least one load criteria is satisfied, discharging the input electrical power from the primary capacitor to the electrical load to power a downhole operation by the electrical load.