Downhole Inductive Coil Powering via Oscillating Magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oil wells face challenges in generating sufficient electrical energy downhole to power sensors and other devices due to low fluid rates, limiting the operation of electrically-operated devices and data collection in wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore system incorporating an inductive coil and a magnetic element that oscillates within the coil to generate electrical energy, utilizing either a device conveyed in the wellbore or a magnetic element oscillated from the surface, enabling the powering of downhole devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional wellbore operations are used with low fluid rates, then the existing wellbore system can operate, but sufficient electrical energy cannot be generated to power sensors and devices downhole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional hydraulic energy generation system (which relies on fluid flow through turbines) with an electromagnetic induction system. A magnetic element is oscillated relative to a coil assembly to generate electrical energy through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the dependency on high fluid rates for power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by introducing an oscillating magnetic element that moves relative to the coil assembly. This mechanical oscillation parameter is converted into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction, providing a new mechanism for energy generation that does not depend on fluid flow rate.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrical energy is generated downhole using the inductive coil and magnetic element system, then sensors and devices can be powered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly serves multiple functions: it generates electrical energy through electromagnetic induction and also acts as a sensor for detecting the position and motion of the magnetic element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic element serves dual purposes: it generates electrical energy when oscillated relative to the coil and also provides positional information through its magnetic field interactions. This self-service approach allows the same component to perform multiple functions, reducing system 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 solution effectively generates electrical energy downhole, enabling the operation of sensors and other devices, such as flow control devices, and facilitates data transmission and control of downhole operations, including fracturing, by charging power units and supplying energy to devices like sensors and valves.
Implementation Method 1
A downhole system includes an inductive coil in the wellbore and a magnetic element conveyed from a surface location and oscillated in an opening in the coil to generate electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore system is disclosed. The wellbore system includes a coil in the wellbore, a magnetic element conveyed from a surface location that is configured to oscillate or rotate in an opening in the coil to generate electrical energy, and a device in the wellbore that utilizes the generated electrical energy.