Downhole Inflow Control Power Sharing for Autonomous Zonal Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control devices in the resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries lack control and autonomy, necessitating improved management of fluid fronts to maximize desirable fluid flow while minimizing undesirable flow.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous inflow control system comprising electrically controlled inflow control devices (ICDs) with a downhole controller and power sources, enabling dynamic power management and fluid property monitoring to optimize fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power sources are used to power multiple ICDs, then reliability of fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the borehole into multiple zones, each with its own ICD and power source. This segmentation allows independent control of fluid flow in different zones, improving reliability by isolating failures to specific segments rather than affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ICD is equipped with its own power source and control capabilities, enabling local decision-making and autonomous operation. This local quality ensures that each zone can maintain its fluid flow control independently, enhancing overall system reliability.
2Productivity
If downhole controller manages power distribution dynamically, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole controller dynamically adjusts power distribution to ICDs based on periodic assessment of fluid flow conditions and productivity needs. Power is supplied in controlled intervals rather than continuously, optimizing productivity while managing energy consumption from the power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by dynamically adjusting power supply levels to each ICD based on real-time conditions. This allows the controller to optimize fluid flow control and productivity while adapting energy consumption to actual operational requirements rather than maintaining constant power levels.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflow control system for a borehole, including a plurality of electrically controlled inflow control devices (ICDs), a plurality of power sources, at least one source being connected to one of the ICDs and also being connectable to another of the ICDs, and a downhole controller operably connected to the ICDs and to the power sources, the controller configured to modify power supply from the power sources to the ICDs. A method for managing inflow in a wellbore, including powering a plurality of inflow control devices (ICDs) with a plurality of power sources, managing power distribution to the plurality of ICDs from the plurality of power sources with a downhole controller. A wellbore system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, and an inflow control system, disposed within or as a part of the string.