Downhole Power Utilization During Flow-Off State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling systems do not effectively detect flow-off states or optimally utilize residual power during these states, leading to potential data loss and incomplete operations, as they lack a system-wide operating procedure and fail to manage power distribution efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A drilling assembly with a power and telemetry sub-system that includes a detection circuit to early detect flow-off states, estimate residual power, and manage power distribution to perform essential functions, such as completing memory write cycles and parking tools, using the residual energy generated during flow-off periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the system shuts down upon flow shut off, then power consumption is reduced, but residual power cannot be utilized and operations become incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit detects the flow-off state before the turbine completely stops rotating, enabling the system to perform preliminary actions (data storage, tool parking) while residual power is still available. This prevents unexpected shutdowns and ensures operations are completed using the remaining energy in the system.
2Productivity
If mud pumps are shut off at surface, then drilling operations are paused, but residual power generation is wasted without utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the residual power generated during flow-off state to service itself by automatically detecting the flow-off condition, managing power distribution to essential circuits, completing pending operations, and storing data. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external intervention to prevent power waste.
3Loss of information
If surface warning signals are sent to downhole controllers, then operators are notified of flow-off, but signal transmission time exceeds flow-off period
Solution Approach 1:
The detection circuit at the downhole controller detects the flow-off state locally and immediately, without waiting for surface signals. This preliminary detection enables the system to take immediate action while residual power is still available, eliminating the time delay associated with surface-to-downhole signal transmission.
4Reliability
If memory devices attempt to store data during flow-off, then data loss may occur, but power management is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system continuously monitors the rotational speed of the turbine and the available residual power, providing feedback to the control circuit. This feedback enables real-time power management decisions, ensuring that memory devices receive sufficient power for data storage operations during the flow-off state while preventing power depletion.
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
Enables efficient utilization of residual power during flow-off states, ensuring data integrity, preventing unexpected shutdowns, and allowing for controlled power down of tools, thereby ensuring accurate data storage and transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine that is rotated by the fluid flow and a generator operated by the turbine to generate the electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a generator operated by the turbine to generate the electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A drilling assembly for use in drilling of a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a device that detects a flow-off state, a power generator that generates electrical energy in response to a fluid flowing through the drilling assembly during the flow-off state, and a circuit that utilizes such power to perform one or more selected operations in response to the detection of the flow-off state, including, but not limited to, storing data in a memory; shutting certain devices in the drilling assembly and parking a device in a desired position.