Downhole Power Generation via Local Rotor-Stator Induction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for providing power to downhole tools in harsh well environments face reliability issues due to long distances and exposure to caustic fluids, leading to degradation and unreliability of electrical cabling and connectors.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a downhole power unit with a generator that locally generates power using a rotor and stator assembly, converting it to direct current and regulating the voltage, eliminating the need for dedicated power cables and connectors by integrating power generation within the motor drive or utilizing existing variable speed drive conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is transmitted over long distances from surface to downhole tool, then power can be supplied to downhole tools, but reliability deteriorates due to degradation of electrical cabling and connectors in harsh well environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power generation function from the surface and places it directly at the downhole tool location. The downhole power unit generates power locally within the wellbore, eliminating the need for long-distance power transmission through degraded cabling and connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole power unit acts as an intermediary between the wellbore environment and the downhole tool. It receives mechanical energy from the rotating rotor (which can be driven by the tool's operation or separate means) and converts it to electrical power locally, mediating the energy transfer without requiring long electrical cables.
2Reliability
If electrical cabling and connectors are used in harsh well environments, then power transmission is enabled, but degradation occurs due to exposure to caustic fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes electrical cabling and connectors from the harsh well environment by generating power locally at the downhole tool. The power generation components are either protected within the tool housing or designed to withstand the environment, eliminating the vulnerable external cabling system.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole power unit serves itself by generating its own power locally through the rotor-stator mechanism. This self-powered approach eliminates dependence on external power delivery systems that would require vulnerable cabling and connectors exposed to harmful well fluids.
3Reliability
If dedicated power cables and connectors are installed, then power can be delivered to downhole tools, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the power generation function with the downhole tool system. The rotor is mechanically coupled to the tool's rotating components, and the stator assembly is integrated with the tool housing, combining multiple functions into a single compact unit rather than requiring separate power delivery infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole power unit serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power, houses the power generation mechanism, and integrates with the downhole tool structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated power cables and connectors, reducing overall 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 enhances the reliability and availability of power for downhole tools by providing a stable, constant voltage supply directly to the tools, reducing the risk of power loss and degradation, and eliminating the need for extensive cabling and connectors.
Implementation Method 1
generating, with a generator stator assembly of a generator positioned adjacent the downhole power unit, an amount of power in response to rotating the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
Providing power to a downhole-type tool includes rotating a rotor of a downhole power unit about a longitudinal axis, generating, with a generator stator assembly of a generator positioned adjacent the downhole power unit, an amount of power in response to rotating the rotor, and supplying, with the generator, the amount of power to at least one downhole-type tool proximate to the downhole power unit. The at least one downhole-type tool is operable using the supplied amount of power.