Downhole Power Generation via Fluid-Driven Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing electrical power to downhole operations and process facilities are inefficient, requiring significant time and cost for wire installation, and prone to power loss and interruption due to reliance on electrical wires.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates electrical power through electromagnetic induction using oscillating linear translation driven by fluid flow within a tubular structure, comprising a conductive coil, linear translation apparatus, fluid motion capture apparatus, and magnets, allowing for power generation at remote locations without the need for surface-based electrical wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical power is transported down the well via electrical wires from surface, then power can be supplied to downhole equipment, but significant time is spent placing the wire and monetary costs are non-trivial
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own electrical power at the downhole location using the kinetic energy of flowing fluid to drive a generator, eliminating the need for external power transmission infrastructure and surface-based wire installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire installation process with a fluid-driven electromagnetic generation system, where fluid flow directly drives a generator to produce electrical power locally
2Reliability
If electrical wires are used to transport power downhole, then power can be delivered to equipment, but wires may leave downhole equipment susceptible to power loss and/or interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates power locally at the downhole equipment location using fluid flow, eliminating power transmission through wires and thereby eliminating associated power losses and interruption risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the surface location and places it directly at the downhole equipment, removing the intermediate transmission medium (wires) that causes power loss and interruption
3Power
If electrical wires and spoolers are used for power transmission, then power can be supplied to downhole operations, but monetary costs of the wire and spoolers are non-trivial
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the already-present fluid flow in the wellbore to generate power, eliminating the need for expensive wire and spooler infrastructure while maintaining power delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The generator system serves multiple functions: it converts fluid kinetic energy to electrical power, eliminates the need for separate transmission infrastructure, and can be integrated with existing downhole equipment
4Power
If power is generated and stored above ground, then electrical loads can be powered, but significant time is spent during operations in placing the wire
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates power at the point of use (downhole), eliminating the need for surface-based power generation and wire installation operations, thereby improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The power generation capability is built into the downhole system itself, so power is immediately available when the well is flowing, without requiring subsequent wire installation or power connection operations
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 reduces operational time and costs by enabling local power generation and delivery to downhole equipment, minimizing power loss and interruptions, and enhancing system reliability in both downhole and process facility settings.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more magnets are affixed to the linear translation apparatus. The one or more magnets are configured to cause electrical power to be generated in the conductive coil by way of electromagnetic induction responsive to the one or more magnets passing by the conductive coil when the linear translation apparatus is in motion.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical power may be generated by way of electromagnetic induction through oscillating linear translation driven by the flow of a fluid being transported through a tubular structure. In exemplary embodiments, a conductive coil is disposed in a fixed position along a length of a tubular structure such that the conductive coil encircles the tubular structure. A linear translation apparatus is disposed radially inward from the conductive coil and is configured to move linearly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular structure and within the conducting coil by harnessing mechanical energy from fluid flowing within the tubular structure. Magnets are affixed to the linear translation apparatus to cause electrical power to be generated in the conductive coil by way of electromagnetic induction responsive to the magnets passing by the conductive coil when the linear translation apparatus is in motion.