Downhole Spring Energy Storage for Continuous Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for downhole power generation and storage in well drilling operations are limited by harsh conditions such as high temperatures and pressure, which exceed the operational limits of typical batteries and capacitors, and are unable to generate power when drilling mud flow stops, hindering continuous data collection and measurement operations.
Innovation Solution
A power storage and conversion assembly that utilizes a fluid-driven power source, such as a turbine alternator, to store mechanical energy as elastic potential energy in a spring during drilling operations, allowing for electrical energy generation when mud flow ceases, using a reversible electric motor and gear box to convert stored mechanical energy into electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional batteries and capacitors are used for downhole power storage, then power can be stored for logging and telemetry, but they cannot operate under harsh conditions such as high temperatures and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrochemical power storage (batteries and capacitors) with a mechanical energy storage system using a spring. The spring stores energy mechanically through compression or winding, eliminating the temperature and pressure sensitivity of electrochemical components. This mechanical substitution allows reliable power storage in harsh downhole environments where conventional batteries would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the power storage system by using a spring mechanism that operates within elastic deformation limits. The spring's mechanical properties (elastic modulus, yield strength) are selected to withstand downhole temperature and pressure ranges, fundamentally changing the operational parameter envelope from electrochemical to mechanical tolerances.
2Power
If drilling mud circulation is used to operate a generator or turbine for power generation, then power can be generated downhole, but power cannot be generated when the mudflow stops
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing mechanical energy in the spring during periods when drilling mud is flowing and power is available. This pre-stored energy is then released when mud flow stops, ensuring continuous power supply. The spring acts as an energy buffer that decouples power generation from power consumption timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring serves as an intermediary energy storage medium between the mud-driven turbine and the downhole tools. Instead of directly coupling power generation to power consumption, the spring mediates by storing excess energy during flow and releasing it during stoppage, enabling continuous operation independent of mud flow status.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a fluid-driven turbine alternator is used to store mechanical energy in a spring, then power can be stored during drilling operations, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism serves multiple functions: it stores mechanical energy during drilling operations, releases energy when mud flow stops, and can be integrated with existing drill string components. The reversible motor also functions both as a motor during charging and as a generator during discharge, reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality.
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 continuous power supply to downhole instruments even when drilling mud is not flowing, ensuring uninterrupted data collection and measurement operations by effectively addressing the limitations of conventional power sources in harsh downhole conditions.
Implementation Method 1
store mechanical energy as elastic potential energy in a spring
Implementation Method 2
convert stored mechanical energy into electricity
Implementation Method 3
fluid-driven power source, such as a turbine alternator
Data Source
AI summary
Energy may be stored, converted, and generated during a drilling operation. An example method includes receiving fluid energy from a flow of drilling fluid (115) in a borehole (105). The received fluid energy may be stored as mechanical energy in an energy storage device (205) in the borehole (105). Additionally, electrical energy may be generated from the mechanical energy using a generator mechanically or magnetically coupled to the energy storage device.