Downhole Wireless Power via Conductive Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the resource recovery industry, delivering electricity downhole to devices such as liner hangers and frac sleeves is challenging due to the absence of wiring and high costs associated with providing wiring from surface locations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving determining a conductive formation layer and drilling a second well at a selected distance from the first well to allow electrical signal communication through the conductive layer, using a second work string to transmit the signal to the first work string, thereby powering downhole devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wiring is provided from surface location to downhole devices, then electrical power can be delivered to devices, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the conductive formation layer as an intermediary medium to transmit electrical current between wells. Instead of running wiring from the surface to each downhole device, the formation layer itself serves as the conductive path, allowing current to be injected at one location and retrieved at another location through the formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an electrical field-based transmission system. Rather than physically connecting devices through cables, the system uses electrical conduction through the conductive formation layer to deliver power and signals to downhole devices wirelessly.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wiring is installed from surface to downhole devices, then electrical operation is enabled, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive formation layer is a naturally occurring geological formation that provides the conductive path without requiring human installation or modification. The system leverages the existing properties of the formation layer, eliminating the need for expensive wiring installation while still enabling electrical operation of downhole devices.
3Reliability
If distance between wells is increased, then interference between wells is reduced, but electrical signal communication through formation layer becomes weaker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) of the injected signal to maintain effective communication over the required distances through the conductive formation layer. By adjusting these parameters, the system can compensate for signal attenuation while maintaining reliable operation.
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 and cost-effective electrical operation of downhole devices by leveraging the conductive formation layer to transmit power from the surface, reducing the need for surface-to-downhole wiring.
Implementation Method 1
communicating the electrical signal from the second work string to the first work string through the electrically conductive formation layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method of drilling a wellbore system, including determining a conductive formation layer from a plurality of formation layers having a first well extending therethrough, the first well having a first work string therein, the first work string including a device, placing a second well at a distance from the first well, the distance selected to allow communication of an electrical signal between the first well and the second well through the conductive formation layer based on a resistivity of the electrically conductive formation layer, disposing a second work string in the second well, and communicating the electrical signal from the second work string to the first work string through the electrically conductive formation layer to operate the device.