Vibration Energy Harvesting in Drill Strings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for providing electrical power downhole in drilling operations face challenges, including battery maintenance and turbine placement that restricts tool passage, necessitating an improved method for energy generation and distribution.

Innovation Solution

A drill string apparatus with a rotary bearing and stabilizer that allows relative rotation, utilizing an energy harvesting device to convert kinetic energy from vibrations into electrical energy, which can power telemetry systems and downhole tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If batteries are used to provide electrical power in the bottom-hole assembly, then power can be provided to sensors and electronics, but maintaining a charge in the batteries becomes a drawback

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power provisionVSAvoidbattery charge maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system harvests vibrational energy from the drill string itself to generate electrical power, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external battery charging operations. The energy harvesting device converts mechanical vibrations into electrical energy continuously during drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Use of energy by moving object

If a turbine with alternator is used to provide electrical power, then power can be generated from mud flow, but the turbine location in the center of mud flow prevents downhole tools from passing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoiddownhole tool passage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The energy harvesting device is extracted from the central mud flow path and attached to the outer surface of the drill string, allowing downhole tools to pass freely through the center while the harvesting device captures vibrational energy from the drill string surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Use of energy by moving object

If conventional power systems are used, then power can be provided to downhole tools, but the systems have limitations in flexibility and continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower provisionVSAvoidpower system limitations

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electrical power systems (batteries, turbines) with a mechanical vibration-based energy harvesting system that converts mechanical vibrations directly into electrical energy, simplifying the overall power system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables efficient and flexible power generation at any point along the drill string, enhancing drilling operations by providing continuous power for sensors and communication systems without the limitations of traditional battery or turbine systems.

Implementation Method 1

an energy harvesting device to convert energy as a result of the stabilizer rotating with respect to the drill string

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

harvesting energy from vibrations in the drill string using relative motion between a first component and a second component wherein the first component is fixedly attached to a drill string and the second component is attached to an inertial mass that can rotate with respect to the drill string

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS8890341B2Harvesting energy from a drillstring

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

The subject disclosure relates to energy harvesting. More particularly, the subject disclosure relates to harvesting energy from the relative motion between a rotary stabilizer and the drill string. In further embodiments, the subject disclosure relates to harvesting energy from vibrations in the drill string.