Drilling Rig Energy Storage System Regenerative Power Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply systems for drilling rigs do not effectively absorb and store regenerative energy generated during operations, resulting in energy wastage.

Innovation Solution

A power storage and supply system incorporating an Energy Storage System (ESS) that utilizes bi-directional DC-to-DC converters and DC-to-AC inverters to charge and discharge regenerative energy, allowing for its storage and reuse in operating motors and loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If regenerative energy is dissipated as heat through braking resistors, then the power supply system is simple, but energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregenerative energyVSAvoidpower supply system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An Energy Storage System (ESS) is introduced as an intermediary component between the DC bus and the motors. The ESS absorbs regenerative energy during braking operations and stores it, then releases it during acceleration phases, preventing energy waste while maintaining system simplicity through modular integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the energy dissipation parameter from thermal dissipation (heat) to electrical storage and reuse. By converting the energy flow parameter from one-way dissipation to two-way storage and release, the system recovers regenerative energy without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If additional loads are switched on to consume regenerative energy, then energy utilization improves, but system complexity and operational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregenerative energyVSAvoidoperational requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The Energy Storage System operates autonomously to manage regenerative energy without requiring manual intervention or additional operational complexity. The ESS automatically charges during braking and discharges during acceleration, making the energy recovery process self-regulating and eliminating the need for operators to switch additional loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If regenerative energy is stored in the Energy Storage System, then fuel efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply system
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Energy Storage System serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores regenerative energy from braking, provides power during acceleration, and can support auxiliary loads. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive energy management benefits across various operational modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The ESS enables continuous useful action by maintaining energy availability throughout the drilling rig's operational cycle. Energy recovered during deceleration phases is immediately available for acceleration phases, creating a continuous energy circulation that improves overall fuel efficiency without interruption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Optimizes the operating point of generator sets, reduces fuel consumption, and minimizes emissions by efficiently utilizing regenerative energy, enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of drilling rig operations.

Implementation Method 1

regenerative energy can be generated during some operations of a drilling rig, e.g. operations of drawworks and jacking system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRegenerative energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an Energy Storage System (ESS) for absorbing and storing regenerative energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

at least one bi-directional DC-to-DC converter connected between the primary common DC bus and the at least one secondary DC bus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

at least one DC-to-AC inverter connected between the at least one secondary DC bus and the at least one motor group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInversion conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10797510B2Power storage and supply method and system for a drilling rig
Publication Date: 2020.10.06 KEPPEL FELS LTD
  • US10797510B2 patent drawing
  • US10797510B2 patent drawing
  • US10797510B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides a power storage and supply method and system for a drilling rig. The system comprises a primary common direct current (DC) bus, at least one secondary DC bus, at least one bi-directional DC-to-DC converter connected between the primary common DC bus and the secondary DC bus, at least one motor group each connected to the secondary DC bus through a DC-to-AC inverter, and an Energy Storage System (ESS) configured to be charged by regenerative energy from at least one motor group and discharge power to at least one motor group through the primary common DC bus and the bi-directional DC-to-DC converter. The system may further comprise a bi-directional AC-to-DC converter between the primary DC bus and an AC bus, wherein the ESS is further configured to be charged by regenerative energy generated during lowering operation of a jacking system for the drilling rig, wherein the jacking system is connected to the AC bus.