Mobile E-Fracking Transformer Cooling for Weight and Voltage Droop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric fracking operations face challenges with large, heavy, and costly high-efficiency transformers that are difficult to maneuver in oil fields, often getting stuck in soft soil, and require additional power generation vehicles due to insufficient utility power.
Innovation Solution
A smaller, lighter, and lower efficiency electric fracking transformer with air and water cooling, accompanied by a high-horsepower fan, is used, along with an inverter to correct voltage droop, and a linear program to optimize operation, reducing the transformer's size and weight by two-thirds while mitigating electrical harmonics and voltage droop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high-efficiency transformers are used to power fracking equipment, then power supply efficiency is improved, but the transformer size and weight increase making it difficult to maneuver in oil fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into multiple smaller transformer units distributed across the fracking site rather than using one large centralized transformer. This segmentation allows each unit to be lightweight and easily maneuverable while collectively providing the required power capacity through parallel operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional water-based cooling systems with air cooling for the transformers. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy water pumps, pipes, and reservoirs, significantly reducing the mechanical system weight while maintaining effective heat dissipation through optimized airflow design
2Use of energy by moving object
If high-efficiency transformers are used to power fracking equipment, then power supply efficiency is improved, but the transformer becomes too large to maneuver easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into multiple smaller transformer units distributed across the fracking site rather than using one large centralized transformer. This segmentation allows each unit to be lightweight and easily maneuverable while collectively providing the required power capacity through parallel operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cooling parameter from water-based to air-based cooling, which allows for a more compact transformer design without the heavy auxiliary cooling equipment. This parameter change enables the transformer to maintain high efficiency while being significantly smaller and easier to maneuver
3Power
If utility power is insufficient for fracking operations, then additional power generation vehicles are required, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple standard-sized transformer units into a coordinated power supply system that functions as a unified entity. By merging these units and controlling them collectively, the system achieves the power capacity of a single large transformer while maintaining the simplicity and modularity of smaller units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized transformer units that can serve multiple functions: they can be individually deployed or combined, serve different fracking locations, and be easily replaced or reconfigured. This universality reduces system complexity by using identical modular components rather than custom-designed equipment
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
The solution enables easier maneuverability in oil fields, reduces the risk of equipment getting stuck, and effectively powers fracking operations with minimal disruption to rural power grids, while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan attached to the efracking trailer, wherein the cooling fan forces chilled air into the efracking transformer core
Data Source
AI summary
A system having an efracking trailer, a first low efficiency efracking six mega volt ampere (MVA) transformer attached to the efracking trailer; an efracking transformer core inside of the efracking transformer; and a cooling fan attached to the efracking trailer, wherein the cooling fan forces chilled air into the efracking transformer core.