Electro-hydraulic System Single Control Line Piezoelectric Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Well completion processes face challenges due to unreliable electrical and hydraulic control systems when these lines are not properly deployed and installed, leading to potential damage and operational inefficiencies, necessitating additional equipment and protection measures.

Innovation Solution

A single hydraulic control line is used to generate electric power and regulate hydraulically actuatable devices, employing a piezoelectric element that converts hydraulic pressure into electric power to control the flow of hydraulic fluid, thereby actuating devices such as valves and packers, ensuring reliable operation and reducing the need for multiple control lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electrical and hydraulic control lines are used to control downhole equipment, then the control capability and functionality are improved, but the system complexity and risk of installation damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions (hydraulic actuation and electrical power generation) into a single hydraulic control line. The piezoelectric element integrated within the downhole tool converts hydraulic pressure directly into electrical signals, eliminating the need for separate electrical control lines and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single hydraulic control line serves multiple functions: it provides hydraulic pressure for actuating downhole tools and simultaneously generates electrical power through the piezoelectric element. This multi-functional approach replaces traditional separate hydraulic and electrical control systems, reducing installation complexity and potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple control lines are deployed for reliable operation, then the control reliability is improved, but the installation risk and potential for operational damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging hydraulic control and electrical power generation into a single line, the patent reduces the number of components that can fail during installation. Fewer control lines mean fewer potential damage points while the integrated piezoelectric system ensures reliable operation through direct hydraulic-to-electrical conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the electrical power generation function from the traditional electrical control line and integrates it directly into the hydraulic system via the piezoelectric element. This eliminates the need for separate electrical lines that are vulnerable to installation damage while maintaining control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional electrical and hydraulic control systems are used, then the power supply and control functions are provided, but the space requirements and connection complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply functionVSAvoidspace requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical power supply function with the hydraulic control system by integrating a piezoelectric element that generates electrical energy from hydraulic pressure. This eliminates the need for separate electrical power lines and connections downhole, significantly reducing space requirements and connection complexity while maintaining full power supply capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional electrical power transmission system with a mechanical-to-electrical conversion system using the piezoelectric effect. Hydraulic pressure (mechanical energy) is directly converted into electrical energy at the downhole tool, eliminating the need for electrical power lines and reducing the spatial footprint of the control system.

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 reliable actuation of downhole tools and equipment by converting hydraulic pressure into electric power, enhancing the operational reliability and reducing the complexity of control systems, thereby improving well completion processes.

Implementation Method 1

A piezoelectric element in fluid communication with the hydraulic control line and configured to actuate the flow controller upon receiving a selected flow of the hydraulic fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10458202B2Electro-hydraulic system with a single control line

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A system for control using a hydraulic fluid includes a hydraulic control line for flowing the hydraulic fluid, a fluid line in fluid communication with the hydraulic control line, a flow controller configured to regulate a flow of the hydraulic fluid in the fluid line, and a piezoelectric device in fluid communication with the hydraulic control line and configured to actuate the flow controller upon receiving a selected flow of the hydraulic fluid.