Downhole ESP Motor Generator Converts Fluid Flow to Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote oil and gas platforms with un-electrified systems face challenges in maintaining functional electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) due to reliance on surface-generated electricity, leading to non-functional ESPs in areas without electrification.
Innovation Solution
A downhole ESP system that generates electricity using the natural flow of formation fluids, incorporating a motor generator and controller to transmit power to the surface, enabling the distribution of electricity for powering additional ESPs and other equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ESPs rely on surface-generated electricity, then they can be efficiently operated in electrified areas, but they become non-functional in remote un-electrified locations
Solution Approach 1:
The ESP system generates its own electricity by converting the kinetic energy of flowing formation fluids into electrical energy through the motor generator, eliminating the need for external power sources and enabling autonomous operation in un-electrified remote locations
Solution Approach 2:
The ESP system serves dual functions: it acts as both a pump to lift hydrocarbons and as a generator to produce electricity, making it adaptable to both electrified and un-electrified environments
2Productivity
If surface-generated electricity is used to power ESPs, then efficient hydrocarbon production is achieved in electrified areas, but dependency on external power infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own power independently using the motor generator driven by formation fluid flow, eliminating dependency on external power infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity
3Productivity
If formation fluids flow through the pump to drive the impeller, then hydrocarbon lifting is achieved, but electrical energy is also generated as a byproduct
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the kinetic energy of flowing formation fluids, which would otherwise be wasted energy, into useful electrical energy through the motor generator, improving overall energy utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system performs dual functions: lifting hydrocarbons and generating electricity, maximizing the utility of formation fluid flow and eliminating energy waste
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 continuous hydrocarbon production and electricity generation in un-electrified offshore platforms, maintaining operational efficiency and reducing reliance on external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a motor generator operatively coupled to the impeller to generate electricity in response to rotation of the impeller
Implementation Method 2
an impeller rotatable response to a flow of the formation fluids from the pump intake
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes at least one or more wellbores penetrating a subterranean production zone, a downhole electrical submersible (ESP) assembly operable to generate electricity and configured to be installed within the at least one or more wellbores and including a pump intake, a pump operatively coupled to the pump intake, the pump including an impeller responsive to a flow of formation fluid from the pump intake, a motor generator operatively coupled to the impeller to generate electricity in response to rotation of the impeller, a configuration of surface equipment in communication with the downhole ESP assembly and including a controller at surface configured to receive electricity from the motor generator and an electrical apparatus operatively coupled to the controller to receive the electricity, wherein at least one of the one or more wellbores the pump makes operable the motor generator to generate electricity that is conveyed to the surface equipment.