ESP Ride-Through Power Module Interlock for Safe Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical submersible pumping systems face hazards and motor damage due to backspin when power is lost, and existing ride through systems pose safety risks for maintenance personnel with hazardous electrical potentials.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that disconnects power modules in series to reduce hazardous electrical potential, using an interlock to selectively connect and disconnect modules, ensuring safe handling and operation during power outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If ride through systems use a bank of batteries or super capacitors arranged in series to provide voltage output, then the electrical potential is sufficient to power the ESP system during power outages, but the electrical potential becomes hazardous to operations personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The ride through system divides the bank of power modules into multiple selectable configurations. By segmenting the series connection into individual module selections, the system can provide full hazardous voltage for power outages or reduced safe voltage for maintenance by connecting only one module at a time, eliminating the need for protective gear during maintenance operations
2Ease of repair
If maintenance personnel need to service the ride through system with hazardous electrical potential, then they must don protective gear or drain electricity, but this process is time consuming and results in revenue loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the electrical connections between power modules based on operational mode. A controller automatically switches between outage mode (all modules in series for maximum voltage) and maintenance mode (single module connected for safe voltage), allowing personnel to service the system immediately without time-consuming safety procedures while maintaining full power capability when needed
3Speed
If the ride through system maintains full electrical potential for quick deployment during power outages, then power delivery is immediate, but safety risks increase for personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The ride through system serves multiple functions through a single unified design. It provides full power output for combating backspin during outages, safe maintenance mode for personnel servicing, and automatic configuration switching. The controller manages both operational modes within the same system, eliminating the need for separate safety systems or procedures
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
Reduces hazardous electrical potential, allowing safe maintenance without protective gear and preventing motor backspin, thereby minimizing operational disruptions and safety risks.
Implementation Method 1
opening an electrical connection between the adjacent modules, which in one example, opening an electrical connection involves moving a switch into an open position
Implementation Method 2
ride through or power through systems are sometimes installed in ESP systems, which temporarily supply electrical power to an ESP system during intermittent short term power outages. Typical ride through systems include a bank of batteries or super capacitors
Implementation Method 3
The backflow often soon causes the impellers to rotate in a direction opposite their rotation during pressurization. The connected driveshaft also rotates to backspin the motor which generates electricity that is conducted up the well along a power cable connected from surface to the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A well system includes an electrical submersible pumping (“ESP”) assembly, a variable speed drive, and a ride through system. The ESP assembly includes a pump for lifting liquid from inside the well and an electric motor for powering the pump. The variable speed drive is outside the well and controls delivery of electricity from a power source to the motor. The ride through system provides backup electricity if there is an interruption of electricity from the power source. The ride through system includes a bank of power modules having stored electrical power. The modules are connected in series and have a combined electrical potential adequate for powering the motor. By selectively disconnecting adjacent modules from one another, the electrical potential from the bank of power modules is reduced to a magnitude that is not hazardous for personnel.