ESP Sensor Wiring Across Motor, Seal, and Pump Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Challenging to reliably place sensors or other electronic devices in modules of an electrical submersible well pump (ESP) other than the motor and gauge unit module due to the ESP's modular structure, which complicates the integration of power and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A system where sensors and electronic devices are connected through jumper wires and slip rings, allowing easy integration into the motor, seal section, and pump modules, with power and data transmission facilitated by a power cable or dedicated instrument line, and supplemented by a controller and supplemental power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are placed in modules other than the motor and gauge unit module, then operational monitoring capabilities are enhanced, but the complexity of integrating power and data transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor placement flexibilityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ESP system is divided into separate modules (motor, seal section, pump) with dedicated electrical connectors for each module. This segmentation allows sensors to be independently placed in any module while maintaining modular assembly and disassembly capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connectors are designed with universal functionality to handle both power transmission and data communication. The same connector infrastructure supports multiple purposes: powering sensors, transmitting sensor data, and maintaining motor control functions across all modules.

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

2Ease of operation

If the ESP is made up of separate modules, then installation and maintenance become easier, but it becomes challenging to reliably place sensors or other electronic devices in modules other than the motor and gauge unit module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidsensor placement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ESP system is divided into separate modules (motor, seal section, pump) with dedicated electrical connectors for each module. This segmentation allows sensors to be independently placed in any module while maintaining modular assembly and disassembly capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary component that bridges the motor and seal section modules. It includes electrical connectors that facilitate reliable sensor placement and signal transmission at the interface between modules, enabling sensors to be positioned at critical boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If jumper wires are used to connect sensors across modules, then sensor integration is simplified, but the risk of signal interference and connection reliability issues increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor integration easeVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves as an intermediary component that bridges the motor and seal section modules. It includes electrical connectors that facilitate reliable sensor placement and signal transmission at the interface between modules, enabling sensors to be positioned at critical boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces external jumper wire connections with internal electrical connectors integrated into the modular adapters. This substitution eliminates the need for separate jumper wires and reduces connection points, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4162147B1Data and power configuration for electrical submersible well pump
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
  • EP4162147B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4162147B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4162147B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An electrical submersible well pump (ESP) (11) has a motor electrical connector (77) mounted to an exterior of the motor (13). A motor sensor (45) connects to an interior side of the motor electrical connector (77). Seal first and second electrical connectors (79a, 79b) mount to an exterior of a seal/motor adapter (19). A seal internal wire (91) within the seal section (17) electrically connects interior sides of the seal first and second electrical connectors (79a, 79b) together. An external motor jumper wire (39) extends alongside the motor (13) between the motor electrical connector (77) and the seal first electrical connector (79a). A pump electrical connector (81a) mounts to an exterior of a pump/seal adapter (23) and connects to a pump sensor (47) within the pump (21). An external seal jumper wire (41) connects between the seal second electrical connector (79b) and the pump electrical connector (81a).