Optical Fiber Harvesting Cells for Laser Energy Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power laser transmission through optical fibers for wellbore stimulation experiences significant energy loss due to scattering and absorption, leading to inefficiencies in downhole applications.
Innovation Solution
Integration of harvesting cells with a photovoltaic layer and electrodes along the optical fiber to capture radiant energy from scattered light, converting it into electricity for powering downhole devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high-power laser transmission is performed through optical fiber for wellbore stimulation, then downhole laser energy delivery is achieved, but significant energy loss occurs due to scattering and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful scattered and absorbed laser energy into useful electrical energy by integrating photovoltaic harvesting cells around the optical fiber. These cells capture the scattered light that would otherwise be lost and convert it to electricity, directly addressing the energy loss problem while improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two functions into a single system: optical fiber laser transmission and photovoltaic energy harvesting. By integrating the harvesting cells around the fiber, the system simultaneously transmits high-power laser energy to the downhole location while capturing and converting scattered light into usable electrical power.
2Loss of energy
If photovoltaic harvesting cells are integrated around the optical fiber, then scattered light energy is captured and converted to electricity, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber system is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting high-power laser energy to the downhole location and simultaneously harvesting scattered light energy through integrated photovoltaic cells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate energy sources and minimizes overall system complexity despite the added harvesting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic harvesting cells are nested around the optical fiber in a concentric arrangement, with the fiber core at the center, surrounded by cladding, buffer layers, and the harvesting cells. This nested structure efficiently utilizes space and integrates multiple components without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 energy losses by harnessing scattered light energy, providing a sustainable power source for downhole devices and enhancing the efficiency of high-power laser transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic layer having a polymer-based photovoltaic material disposed radially around and electrically connected to the anode
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber includes an optical fiber core for high-power laser transmission, an optical cladding disposed radially around the optical fiber core, and at least one harvesting cell disposed axially along the optical fiber core, the harvesting cell including an anode surrounding the optical cladding, a photovoltaic layer having a polymer-based photovoltaic material disposed radially around and electrically connected to the anode, and a cathode disposed radially around the photovoltaic layer and electrically connected to the photovoltaic layer.