Fluidic Oscillator Flow Sensing With Piezoelectric Power Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole power harvesting methods using moving or flexible parts face reliability issues due to wear and fatigue, especially at extreme temperatures, necessitating a robust and reliable solution for energy generation and fluid flow measurement.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fluidic oscillator with piezoelectric elements that convert mechanical strain from fluid flow into electrical signals, allowing for both energy harvesting and flow measurement without moving parts, utilizing symmetric or asymmetric designs to enhance vibration intensity and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If moving or flexible parts are used in downhole power harvesting, then energy generation is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical moving parts with a fluidic oscillator system that uses fluid flow to generate oscillations. The fluidic oscillator has no moving parts, eliminating wear and fatigue issues. The system converts fluid kinetic energy into oscillatory motion that drives piezoelectric elements for power generation, thus maintaining energy generation capability while dramatically improving reliability in harsh downhole conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a fluidic oscillator that utilizes fluid flow (pneumatics/hydraulics) to generate oscillations. The oscillating fluid flow creates pressure variations that activate piezoelectric elements. This approach uses fluid dynamics instead of mechanical moving parts, achieving power generation without the reliability problems associated with mechanical wear and fatigue in high-temperature downhole environments.
2Power
If moving parts are used for power harvesting, then energy is generated, but device complexity increases due to maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with a fluidic oscillator system. The fluidic oscillator uses fluid flow control elements and feedback channels to generate oscillations without any moving parts. This substitution eliminates maintenance requirements associated with mechanical wear, lubrication, and replacement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining power generation capability in downhole applications.
3Power
If flexible parts are used in power harvesting, then energy generation is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to fatigue at extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flexible parts that undergo fatigue with a fluidic oscillator system. The fluidic oscillator generates oscillations through fluid flow dynamics and pressure variations, eliminating the need for flexible components that would degrade at extreme temperatures. The piezoelectric elements are mounted on the fluidic oscillator structure, converting fluid-induced oscillations into electrical energy without requiring temperature-resistant flexible materials.
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 approach provides a robust, reliable, and long-lasting solution for downhole energy harvesting and fluid flow measurement, capable of operating effectively in harsh conditions with increased vibration intensity and reduced noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element disposed on at least one side of the outlet channel and configured to generate an electric signal in response to variations in pressure of the oscillated fluid
Implementation Method 2
a fluidic oscillator comprising an inlet channel configured to receive fluid from a wellbore, a feedback system coupled to the inlet channel to oscillate the fluid, and an outlet channel coupled to the feedback system and configured to receive the oscillated fluid from the feedback system
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole energy harvesting apparatus comprising a fluidic oscillator comprising: an inlet channel configured to receive fluid from a wellbore, a feedback system coupled to the inlet channel to oscillate the fluid, and an outlet channel coupled to the feedback system and configured to receive the oscillated fluid from the feedback system, and at least one piezoelectric element disposed on at least one side of the outlet channel and configured to generate an electric signal in response to variations in pressure of the oscillated fluid.