Hydraulic Fracturing Controller Optimizing Fuel and Emissions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic fracturing systems face inefficiencies in fuel consumption and emissions management, with existing technologies not optimizing these aspects effectively, leading to increased operational costs and regulatory compliance challenges.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic fracturing system incorporating a controller that utilizes a particle swarm algorithm to optimize operations by receiving and processing data from various subsystems, including fracturing rigs, power sources, and valves, to output control signals that minimize emissions and fuel consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hydraulic fracturing rigs operate at high flow rates to meet production targets, then productivity increases, but fuel consumption and emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rateVSAvoidfuel consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts rig operating parameters (flow rate, pressure, pump speed) in real-time based on particle swarm optimization calculations that balance productivity targets with fuel consumption and emissions constraints. The controller continuously modifies operational settings rather than maintaining fixed parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The optimization system changes multiple operational parameters simultaneously (flow rate, pressure, pump speed, engine load) to achieve the optimal balance between productivity and fuel efficiency. The particle swarm algorithm explores different parameter combinations to find the best operating point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If hydraulic fracturing rigs operate at high flow rates to meet production targets, then productivity increases, but emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rateVSAvoidemissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts rig operating parameters (flow rate, pressure, pump speed) in real-time based on particle swarm optimization calculations that balance productivity targets with fuel consumption and emissions constraints. The controller continuously modifies operational settings rather than maintaining fixed parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses real-time feedback from sensors monitoring actual emissions and fuel consumption to continuously refine operational parameters. The particle swarm optimization algorithm incorporates actual performance data to adjust setpoints and maintain optimal operation within regulatory constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the system implements comprehensive optimization control to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, then environmental compliance improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveemissionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs multiple functions simultaneously: it collects data from various sensors, runs particle swarm optimization calculations, adjusts multiple rig parameters, monitors emissions compliance, and logs operational data. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The optimization system is self-regulating, automatically adjusting operational parameters without continuous human intervention. The particle swarm algorithm autonomously finds optimal operating points and the controller automatically implements parameter changes, reducing the need for manual monitoring and adjustment while maintaining compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230287777A1Optimizing operations of a hydraulic fracturing system
Publication Date: 2023.09.14 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US20230287777A1 patent drawing
  • US20230287777A1 patent drawing
  • US20230287777A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method may include receiving information related to operation or a configuration of a hydraulic fracturing system, The hydraulic fracturing system may include one or more fracturing rigs, one or more blending equipment, and one or more power sources electrically connected to a first subset of the one or more fracturing rigs, or one or more fuel sources fluidly connected to a second subset of the one or more fracturing rigs. The hydraulic fracturing system may further include one or more missile valves, one or more zipper valves, one or more well head valves, and one or more well heads. The method may further include optimizing the operation of one or more subsystems of the hydraulic fracturing system using a particle swarm algorithm. The method may further include outputting one or more control signals to the one or more subsystems based on optimizing the operation.