Mobile Grid Power Access for Electric Fracturing Pumps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic fracturing operations rely on diesel-powered equipment or on-site generators, which are costly, inefficient under overload, noisy, and require frequent maintenance, limiting their effectiveness and safety.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing power from a utility electric grid, comprising mobile substations, transformer units, switchgears, and open air relay cables to power hydraulic fracturing pumps, ensuring redundancy and efficient power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If diesel powered equipment is used to power hydraulic fracturing operations, then power can be provided on-site, but the running cost increases due to high fuel prices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveon-site power provisionVSAvoidrunning cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces diesel-powered mechanical systems with electric motors powered by utility grid electricity. This substitution eliminates the need for diesel fuel while providing sufficient electrical power to drive hydraulic fracturing pumps, thereby reducing running costs associated with fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy source parameter from diesel fuel to utility grid electricity. By accessing electrical power from the utility grid and using transformer units to step down voltage, the system achieves the same power delivery function at lower operational cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If diesel powered equipment is used, then power can be provided, but the equipment generates high noise levels exceeding 88 decibels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower provisionVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces noisy diesel engines with electric motors that operate silently or with minimal noise. The electric motors are powered through transformer units and relay cables, eliminating the high noise levels (exceeding 88 decibels) characteristic of diesel-powered equipment while maintaining the ability to drive hydraulic fracturing pumps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If diesel powered equipment is used, then power can be provided, but the equipment requires expensive maintenance charges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower provisionVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces diesel-powered systems with electric motor systems that have fewer moving parts and lower maintenance requirements. Electric motors driven by utility grid power eliminate the need for expensive diesel maintenance including fuel system servicing, lubrication, and engine repairs, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Power

If diesel powered equipment is used, then power can be provided, but the equipment is unable to operate efficiently under prolonged overload conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower provisionVSAvoidoverload operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces diesel engines with electric motors that can operate efficiently under prolonged overload conditions. Electric motors powered by utility grid electricity through transformer units maintain high efficiency even when driving hydraulic fracturing pumps at maximum capacity, unlike diesel engines that struggle with sustained overload operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system provides reliable, efficient, and cost-effective power for hydraulic fracturing operations, reducing noise and maintenance needs while meeting regulatory standards.

Implementation Method 1

operating at least two transformer units in parallel to receive power from a utility electric grid and step down the line voltage of the power from the utility electric grid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12444910B2Method for accessing electric grids to power fracturing operations

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 TYPHON TECH SOLUTIONS (U S) LLC

AI summary

A method and system are disclosed for providing electrical power from a utility electric grid to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. A mobile substation includes at least two transformer units that are operatively coupled to the utility electric grid in a parallel orientation, wherein the transformer units are capable of accessing power from the utility electric grid and stepping down the power for delivery to a switchgear. An electric motor is operatively coupled to a hydraulic fracturing pump and operatively controlled by a variable frequency drive. At least one open air relay cable is operatively coupled between the switchgear and the electric motor and capable of delivering power to the electric motor.