HTS Power Cable Cooling Structure for Downhole ESP Motors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cables used in electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) face challenges in efficiently transferring power due to space constraints, voltage limitations, and high electrical losses, which affect motor performance and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) cables with cryogenic liquid supply and return channels, along with quench conductors, to provide high-power density and near-zero losses, allowing for efficient power transfer to ESPs and other downhole tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional cables are used to supply power to the ESP motor, then the cable size increases, but the motor diameter and length are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional copper cables to superconducting cables, fundamentally changing the electrical conductivity parameter. Superconducting materials exhibit zero electrical resistance below their critical temperature, enabling high current density and power transmission in a compact form factor. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing high motor power delivery without increasing cable volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining superconducting materials (such as BSCCO or YBCO) with appropriate matrices and insulation layers to create a functional cable structure. This composite approach enables the cable to achieve both high current-carrying capacity and mechanical integrity while maintaining a compact size, thus resolving the contradiction between power transmission capability and cable volume.
2Loss of energy
If the voltage rating of the motor is increased to reduce rated current, then the power transmission efficiency improves, but the space for insulation and partial discharge mitigation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by operating the superconducting cable at cryogenic temperatures (below the critical temperature of the superconducting material). This temperature parameter change induces the superconducting state, which provides both zero electrical resistance (eliminating I²R losses) and inherent electrical insulation properties, thereby reducing energy losses without requiring complex high-voltage insulation structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The superconducting material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the current-carrying conductor with zero resistance and provides electrical insulation between phases and to ground. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate, bulky insulation systems required in conventional high-voltage cables, thus reducing energy losses without increasing device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If superconducting cables are used to provide high power density, then the cable size is reduced, but the temperature control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling system that uses cryogenic fluids (such as liquid nitrogen or helium) to maintain the superconducting material at its required operating temperature. This intermediary cooling mechanism enables the superconducting cable to achieve high power density in a compact size while managing the temperature control requirement through an external, modular cooling system rather than integrating complexity into the cable structure itself.
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 solution enables increased power transfer to ESPs, reducing operational costs and carbon footprint while maintaining motor performance, even in challenging environments like deep water wellbores.
Implementation Method 1
high-temperature superconducting materials, such as BSCCO and YBCO, which provide high power density and near-zero losses
Implementation Method 2
a cryogenic liquid supply channel configured to supply fluid to reduce temperature of the superconducting material
Data Source
AI summary
A cable structure for use in a wellbore formed in a subsurface formation. The cable structure comprises superconducting material configured to provide power to a downhole tool in the wellbore. The cable structure comprises a cryogenic liquid supply channel configured to supply fluid to reduce temperature of the superconducting material. The cable structure comprises one or more cryogenic liquid return channels.