Hybrid Wellbore Power System for Intermittent Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multizone completion operations, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently powering electronic devices in wellbores without an umbilical connection to the surface, particularly during stimulation and production phases, where fluid flow is intermittent and variable.
Innovation Solution
A power control device is deployed in the wellbore, comprising a battery and a turbine generator that converts fluid flow into electrical energy, with a processor managing power distribution between the battery and turbine generator based on flow conditions to ensure continuous power supply to electronic devices such as sensors, pumps, and valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is used to power electronic devices during completion operations, then power supply is reliable during low or intermittent flow conditions, but the battery will be depleted and require replacement or recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a battery power source with a turbine generator power source into a single hybrid power system. The battery provides reliable power during low or intermittent flow conditions, while the turbine generator replenishes the battery and provides power during high flow conditions. This merging of two different power sources resolves the contradiction by ensuring continuous operation without battery depletion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between battery power and turbine generator power based on real-time flow conditions. The controller monitors fluid flow rate and automatically adjusts the power source configuration, transitioning from battery-only mode to hybrid mode when sufficient flow is available. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power supply reliability while extending operational duration through battery replenishment.
2Power
If a turbine generator is used to convert fluid flow into electrical energy, then continuous power can be generated during fluid flow, but no power is generated during intermittent or low flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a turbine generator with a battery system to create a hybrid power architecture. The turbine generator captures and converts fluid flow energy into electrical power to recharge the battery and supply loads during high flow conditions. The battery complements this by providing reliable power during low or intermittent flow periods. This combination ensures both continuous power generation capability and reliable power supply across varying flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the turbine generator and the electronic loads. During high flow conditions, the turbine generator charges the battery, which then supplies power during low flow conditions when the turbine cannot generate sufficient power. This intermediary role of the battery bridges the gap between intermittent turbine generation and continuous power demand, ensuring reliable operation.
3Reliability
If an umbilical connection to the surface is used to supply power, then continuous power can be provided, but the system becomes more complex and less adaptable to different completion configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation capability from the surface infrastructure and places it directly downhole within the completion string. By incorporating a turbine generator that utilizes native wellbore fluid flow, the system eliminates the need for an umbilical connection to surface power sources. This extraction of power generation to the downhole environment reduces system complexity and improves adaptability to various completion configurations while maintaining continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a self-powered turbine generator that harvests energy from the wellbore fluid flow itself, eliminating dependence on external surface power sources. The turbine generator automatically converts the kinetic energy of passing fluids into electrical power, recharging the battery and supplying loads without requiring umbilical connections. This self-service approach reduces system complexity and enhances adaptability to different completion designs.
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 reliable and efficient power supply to electronic devices during both completion and production operations, ensuring optimal stimulation and fluid management by leveraging both battery power during low flow conditions and turbine-generated power during fluid flow, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and data collection.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine generator in fluid communication with the flow path, wherein the turbine generator generates an electric current
Implementation Method 2
the turbine generator generates an electric current
Implementation Method 3
a battery locatable in the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and power control device for powering electronics located in a wellbore intersecting a subterranean earth formation. The system comprises a battery, a turbine generator, an electronic device, and a processor. The battery is locatable in the wellbore and the turbine generator is locatable in the wellbore so as to be in fluid communication with a flow path in the wellbore. The electronic device is locatable in the wellbore and electrically coupled to the battery and the turbine generator. The processor determines if a power condition is satisfied to allow the turbine generator to power the electronic device. The method comprises powering an electronic device located in the wellbore using a battery and opening a closed flow path in communication with a turbine generator. The method also comprises powering the electronic device using the turbine generator if a power condition is satisfied.