Integrated Mobile Power Unit With Common Bus for Fracturing Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing systems face challenges with complex and unreliable electrical connections, requiring significant space and time for mobilization and demobilization, and lack a common electrical bus for power distribution, leading to limitations in load sharing and redundancy.
Innovation Solution
An integrated mobile power unit (MPU) with embedded switchgear, providing a singular platform for power generation and distribution, which includes automated control software for load shedding and sharing, and a common electrical bus to support various equipment loads, reducing the need for separate switchgear trailers and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate switchgear trailers and complex electrical connections are used for power distribution, then power generation and distribution can be provided, but device complexity and mobilization time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mobile power unit, switchgear, and electrical distribution components into a single integrated mobile power system. This merging eliminates the need for separate switchgear trailers and reduces the number of electrical connections required, directly resolving the contradiction between power distribution capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated mobile power unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: power generation, voltage regulation, load distribution, and electrical protection. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate systems into one unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full power distribution capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate switchgear trailers and multiple cables are used for power distribution, then power can be delivered to equipment, but the space and time required for mobilization and demobilization increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating switchgear and power generation into a single mobile unit, the system reduces the number of components that need to be transported and assembled. This merging directly reduces mobilization and demobilization time while maintaining full power delivery capability to fracturing equipment
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate switchgear trailers are used for power distribution, then power can be managed, but capital and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of power generation and distribution into a single mobile unit reduces the total number of components required, lowering capital expenditure. It also simplifies maintenance by reducing the number of separate systems that need servicing, directly addressing the cost contradiction
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex electrical connections with numerous configurations are used, then power can be distributed to multiple equipment, but reliability and safety decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated mobile power unit consolidates multiple electrical connections into a unified system with centralized control. This reduces the number of connection points and potential failure modes while maintaining the ability to distribute power to multiple pieces of equipment, thereby improving reliability and safety
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic fracturing system is disclosed as including a singular mobile platform of at least one mobile power unit (MPU) and at least one first switch gear that is configured to handle electric power from the MPU. The MPU is configured to generate voltage that matches the capabilities of an electrical bus from the at least one switch gear such that a combined electrical current generated as a result of the generated voltage and required load is provided to the electrical bus to the components of the hydraulic fracturing system. Further, the hydraulic fracturing system may include electrical fracturing equipment with at least one second switch gear to support the at least one first switch gear in handling electric power from the MPU. A datavan may be included in the system to control load shedding, load sharing, and power distribution for the electrical fracturing equipment comprising the at least one second switch gear.