Modular Electric Fracturing Pumps for Lower-Footprint Well Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic fracturing operations for hydrocarbon recovery require extensive infrastructure, large volumes of diesel fuel, and significant carbon emissions, with inefficiencies in operational logistics and personnel requirements.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered fracturing system utilizing a turbine generator driven by natural gas to provide on-site power for modular, high-torque pumps and blenders, reducing the need for diesel fuel and infrastructure, while enabling remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If diesel-powered fluid pumps are used for fracturing operations, then pumping capacity and reliability are maintained, but operational footprint and infrastructure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fracturing operation into modular pumping units, each capable of independent operation. Multiple smaller electric pumps replace fewer large diesel pumps, allowing distributed placement that reduces集中ized infrastructure needs while maintaining total pumping capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces diesel-mechanical drive systems with electric motor drive systems. This substitution eliminates the need for diesel engines, transmissions, and associated mechanical components, significantly reducing the physical footprint and infrastructure requirements while maintaining pumping capacity
2Ease of operation
If diesel fuel is used to power fracturing pumps, then operational independence is achieved, but fuel transportation and carbon emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces diesel combustion engines with electric motors powered by renewable energy sources (wind or solar). This substitution eliminates carbon emissions and harmful exhaust products while maintaining operational independence through on-site energy generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates its own electrical power on-site using wind turbines or solar panels, eliminating the need for external fuel supply chains. The fracturing operation becomes self-sufficient, drawing power from local renewable resources rather than requiring continuous diesel fuel transportation
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated trucks and trailers are deployed for each fluid pump, then pumping reliability is ensured, but personnel requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple standardized modular pumping units that can be independently deployed and operated. Each module is self-contained with its own electric motor and pump components, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliability through redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal electric motor-pump modules that can perform multiple fracturing functions. These standardized units replace specialized diesel-powered equipment, reducing the variety of components needed and simplifying operational procedures and personnel training
4Extent of automation
If remote monitoring and operational control are implemented, then personnel on-site requirements decrease, but equipment transportation and fuel delivery remain necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces diesel-powered equipment with electrically-powered equipment, fundamentally eliminating the need for diesel fuel storage and delivery infrastructure. Remote monitoring controls the electric systems, and power is drawn from on-site renewable sources rather than external fuel supplies
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 significantly reduces the operational footprint, decreases carbon emissions, and enhances operational efficiency by minimizing the need for diesel fuel and personnel, while maintaining comparable pumping capacity and accuracy in fracturing fluid delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a dedicated source of electrical power located at the well site and operable to provide electricity to the fracturing fleet
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor coupled to the pump and operatively associated with the dedicated source of electricity
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system and a method for delivering pressurized fluid to a wellbore, comprising a turbine generator that provides a source of electricity, an electrically powered fracturing module operatively associated with the source of electricity, the electrically powered fracturing module comprising an electric motor and a fluid pump coupled to the electric motor, a control system for regulating the fracturing module in delivery of a treatment fluid from a source of treatment fluid to the wellbore, and a fracturing trailer for housing the fracturing module, the fracturing module being adapted for removable mounting on the trailer.