Modular Signal Interface for High-Temperature Downhole Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power systems fail in high temperature downhole environments due to degradation or destruction of electronics and energy storage devices, necessitating a reliable power solution for instrumentation in extreme conditions.

Innovation Solution

A modular power system incorporating a high temperature rechargeable energy storage component with an advanced electrolyte system ultracapacitor, featuring a salt formula with specific alkyl and ethyl groups, and electrodes composed of carbon nanotubes, along with a modular signal interface device for controlling power and charge cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional energy storage devices and electronics are used in downhole environments, then the system structure remains simple and conventional, but the devices fail at high temperatures due to degradation or destruction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of power systemVSAvoidoperating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the electrolyte by using an ionic liquid with specific chemical composition (containing imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, or phosphonium cations and triflate, tetrafluoroborate, or hexafluorophosphate anions) that remains stable at high temperatures up to 200°C, unlike conventional electrolytes that degrade at elevated temperatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures including carbon nanotube electrodes combined with ionic liquid electrolytes, creating a material system that exhibits enhanced thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and mechanical strength suitable for high-temperature downhole environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If instrumentation complexity increases to handle deeper drilling, then measurement and control capabilities improve, but power demands increase beyond what conventional systems can provide

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidpower demand

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The ionic liquid ultracapacitor changes the energy storage parameters by providing significantly higher power density and energy density compared to conventional batteries, enabling complex instrumentation with advanced sensors and processors to operate in high-temperature downhole environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The modular power system design allows dynamic configuration and scaling of power capacity to match the specific power demands of different instrumentation complexes, enabling adaptable power supply as measurement and control requirements evolve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If conventional power systems are used, then device complexity remains low, but the systems fail before reaching high downhole temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidoperational duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power system into modular components including the ionic liquid ultracapacitor, heat sink assemblies, and connection interfaces, allowing independent optimization of each component for high-temperature operation while maintaining overall system manageability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates heat sink assemblies and thermally conductive materials in advance to dissipate heat before it reaches critical levels that would damage electronics, providing thermal cushioning that extends operational duration in high-temperature environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 power in temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius, offering improved performance and durability, extending the operational capabilities of downhole tools beyond conventional limits.

Implementation Method 1

the HTRES comprises an ultracapacitor comprising an advanced electrolyte system ('AES') and the AES comprises a salt of the following formula

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon movement in electrolyte: Electrolyte

Implementation Method 2

electrodes composed of carbon nanotubes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic energy storage: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2971494B1Modular signal interface devices and related downhole power and data systems

Publication Date: 2022.12.07 FASTCAP SYSTEMS CORP

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AI summary

A downhole power system is provided that includes an energy storage adapted to operate at high temperatures, and a modular signal interface device that serves to control the energy storage component as well as offer a means of data logging at high temperatures. The controller is fabricated from pre-assembled components that may be selected for various combinations to provide desired functionality. The energy storage may include at least one ultracapacitor.