Modulation Transformer for Downhole Power and Data Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of separate electrical lines to deliver power from separate power supplies to downhole electrical components in wells is complex, inefficient, and reduces reliability due to increased electrical connections and rig time.

Innovation Solution

A shared communication medium, such as a twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, is used to deliver both power and data to downhole components, including pumps and electro-hydraulic actuators, connected in parallel, utilizing a modulation transformer or demultiplexer to separate power and data signals, and an electronic switch like a semiconductor bidirectional triode thyristor to power downhole electrical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate electrical lines are used to deliver power and data to downhole components, then power delivery is achieved, but system complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical connection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate power delivery and data communication functions into a single communication medium. The modulation transformer couples both power signals and data signals to the same communication medium, eliminating the need for separate electrical lines and reducing connection complexity while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication medium serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a power delivery conduit and a data communication channel. This multi-functionality is achieved through the modulation transformer that can couple both power and data signals to the same medium, reducing the number of required connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If separate power supplies are used for power delivery, then adequate power is provided to downhole components, but the number of electrical connections increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidnumber of electrical connections

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate power supply and data communication systems into a unified system using a single communication medium. The modulation transformer enables both power and data signals to share the same physical connection, reducing the quantity of electrical connections required while maintaining adequate power delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If separate electrical lines are used for power delivery, then power can be delivered to downhole components, but rig time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery to downhole componentsVSAvoidrig time

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By combining power delivery and data communication into a single communication medium, the patent reduces the number of connections that need to be made during well operations. This simplification directly reduces rig time while maintaining the ability to deliver adequate power to downhole components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If multiple separate lines are used for power and data, then independent control is achieved, but system efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidwell operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication medium performs multiple functions - power delivery and data communication - simultaneously through the modulation transformer. This multi-functionality improves well operation efficiency by reducing the number of separate systems that need to be managed, while independent control is maintained through signal modulation techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach simplifies the power delivery system, reduces the number of electrical connections, enhances reliability, and decreases rig time by using a single communication medium for both power and data, improving the efficiency of well operations.

Implementation Method 1

a modulation transformer or demultiplexer to separate power and data signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

An electronic switch couples the power output by the circuit to a downhole electrical component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9938823B2Communicating power and data to a component in a well

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

An apparatus includes a circuit to receive power and data over a communication medium, where the circuit is to separate the power and the data. An electronic switch couples the power output by the circuit to a downhole electrical component for use in a well. According to other implementations, an electro-hydraulic actuator includes an outer housing defining a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber, where a seal for one of the hydraulic chambers is achieved without use of an elastomeric seal.