Optical Triggering Device for Well Tool Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed optical sensing systems in subterranean wells face challenges in efficiently providing electrical power to well tools, particularly in ensuring controlled and reliable energy delivery for devices like perforating guns and valves, while minimizing accidental triggering and optimizing energy usage.
Innovation Solution
The system employs optical waveguides to convert light into electrical energy, which is stored and controllably released as needed, using a combination of photodiodes, transformers, voltage doublers, and gas discharge tubes, with optical filtering and multiplexing techniques to ensure secure and selective power delivery to well tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If optical waveguides are used to provide electrical power to well tools, then the operational range of downhole equipment is extended and electrical conductors are reduced, but the control and reliability of energy delivery becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors with electrical energy converted from optical signals before the actual power delivery is needed. The system accumulates energy in electrical storage devices during normal operation and releases it on-demand when triggering is required, ensuring reliable and controlled energy delivery to well tools without requiring continuous electrical conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical signals as an intermediary to transfer energy and control information to downhole tools. Instead of direct electrical connection, optical waveguides carry light that is converted to electrical energy, providing both power delivery and control signaling through a single medium, thereby extending operational range while maintaining reliability through optical triggering mechanisms.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electrical power is continuously supplied to well tools, then the tools can operate without interruption, but the risk of accidental triggering and energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by delivering electrical power in controlled pulses rather than continuous supply. Optical triggering signals are sent periodically or on-demand to activate well tools only when needed, reducing the window for accidental triggering while maintaining operational capability. The system converts optical energy to electrical energy in discrete bursts synchronized with operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful aspect of continuous power supply by separating power delivery from continuous electrical connection. Instead of maintaining constant electrical flow that could lead to accidental triggering, the system extracts power on-demand through optical triggering, delivering electrical energy only when explicitly commanded, thus eliminating the risk of unintended activation while preserving continuous operational readiness.
3Measurement precision
If optical triggering devices are added to control power delivery, then the precision and control of energy release is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the optical waveguide system to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the communication channel for control signals and the power delivery medium. The same optical infrastructure that enables distributed sensing also provides power conversion and triggering control, reducing the need for separate dedicated triggering hardware and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high precision control.
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 enables efficient and controlled electrical power delivery to well tools, enhancing the operational range of downhole equipment, reducing the need for electrical conductors, and allowing for remote optical control of energy release, thereby improving the reliability and safety of well operations.
Implementation Method 1
employing an optical waveguide to convert light into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a voltage doubler having a secondary output coupled to the anode of the second photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling electrical power delivery to a well tool can include transmitting trigger light via an optical waveguide to a circuit in a well, and the circuit delivering the electrical power to the well tool in response to the circuit receiving the trigger light. A circuit for supplying electrical power to at least one well tool can include a photodiode which receives light from an optical waveguide in a well, a voltage increaser which increases a voltage output by the photodiode, and an electrical energy storage device which receives electrical energy via the voltage increaser, whereby the electrical power can be supplied to the downhole well tool from the storage device.