High-Voltage Pulse Cable Layout for Low-Loss Downhole Drilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transmitting power downhole for pulsed power drilling face challenges in the current scheme, including the packaging of dual power conversion stages and resonant power transfer across the Tesla transformer, result in dramatic losses and complex BHA designs which are not maneuverable and robust it may be. This leads to constraints to well plans and effective reservoir outreach, and the downhole components are inherently susceptible to large power losses and temperature rise.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a high voltage cable system that moves most of the converter section to the surface, with only a secondary capacitor and output diode in the BHA, reducing downhole components and minimizing power losses, thereby enhancing maneuverability and reducing thermal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If dual power conversion stages and resonant power transfer across Tesla transformer are used, then power transmission capability is improved, but power losses increase dramatically and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex dual power conversion stages and Tesla transformer from the downhole assembly and relocates them to the surface. Only a simple capacitor and diode remain downhole, dramatically reducing power losses while maintaining high voltage power transmission capability.
2Power
If dual power conversion stages and resonant power transfer are used, then power transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex power conversion components are extracted from the downhole assembly and placed on the surface. The BHA now contains only simple passive components (capacitor and diode), making it maneuverable and robust while maintaining high voltage power transmission capability.
3Power
If complex BHA design is used, then power transmission capability is improved, but maneuverability and robustness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By removing complex power conversion components from the BHA and placing them on the surface, the downhole assembly becomes simpler, more maneuverable, and more robust, while still achieving high voltage power transmission through the simplified capacitor-diode configuration.
4Power
If downhole power conversion components are used, then power transmission is achieved, but temperature rise and thermal stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates power conversion components from the downhole environment to the surface, eliminating the thermal stress and temperature rise issues that would occur in the high-temperature downhole environment while maintaining effective power transmission to the drill bit.
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 reduces power losses by 85% and thermal requirements, allowing for improved steering capability and efficient power transmission, thus overcoming the limitations of complex BHA designs and power loss issues.
Implementation Method 1
a cable configured to connect the power supply to the pulse-generating circuit
Implementation Method 2
an energy storage component in the pulse-generating circuit
Implementation Method 3
the pulse power drilling fluid may bring drill cuttings upward through the annulus and may provide a hydrostatic head to prevent a blowout
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and Methods for providing power to downhole to a pulsed drilling scheme. For example, methods and systems herein may comprise a pulsed power drill bit comprising one or more electrodes, and a pulse-generating (PG) circuit configured to provide an electric potential across the one or more electrodes. In addition. a boost charger configured to charge an energy storage component in the PG circuit and a power supply configured to provide voltage to the PG circuit.