Pumpjack-Driven Generator for Remote Oil Well Fuel Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oil well operations in remote locations face limitations due to lack of infrastructure for commercial electrical power, restricting the power available for control systems, fuel injectors, and other equipment, leading to limited operational capabilities and frequent battery depletion.
Innovation Solution
An oil well auxiliary power system is introduced, featuring a prime mover coupled to a pumpjack with a stub shaft connected to a planetary gear drive and a generator, capable of producing 12V and 20 Amps of power, enabling the use of more power-hungry devices like fuel injectors and SCADA systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar cells and batteries are used to provide power for control systems, then the system can operate in remote locations without commercial power infrastructure, but the available power is limited to 12V at 3-5 amps which is insufficient for power-hungry devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar power system with a generator that is mechanically coupled to the pumpjack through the prime mover. This merging allows the system to utilize both solar energy and mechanical energy from the pumpjack operation to generate electrical power, thereby increasing the total power output while maintaining operability in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pumpjack's own mechanical motion to drive the generator, allowing the oil well equipment to generate its own additional power without requiring external power infrastructure. The prime mover's rotational output is directly utilized to generate electricity, making the system self-sufficient.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If batteries are used to store solar energy, then power can be provided when the Sun is not shining, but the batteries are frequently depleted and require regular replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The generator continuously generates electricity during pumpjack operation to recharge the batteries in advance, ensuring that sufficient power is available before the batteries are depleted. This preliminary charging action prevents complete battery exhaustion and extends their operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous power generation through the generator during pumpjack operation, providing ongoing battery recharging rather than relying solely on intermittent solar charging. This continuous action ensures batteries remain charged and extends their service life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pumpjack uses natural gas engine to rotate crank and counterweight, then the pumpjack can operate independently using resources available at the site, but there is insufficient electrical power for control systems and fuel injectors
Solution Approach 1:
The prime mover serves multiple functions: it drives the pumpjack mechanism for oil extraction and simultaneously drives the generator to produce electrical power. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain independent operation while providing sufficient power for control systems, fuel injectors, and other electrical equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical power transmission system with an electrical power generation system by coupling the generator to the prime mover's output shaft. This combination allows the natural gas engine to simultaneously perform mechanical work for pump operation and generate electricity for control systems.
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 sufficient power to support broader operational capabilities, including SCADA control, lighting, CCTV, communication, and engine management, allowing for more efficient and reliable oil well operations by extending battery life and enabling the use of previously unfeasible devices.
Implementation Method 1
A planetary gear drive is coupled to the stub shaft and configured to transform the mechanical energy of the prime mover to rotate the generator at a speed required to generate electrical power
Implementation Method 2
A generator is coupled to the planetary gear drive and configured to generate 12V and 20 Amps of electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
Oil well auxiliary power system. The oil well auxiliary power system includes a prime mover coupled to a pumpjack. The prime mover comprises a motor. A stub shaft is coupled to the motor of the prime mover. A gear system is coupled to the stub shaft. A generator is coupled to the gear system.