Renewable-Powered Battery Charging for Drilling Rig Safety Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drilling rigs face challenges in providing power for safety equipment like blowout preventers, especially in remote locations where grid access is unavailable, and large hydraulic accumulators occupy valuable space, both on land and offshore.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electric power storage device and a renewable power generator, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to supply energy to actuators, reducing dependency on hydraulic accumulators and enabling continuous power storage and emergency power delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If large hydraulic accumulators are used to store energy for safety equipment, then the energy storage capacity is sufficient, but the space occupied on the rig increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidspace occupied

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic accumulator system with an electric power storage device (battery) coupled to an actuator. The battery stores electrical energy and directly powers the actuator that operates safety equipment such as blowout preventers, eliminating the need for large hydraulic accumulators and their associated hydraulic fluid storage space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the hydraulic accumulator system from the drilling rig configuration. By using electric power storage devices instead, the patent eliminates the disturbing element (large hydraulic accumulators occupying valuable rig space) while maintaining the essential function of energy storage for safety equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Use of energy by moving object

If diesel generators are used to power the rig in remote locations, then the power supply is available, but the dependency on fossil fuels increases and operational costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply availabilityVSAvoidfossil fuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service energy system where the drilling rig generates its own electrical power through renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. The electric power storage device stores this generated energy, allowing the rig to power its equipment including safety equipment independently of external power sources or fossil fuel-based generators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the energy source parameter from fossil fuel-based diesel generators to renewable energy sources. By incorporating solar panels or wind turbines coupled with electric power storage devices, the system transforms the type of energy used, reducing or eliminating dependency on fossil fuels while maintaining power supply availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If hydraulic accumulators are used for safety equipment, then the system can operate during power loss, but the system complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation during power lossVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex hydraulic system with a simpler electrical system. The electric power storage device (battery) coupled to the actuator provides a more straightforward configuration compared to hydraulic accumulators, pumps, and fluid management systems, while maintaining the ability to operate during power loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides a compact and reliable power source for drilling rig components, including blowout preventers, by harnessing renewable energy for continuous charging and rapid power discharge during emergencies, thus reducing space requirements and enhancing operational safety.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a wind turbine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind power generation: Wind Power

Implementation Method 3

an electric power storage device coupled to the actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11536116B2Alternative energy battery charging systems for well construction

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A drilling rig includes a rig component, an actuator coupled to the rig component, an electric power storage device coupled to the actuator and configured to cause the actuator to actuate. The actuator, by actuating, may perform a safety function in the rig component. The rig also includes a renewable power generator coupled to the electric power storage device and configured to supply at least some of the electric current to the electric power storage device that is supplied to the actuator.