Self-Powered Borehole Communication via Electrochemical Cell

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the downhole drilling and completions industry, particularly in extended reach wells, traditional methods for communication and power supply to downhole components are inefficient or impossible due to the challenges of signal transmission and power generation at great depths.

Innovation Solution

A self-powered borehole communication assembly is formed by a pair of electrodes with different potentials, creating an electrochemical cell in an electrolytic borehole fluid, which generates current or voltage to convey information and provide power for downhole operations, including communication and actuation of sensors and valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional control line signal transmission is used for communication, then communication can be achieved in shallow wells, but it becomes impossible or extremely difficult in extended reach wells reaching depths of forty thousand feet or more

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidwell depth

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control line signal transmission with electromagnetic field-based communication. The system uses a transmitter that generates electromagnetic fields to communicate with downhole components, eliminating the need for physical control lines and enabling communication in extended reach wells where mechanical signal transmission fails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If batteries or power sources are supplied to downhole components, then power can be provided for operation, but achieving sufficient robustness and reliability in harsh downhole environments is extremely difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidpower source robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-powered system where downhole components generate their own power through electrochemical cells that utilize the surrounding borehole environment. The system converts chemical energy from downhole fluids into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external battery supplies and ensuring continuous reliable power operation in harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power generation approach from stored chemical energy (batteries) to continuous electrochemical energy conversion. By utilizing electrochemical cells with electrodes and electrolytes, the system converts environmental chemicals into electrical power, adapting to the downhole environment rather than resisting it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate power sources and communication systems are used, then both functions can be achieved, but device complexity and system robustness are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges power generation and communication functions into a single integrated system. The electrochemical cell serves dual purposes: generating power for downhole components and enabling communication through voltage signal modulation. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining both power supply and communication capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrochemical cell is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electrical power for operating downhole components and serves as a communication medium by modulating voltage signals to convey information about borehole conditions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems.

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 solution enables reliable communication and power generation for downhole components, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of borehole conditions, even in extended reach wells where traditional methods fail, and provides a sustainable power source for continuous operation.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrode member having a first electrode potential; and a second electrode member having a second electrode potential different than the first electrode potential, the first and second electrodes forming an electrochemical cell when disposed in a borehole fluid that is at least partially electrolytic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical cell: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

forming an electrochemical cell when disposed in a borehole fluid that is at least partially electrolytic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS9927547B2Power generating communication device

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A self-powered borehole communication assembly including a first electrode member having a first electrode potential and a second electrode member having a second electrode potential different than the first electrode potential. The first and second electrodes form an electrochemical cell when disposed in a borehole fluid that is at least partially electrolytic. The electrochemical cell is operatively arranged for producing a current and a voltage with at least one of the current or the voltage configured to directly convey information related to at least one borehole condition, property, or parameter. A method of communicating is also included.