Signal Generator Control of Standing EM Waves in Hydrocarbon Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal generators for electromagnetic heating of hydrocarbons face challenges in efficiently controlling electromagnetic energy distribution due to frequency-dependent impedances in loads, leading to uneven heating profiles and reduced efficiency in hydrocarbon production or transportation.
Innovation Solution
A signal generator system comprising multiple voltage sources, switch groups, a switch network driver, a signal combining unit, and a processor that generates and combines modulated signals to produce a desired power spectral density, allowing for the creation of standing electromagnetic waves along radiating structures within hydrocarbon formations, which can vary in mechanical configuration and quasi-static electromagnetic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional signal generators are used with frequency-dependent impedance loads, then electromagnetic energy is produced, but uneven heating profiles and reduced efficiency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generator employs dynamic impedance matching that continuously adapts to the load's frequency-dependent impedance characteristics. The system modifies signal parameters in real-time based on feedback from impedance sensing, enabling the heating profile to dynamically track the desired spatial distribution while maintaining optimal power transfer efficiency despite varying load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple signal parameters simultaneously including frequency, amplitude, and phase across different spectral components. By independently controlling the power spectral density at multiple frequencies and adjusting the impedance match dynamically, the system achieves both uniform heating profiles and high production efficiency that cannot be obtained with fixed-parameter traditional generators
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic energy is applied to heat hydrocarbons, then viscosity reduction and mobilization occur, but control over EM energy distribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generator incorporates impedance sensing that provides real-time feedback on the load's frequency-dependent characteristics. This feedback is used by the control system to automatically adjust the power spectral density and signal parameters, enabling precise control over electromagnetic energy distribution to the hydrocarbon formation while maximizing energy transfer efficiency and minimizing losses
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electromagnetic energy for heating, senses impedance variations, processes feedback signals, and dynamically adjusts output parameters. This multi-functionality integrates control precision and energy efficiency into a single unified system that can adapt to varying hydrocarbon formation properties
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 precise control of electromagnetic energy distribution, achieving desired spatial heating profiles and improving the efficiency of hydrocarbon production by optimizing energy delivery based on real-time load properties and impedance variations.
Implementation Method 1
When the at least one output signal is applied to a load having a frequency-dependent impedance, at least one standing electromagnetic wave is produced along a length of the load
Implementation Method 2
EM energy can be used to heat hydrocarbons. Similar to traditional steam-based technologies, the application of EM energy to heat hydrocarbons can reduce viscosity and mobilize bitumen and heavy oil for production or transportation
Data Source
AI summary
A signal generator, system, and method for electromagnetically heating of a hydrocarbon formation. The method involves determining a desired output signal having a desired power spectral density; generating a plurality of source signals, based on the desired output signal; modulating the plurality of source signals, based on the desired output signal, to provide a plurality of modulated signals capable of providing the desired power spectral density; combining one or more of the plurality of modulated signals into a combined signal; transforming the combined signal to have the desired power spectral density, thereby providing at least one output signal; and applying the at least one output signal to a load having a frequency-dependent impedance to produce at least one standing electromagnetic wave along a length of the load. The at least one standing electromagnetic wave includes at least a partial standing electromagnetic wave.