Single-Cable Fracturing Power Distribution for Smaller Site Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing operations face logistical challenges such as large equipment footprints, high fuel consumption, and environmental impact, necessitating innovations to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a hydration-blender transport system that integrates a hydration tank, a fracturing blender, and an internal manifold system, along with an electric fracturing system that uses a single cable for power distribution, aiming to reduce the complexity and environmental impact of fracturing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate equipment transports are used for hydration tank, fracturing blender, and manifold system, then each component can be independently maintained and replaced, but the total equipment footprint and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydration tank, fracturing blender, and manifold system onto a single transport frame, creating an integrated fracturing system. This merging reduces the number of separate equipment transports needed on-site, minimizing the equipment footprint and fuel consumption while maintaining operational functionality through modular design that allows independent maintenance of each component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-cable power distribution systems are used, then voltage levels can be flexibly adjusted for different equipment, but system complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single cable power distribution system that universally serves multiple equipment components (hydraulic pump, fracturing blender, manifold system) simultaneously. The system incorporates a transformer that can step down voltage to different levels as needed, providing voltage flexibility for various equipment while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate cables and distribution pathways.
Data Source
AI summary
Providing electric power distribution for fracturing operations comprising receiving, at a transport, electric power from a mobile source of electricity at a first voltage level and supplying, from the transport, the electric power to a fracturing pump transport at the first voltage level using only a first, single cable connection. The first voltage level falls within a range of 1,000 V to 35 kilovolts. The transport also supplies electric power to a second transport at the first voltage level using only a second, single cable connection.