Solid-State Acoustic Transmitter for Downhole Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole acoustic transmitters are limited in generating complex waveforms and efficiently utilizing power resources, as they operate at resonance, leading to bandwidth limitations and energy losses due to transformer-based designs.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state acoustic transmitter using a composite load with a piezoelectric transducer and charge control circuitry, comprising inductors and switching circuitry, allows for the generation of modulated acoustic signals with non-constant envelopes, enabling transmission over multiple drillstring frequency passbands and improving power efficiency by eliminating transformer reliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If transformer-based resonant operation is used, then power efficiency is improved, but bandwidth is limited and complex waveform generation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the transformer-based resonant system with a solid-state switching circuitry system. The switching circuitry directly drives the piezoelectric transducer through controlled charge/discharge cycles, eliminating the need for transformer coupling and resonant operation. This substitution enables complex waveform generation while maintaining power efficiency through direct solid-state control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through switching circuitry that can rapidly change the charge state of the piezoelectric transducer. By controlling the timing and duration of voltage application, the system can generate complex waveforms with varying envelopes, enabling modulation across multiple drillstring frequency passbands and improving adaptability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If resonant mode operation is used, then power efficiency is improved, but the ability to generate complex waveforms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic switching action to charge and discharge the piezoelectric transducer in controlled cycles. By varying the timing, duration, and pattern of these periodic charge/discharge events, the system can generate complex waveforms while maintaining efficient power transfer through the switching circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic switching control to generate complex waveforms. The switching circuitry can rapidly adjust the charge state of the piezoelectric element, enabling generation of waveforms with varying amplitude envelopes and frequency content, thus achieving waveform complexity without sacrificing power efficiency.
3Power
If transformer-based designs are used, then power transfer is achieved, but energy losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates transformer-based power transfer and replaces it with direct solid-state switching control. The switching circuitry directly applies voltage to the piezoelectric transducer through controlled charge/discharge cycles, removing transformer losses and achieving more efficient power transfer through solid-state electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching circuitry recovers and recycles energy during the charge/discharge cycles of the piezoelectric transducer. By controlling the switching timing and using the inherent capacitance of the transducer, the system minimizes energy loss and improves overall power efficiency through self-contained energy management.
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 solution enhances data transmission rates by efficiently utilizing the drillstring's bandwidth and reducing energy losses, enabling the generation of complex waveforms and improving power efficiency in downhole acoustic signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric transducer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A
AI summary
An acoustic transmitter for transmitting an acoustic signal through a downhole medium includes a voltage source; a composite load; and switching circuitry that applies voltage from the voltage source across the composite load in response to a drive signal. The composite load includes charge control circuitry, in the form of at least one inductor, connected electrically in series with a piezoelectric transducer that may be electrically modeled as a capacitor.