Subsurface Microsensor Charging Using Electromagnetic Contrast Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring methods for subterranean reservoirs are intrusive and unable to provide long-term, high-resolution, in situ measurements, especially in confined spaces and fractures, necessitating a solution for remote charging of embedded microsensors for effective subsurface monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising autonomous microsensors, contrast agents, and a control unit with a power source, utilizing electromagnetic contrast agents to enable wireless energization and data transmission, along with methods for determining power density distribution to inform sensor deployment and power harvesting designs, allowing for remote charging and long-term monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If autonomous microsensors are embedded in subterranean formations for long-term monitoring, then measurement duration and resolution are improved, but power supply becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electromagnetic contrast agents as intermediaries between the power source and autonomous microsensors. These agents enhance electromagnetic field coupling and enable efficient wireless power transfer through the subterranean formation, solving the power supply limitation for long-term monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical power transmission methods with electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer. By using electromagnetic contrast agents to mediate the energy transfer, the system eliminates the need for physical connections while enabling sustained operation of embedded sensors
2Measurement precision
If microsensors are placed in confined spaces and fractures, then measurement precision is improved, but power delivery becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electromagnetic contrast agents locally at sensor locations within confined spaces and fractures. This localized enhancement of electromagnetic properties enables efficient power transfer specifically where sensors are embedded, without requiring system-wide modifications
Solution Approach 2:
Electromagnetic contrast agents serve as local intermediaries that facilitate power delivery to sensors in confined geometries. These agents improve electromagnetic coupling between the power source and sensors positioned in difficult-to-reach locations such as fractures and narrow annuli
3Power
If electromagnetic contrast agents are used for power transfer, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies electromagnetic parameters (conductivity, permittivity) of the subterranean formation by introducing contrast agents. This changes the electromagnetic field distribution to favor efficient power transfer, achieving high power delivery without complex hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electromagnetic field patterns and contrast agent distributions that can be modeled and optimized computationally before deployment. This allows complex electromagnetic interactions to be managed through simulation and design rather than physical trial-and-error
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
Enables unobtrusive, high-resolution, long-term subsurface monitoring by remotely charging microsensors, facilitating the measurement and transmission of physicochemical states in subterranean environments, with enhanced power density distribution optimizing sensor placement and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit that includes a power source to energize the plurality of autonomous microsensors and contrast agent(s)
Implementation Method 2
sensing one or more physicochemical states by the plurality of microsensors, transmitting data of the physicochemical states
Data Source
AI summary
Autonomous wireless sensors in subsurface environments can be charged while present in the subsurface environment to allow the sensors to measure and wirelessly transmit measurements. The sensors rely upon a contrast agent to provide a power flow path to the sensors.