Superconducting Down-Hole Heating Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional down-hole heating systems for oil extraction face inefficiencies due to power loss in non-superconducting transmission cables, limiting the length and efficiency of heat transfer, and requiring significant steam usage, which is costly and environmentally impactful.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of superconducting power transmission cables and cryogenically cooled non-superconducting cables to enhance power density and efficiency, allowing for longer heating lengths and reduced steam requirements by generating high-quality steam in-situ, while using electromagnetic excitation techniques to heat the well casing and surrounding fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional non-superconducting power transmission cables are used, then the system is simpler and easier to manufacture, but power loss increases and heating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter from ambient to cryogenic temperatures, enabling superconducting cables to operate with zero electrical resistance. This parameter change eliminates I2R power losses in the transmission cables while requiring cryogenic cooling infrastructure, thus resolving the contradiction between energy loss and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite cable structures combining superconducting materials (such as Nb-Ti or HTS materials) with stabilizing and cooling infrastructure. These composite constructions integrate multiple functional layers including superconducting cores, thermal insulation, and cooling channels, achieving both low power loss and manageable system complexity.
2Productivity
If the heating length is increased to enhance oil recovery, then more oil can be extracted, but power loss in non-superconducting cables increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the temperature parameter to cryogenic levels, the patent enables superconducting cables to transmit power over extended distances without I2R losses. This allows the heating length to be increased significantly, enhancing oil recovery productivity while maintaining energy efficiency throughout the extended power transmission distance.
3Temperature
If steam injection is used to heat the reservoir, then oil viscosity decreases and flow improves, but water and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical steam injection with direct electrical resistive heating elements positioned within the wellbore. These heating elements convert electrical energy directly to thermal energy, heating the surrounding rock and oil without requiring water injection. This substitution achieves the same temperature increase while eliminating the need for steam generation and injection infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole heating system uses the formation water already present in the reservoir as the heating medium. The electrical heating elements transfer heat directly to the formation water and surrounding rock, which then naturally circulate and heat the oil. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external steam supply while utilizing the reservoir's own resources for heat transfer.
4Power
If conventional heating systems are used, then the system is easier to operate, but the heating power density is insufficient for effective oil recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the power density parameter by utilizing superconducting cables that can carry extremely high currents without resistance. This enables the deployment of high-power heating elements downhole that deliver intense localized heating capability, dramatically increasing the heating power density compared to conventional systems while the automated control systems maintain operational simplicity.
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 approach significantly increases oil production, reduces steam and water usage, lowers operating costs, and enhances energy efficiency, enabling longer production well lengths and improved environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a first superconducting cable configured to transmit electrical power from a power source to a heating device
Implementation Method 2
heating device that generates significant heat
Implementation Method 3
using electromagnetic excitation techniques to heat the well casing and surrounding fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A superconducting down-hole heating device with a superconducting cable, a cryostat around the superconducting cable, and a heat source coupled to the superconducting cable. The device is configured to use within a well-casing, and to produce heat outside of the cryostat and not inside of the cryostat.