Superconductor Wire Telemetry for Borehole Current Capacity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current conductors used in resource exploration and recovery systems are limited by their current carrying capacity, which restricts the number, type, and location of sensors and tools that can be used in boreholes, and increasing the conductor diameter further limits borehole operations by reducing space for tools and fluid passage.
Innovation Solution
A telemetry system utilizing a superconductor wire within a tubular flow bore, which allows for increased current carrying capacity without increasing the conductor diameter, enabling a dual telemetry system with both superconductor and optical fiber for enhanced power transmission and data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the conductor diameter is increased to carry more current, then the current carrying capacity is improved, but the space available for tools, valves, and fluid passage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional copper conductors to superconductor wires, which fundamentally changes the electrical conductivity parameter. Superconductors can carry extremely high current densities without resistance, enabling the conductor to carry much more current without increasing diameter. This allows the system to overcome the trade-off between current carrying capacity and borehole space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining superconductor wire with protective tubing and insulation layers. The superconductor wire itself is typically a composite structure with a superconducting core and stabilizing matrix. This composite approach enables the thin superconductor to be handled and protected while maintaining its high current carrying capacity, thus solving the contradiction between small diameter and functional performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conductor diameter is increased to support more sensors and tools, then the power transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the electrical parameter from conventional conductivity to superconductivity, the system can support multiple sensors and tools along the tubular without requiring larger conductor diameter. The high current carrying capacity of superconductors enables power distribution to multiple downhole devices while maintaining a compact conductor structure, thus improving adaptability without increasing complexity.
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 superconductor wire provides greater flexibility in sensor and tool deployment, supports more electrically powered tools, and allows for deeper well servicing with reduced pressure drops and smaller tool sizes, overcoming the limitations of existing conductor technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a superconductor wire disposed within the flow bore
Data Source
AI summary
A telemetry system for a resource exploration and recovery system including a tubular defining a flow bore, and a superconductor wire disposed within the flow bore. A resource exploration and recovery system including a first system, a second system fluidically connected to the first system, and a telemetry system operatively connected to the first system extending into the second system, the telemetry system including a tubular defining a flow bore, and a superconductor wire disposed within the flow bore.