Transformer-Based Power Transmission Through Conductive Drill Strings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring temperatures and pressures in deep boreholes is challenging due to the impracticality of replacing power supplies for sensors, as existing solutions do not efficiently manage power and signal transmission over long distances.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a transformer-based power and communication transmission method through the drill string, which includes a conductive tubing string as a winding, enabling AC and DC power transmission and signal propagation, with ceramic or non-conductive insulators for isolation, allowing for efficient data collection and processing at the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensor power supplies are used in deep boreholes, then sensors can be powered, but replacing power supplies becomes impractical due to the depth and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical power supply system with an electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. Power is transmitted through the drill string using electromagnetic coupling between a transmitter at the surface and a receiver at the downhole sensor, eliminating the need for physical power supplies that would need to be replaced manually.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill string acts as an intermediary medium for power transmission. The electromagnetic field couples through the conductive drill string to deliver power to the sensor without requiring direct electrical connection or physical presence of power supplies at the downhole location.
2Length of stationary object
If power is transmitted over long distances through the borehole, then sensors can be powered at depth, but signal attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical signal transmission through cables with electromagnetic field coupling. The transmitter generates an electromagnetic field that couples through the conductive drill string to the receiver, enabling power and signal transmission over long distances with reduced attenuation compared to conventional electrical wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electromagnetic field parameters (frequency, amplitude, coupling coefficient) to optimize power transmission efficiency over long distances. By adjusting these parameters, the system compensates for distance-related losses and maintains effective power delivery to deep borehole sensors.
3Reliability
If high-power sensors are used to ensure reliable operation, then sensor reliability improves, but power consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-power direct electrical connection sensors with low-power sensors powered by electromagnetic field coupling. The electromagnetic power transmission system efficiently delivers power to the sensor, enabling reliable operation with lower power consumption and reduced system complexity compared to high-power electrical systems.
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 reliable and efficient measurement of downhole conditions by reducing attenuation and allowing low-power sensors, facilitating real-time data acquisition with minimal equipment failure risks, even in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer (104) to couple the conductive pipe to a source of electromagnetic energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, method and device may be used to monitor conditions in a borehole. Well tubing and casing act as a conductive pair for A system, method and device may be used to monitor conditions in a borehole. Well tubing and casing act as a conductive pair for delivering power to one or more downhole active sensors. At the surface, power and signal are isolated so that the same conductive pair may act to transmit the sensor signals to the surface. In an embodiment, the sensor signals are RF signals and the surface electronics demodulate the RF signals from the sensor power.