Rechargeable Ultracapacitor Power Supply for High-Temperature Downhole Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies fail to provide reliable power in high temperature downhole environments, leading to degradation of chemically based battery storage and limitations in instrumentation and tooling used in hydrocarbon exploration.
Innovation Solution
A power system comprising a rechargeable energy storage device, such as an ultracapacitor, operable in a temperature range of -40°C to 210°C, coupled with a circuit for supplying and charging power, including subsystems for depassivation, simulation, state of charge monitoring, and switching among energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemically based battery storage is used in downhole environments, then power storage capability is provided, but the battery degrades and loses functionality at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the energy storage system by transitioning from chemical battery storage to electrostatic capacitor storage. This parameter change enables operation at temperatures up to 200°C, as capacitors store energy electrostatically rather than chemically, avoiding thermal degradation of chemical compounds. The system maintains reliable power supply while expanding the temperature operating range through this fundamental parameter transformation.
2Power
If conventional power supplies are used, then power delivery is provided, but the system fails to provide useful power in high temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical-mechanical energy storage mechanism of conventional batteries with an electrostatic energy storage mechanism using capacitors. This substitution eliminates the chemical reactions that fail at high temperatures, providing reliable power delivery in extreme thermal environments. The electrostatic field-based storage and release of energy maintains power capability where chemical systems fail.
3Adaptability or versatility
If downhole instrumentation complexity increases to meet exploration needs, then measurement and control capabilities are enhanced, but power demands increase beyond what conventional supplies can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor-based power system provides universal power delivery capability that can support diverse and complex downhole instrumentation. The system's ability to deliver high power pulses and maintain stable operation across varying temperature conditions enables sophisticated measurement and control functions. This multi-functional power supply supports enhanced instrumentation versatility without being constrained by temperature-related power limitations.
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 power system effectively supplies reliable power in high temperature environments, extending the operational range of downhole tools, reducing the need for frequent replacements, and enhancing the efficiency of hydrocarbon exploration operations.
Implementation Method 1
A power system with rechargeable energy storage capable of storing between about 0.01 joule and about 100 megajoules of energy and providing peak power of between about 0.01 watt and about 100 megawatts
Data Source
AI summary
A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment is disclosed. The power system includes a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about seventy degrees Celsius and about two hundred and fifty degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage; wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. Methods of use and fabrication are provided. Embodiments of additional features of the power supply are included.