Shared Voltage Line Communication in Pulse Power Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse power drilling operations face challenges in communication among drill string components due to electrical power fluctuations and mechanical oscillations, which complicate electrical, mechanical, and optical signal transmission, and cause stress at joints, weakening communication and mechanical links.
Innovation Solution
The use of a shared voltage line for communication between components, where the pulse power controller encodes and decodes information by varying time delays and voltage levels, allowing bidirectional communication without the need for additional communication lines, particularly across joints in the drill string, reducing mechanical complexity and the risk of breakdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical power is transmitted along the drill string for pulse power drilling, then drilling capability is improved, but communication among drill string components is inhibited due to electrical fluctuations and mechanical oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function from the power transmission function by using separate communication lines that are electrically isolated from the power-carrying drill string components. This allows power to be transmitted effectively while communication signals travel through dedicated, protected channels that are not subject to the same electrical fluctuations and mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary communication lines that act as mediators between drill string components. These communication lines are physically separated from the power transmission path and provide a stable channel for data exchange,不受干扰 by the high-power electrical discharges and mechanical vibrations inherent in pulse power drilling operations.
2Reliability
If additional communication lines are installed across joints in the drill string, then communication reliability is improved, but mechanical complexity and risk of breakdown increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication lines universal by designing them to be electrically isolated and mechanically independent from the power transmission system. This multi-functionality allows the same communication infrastructure to serve all drill string components without being constrained by the specific electrical or mechanical characteristics of individual joints, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical signaling through the drill string structure itself as a copy of traditional wired communication. By encoding communication signals as electrical variations that can be detected along the drill string, the system achieves reliable communication without requiring physical communication lines to cross each joint, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If stress is reduced at joints and junctions between components, then component lifespan is extended, but communication capability may be weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication function into electrically isolated channels that do not rely on mechanical integrity at joints for signal transmission. By separating communication signals from power transmission paths, the system maintains communication capability even when joints experience stress, as the communication lines are not subjected to the same mechanical loads that could compromise their integrity.
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 enables reliable communication and data exchange between components during pulse power drilling, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the drilling process by reducing the load on components and extending their lifespan, while minimizing the need for additional communication lines across joints.
Implementation Method 1
the pulse power controller encodes and decodes information by varying time delays and voltage levels, allowing bidirectional communication without the need for additional communication lines
Data Source
AI summary
A method of communication along a shared voltage line is disclosed. In pulse power drilling, a generator charges applies voltage to a shared voltage line, which capacitively charges electrodes for formation drilling. While the generator controls the charging rate, charge voltage, and post-delay time between the charging cycles, a pulse power controller determines the pre-delay time by firing electrodes to discharge the stored voltage. Communication from the pulse power controller to the generator is encoded in the pre-delay time, where pre-delay times longer than a minimum pre-delay time correspond to time bins with pre-determined communications between the pulse power controller and the generator. The generator can also communicate to the pulse power controller via manipulation of the post-delay time.