Vortex Energy Harvester for Downhole Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for powering downhole electronics in oil and gas operations, such as electrical wiring, batteries, and turbines, are inefficient for the low-power requirements of modern nano-sensors and microprocessors, and there is a need for a reliable energy harvesting solution that can operate without surface connections.
Innovation Solution
The system harnesses vortex-induced vibrations using piezo-electric crystals and commercially available energy harvesting chips to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, which can power sensors and charge batteries, and is integrated with Electro Acoustic Technology (EAT) for data transmission via optical fibers, also serving as a flow meter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrical wiring or batteries are used to power downhole electronics, then sufficient power can be provided for high-power devices, but the system becomes complex and requires surface connections or has limited battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex energy harvester enables the downhole sensor system to generate its own power autonomously from the flowing fluid, eliminating the need for surface electrical connections or replaceable batteries. The device harvests energy continuously from the fluid flow through vortex-induced vibrations of a cylindrical element, converting mechanical energy to electrical energy via piezoelectric materials, thus making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall system complexity.
2Power
If turbines are used to generate power downhole, then significant power can be produced, but the device becomes large and complex with moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical turbine systems with a piezoelectric energy harvesting mechanism. Instead of using rotating turbines with multiple moving parts, the system employs a cylindrical element that vibrates in response to vortex-induced forces from fluid flow, and piezoelectric materials that directly convert these mechanical vibrations into electrical energy, thereby eliminating complex mechanical transmissions and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vortex-induced vibrations of a cylindrical element exposed to fluid flow to generate mechanical energy. The alternating vortex shedding creates periodic forces that induce vibrations in the cylinder, which are then converted to electrical energy by piezoelectric materials attached to or integrated with the vibrating structure, providing a simple yet effective power generation mechanism without complex mechanical components.
3Reliability
If conventional sensors are used in downhole environments, then reliable data can be obtained, but the energy consumption is high requiring frequent battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex energy harvester provides continuous autonomous power generation from fluid flow, enabling sensors to operate indefinitely without battery replacement. The harvested energy continuously charges the battery or powers the sensors directly, ensuring reliable operation in remote downhole environments where maintenance is difficult, thus improving overall system reliability while eliminating the need for high-capacity batteries.
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 solution provides a sustainable, low-maintenance power source for downhole electronics, extending battery life and enabling perpetually powered sensors, with dual functionality as an energy harvester and flow meter, suitable for various subsea and downhole applications.
Implementation Method 1
The system harnesses vortex-induced vibrations using piezo-electric crystals and commercially available energy harvesting chips to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
Vortex energy harvester for downhole applications... based on Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV)... harnesses vortex-induced vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for vortex energy harvesting for downhole applications and a method thereof, the system comprising: one or more electro acoustic technology assemblies mounted downhole in close proximity to a fiber optic cable that is part of a fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing system connected back to a surface distributed acoustic sensing interrogator; and one or more vortex energy harvesters attached to each of the electro acoustic technology assemblies and exposed to a fluid flow in the downhole application.