Wellsite Power Management Using Battery-Buffered Generator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing well construction equipment systems face inefficiencies in electrical power management, leading to suboptimal operation during varying power demand stages, resulting in low generator efficiency, high emissions, and unnecessary wear on engines.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power manager with sensors and a human-machine interface, which receives operational data and power management settings to adjust the power supply mode optimally, ensuring efficient electrical power distribution and reducing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If generator units operate to match electrical power demand during well construction operations, then electrical power supply adequacy is improved, but generator efficiency deteriorates and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical energy storage unit (battery) as an intermediary between the generator and the electrical load. The battery absorbs excess energy when generation exceeds demand and releases energy when demand exceeds generation, allowing the generator to operate at optimal efficiency points while still meeting variable power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operating parameters of the generator by using the battery to decouple the generator's output from the immediate electrical demand. This allows the generator to maintain steady-state operating conditions (optimal RPM, load) while the battery handles the variable demand components.
2Power
If generator units operate at low electrical power demand, then electrical power supply adequacy is improved, but emissions increase and fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery serves as an intermediary that can supply power during low-demand periods, allowing the generator to be shut down or operated at optimal efficiency points, thereby reducing emissions while still meeting the electrical power demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging of the battery during high-demand or optimal-generation periods, so that the stored energy can be used during low-demand periods when generator operation would be inefficient and highly emissive.
3Power
If additional generator units are turned on to provide high electrical power, then electrical power supply adequacy is improved, but equipment wear increases and fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery acts as an intermediary energy storage device that can provide additional power during high-demand periods, eliminating the need to start additional generator units. This reduces equipment wear and extends operational life while still meeting peak power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-charges the battery during periods of lower demand, so that stored energy is available during high-demand periods. This preliminary energy storage prevents the need to start additional generators, thereby reducing wear on existing equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing power at a wellsite. A system includes well construction equipment, power equipment, a power manager, power equipment sensors operable to output power equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the power equipment, and a human-machine interface usable by a human user to enter power management settings. The power manager is operable to receive the power equipment sensor data and receive the power management settings, wherein each power management setting is associated with a corresponding mode of operation of the power manager. The power manager is further operable to, for each power management setting, change the mode of operation of the power manager to the mode of operation associated with that power management setting, and for each mode of operation, cause the power equipment to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment in a predetermined manner with respect to that mode of operation.