Wellsite Power Management for Variable Generator Demand
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electrical power demand in well construction operations varies significantly, leading to suboptimal operation of generator units, resulting in inefficient energy use and high emissions during both low and high power demand stages.
Innovation Solution
A well construction system that includes power equipment connected via an electrical power bus, operational data sources, and a power manager. The power manager receives data from sensors associated with the well construction equipment, power equipment, and electrical power bus to control the electrical power supply dynamically, optimizing energy use and reducing emissions by adjusting power generation and distribution based on operational needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If generator units operate to match electrical power demand during low power demand stages, then electrical power supply is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts generator operation based on real-time power demand conditions. During low power demand stages, the system transitions generators from continuous operation to idle or shutdown states, allowing operational parameters to change dynamically rather than maintaining fixed operation modes
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system continuously monitors electrical power demand and provides feedback to control generator operation. This closed-loop control enables the system to respond to changing power requirements and optimize generator operation accordingly, preventing inefficient operation during low demand periods
2Power
If additional generator units are turned on during high power demand stages, then electrical power supply is increased, but energy efficiency decreases and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary warm-up operation of generator units before they are fully activated to meet high power demand. This preliminary action ensures generators are properly prepared and operating at optimal efficiency before bearing full load, preventing inefficient operation from cold starts
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation of base generator units that remain in optimal efficiency ranges, while supplementing with additional generators only when necessary. This ensures continuous power supply while maximizing the useful action of generators operating in their efficient ranges
3Power
If generator units operate without proper warm-up during high power demand stages, then electrical power demand is met, but equipment operational life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary warm-up operation of generator units before full activation. This preliminary action allows generators to reach optimal operating temperature and conditions before bearing full load, ensuring proper equipment preparation and extending operational life
4Power
If generator units operate at low efficiency rates, then electrical power demand is met, but gas and particulate emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system monitors generator efficiency and power demand conditions, providing feedback to control generator operation. This enables the system to minimize operation of generators at inefficient load levels, thereby reducing gas and particulate emissions from incomplete combustion and inefficient operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of generators based on power demand conditions, adjusting load distribution and operation modes to maintain generators within efficient operating ranges. This parameter optimization prevents operation at load levels that produce high emissions per unit of power generated
Data Source
AI summary
A well construction system having well construction equipment operable to perform well construction operations to drill a well, power equipment operable to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment via an electrical power bus, operational data sources operable to output operational data, and a power manager communicatively connected with the operational data sources and the power equipment. The operational data sources may include well construction equipment sensors, power equipment sensors, and an electrical power bus sensor. The power manager receives the operational data and outputs power control data to the power equipment to control the electrical power being supplied by the power equipment to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus during the well construction operations based on the operational data.