Wellsite Power Management for Fluctuating Generator Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
During well construction operations, the electrical power demand by well construction equipment fluctuates significantly, leading to inefficient operation of generator units, high pollutant emissions, and unnecessary wear on equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising well construction equipment, power equipment, sensors, a human-machine interface, and a power manager that communicates with the power equipment and sensors to optimize electrical power supply based on predefined power management settings and operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If generator units operate to match electrical power demand during well construction operations, then power supply adequacy is ensured, but fuel efficiency deteriorates and pollutant emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts generator operation modes based on real-time power demand and operational priority. The power manager continuously monitors equipment power requirements and adjusts generator output and operational status to match actual demand, preventing both underutilization and excessive operation. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by ensuring adequate power supply only when and where needed, optimizing fuel efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control through the power manager, which monitors electrical power demand, generator performance, and equipment operational status in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts generator operation to maintain optimal fuel efficiency while ensuring adequate power supply. The feedback loop prevents both power shortages and unnecessary fuel consumption by continuously adapting generator output to actual system needs.
2Power
If additional generator units are turned on to provide high levels of electrical power, then power supply capacity is increased, but equipment wear increases and fuel efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines when to activate additional generator units based on real-time power demand thresholds and operational priority levels. Rather than statically running all generators, the power manager activates additional units only when power demand exceeds the capacity of currently operating generators. This dynamic approach reduces unnecessary equipment wear while ensuring adequate power supply capacity is available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (generator activation status, output levels) based on power demand conditions. The power manager monitors total power demand and adjusts the number and output of active generator units accordingly. This parameter adjustment ensures sufficient power supply capacity while minimizing the number of generators running, thereby reducing cumulative equipment wear and extending operational life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If generator units operate at low efficiency during low power demand stages, then power supply flexibility is maintained, but pollutant emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts generator operation to match power demand levels, transitioning between different operational states (shut down, idle, partial load, full load) based on real-time conditions. The power manager monitors power demand and adjusts generator output accordingly, ensuring generators operate at optimal efficiency points when active. This dynamic control maintains power supply flexibility while minimizing operation at inefficient low-load conditions that produce excessive emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of having generators idle or operating at low efficiency into benefit by implementing intelligent shutdown and activation strategies. The power manager predicts power demand patterns and proactively shuts down generators before they would operate inefficiently, then activates them in advance of anticipated high-demand periods. This approach transforms what would be harmful idle operation into beneficial pre-positioning of power capacity.
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.