Wireless Power Data Connection for Drilling Motor BHA
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling operations face challenges in distributing power and data within bottom hole assemblies (BHAs) due to the technical and costly nature of transmitting power and data across rotational joints in mud motors, particularly in directional drilling applications where optimizing drilling performance is crucial.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless power and data connection system that includes a measuring-while-drilling (MWD) module coupled to a drill string, with a rotary steerable system (RSS) receiving power and data via a wireless connection located above the drilling motor, enabling efficient power and data transfer between BHA components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power and data are transmitted across rotational joints in mud motors, then connectivity between BHA components is achieved, but the system becomes technically challenging and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power and data transmission function from the rotational joint interface and relocates it to the drill string above the mud motor. This eliminates the need for complex rotational connectors while maintaining connectivity between the MWD system and drilling motor, resolving the technical challenge and cost issue associated with rotational joint transmission.
2Productivity
If MWD system and mud pulse telemetry are optimally placed in BHA, then drilling performance is optimized, but power and data distribution becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the drill string as an intermediary medium for power and data transmission. By placing the wireless power and data connection in the drill string above the mud motor, it serves as a mediator that delivers power and data to the optimally positioned MWD system and drilling motor without requiring complex distribution systems through the rotational joint.
3Device complexity
If wireless power and data connection is implemented above drilling motor, then cost is reduced and complexity is simplified, but power and data transfer distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotational joint connection with a wireless power and data transmission system positioned in the drill string. This substitution eliminates the need for physical rotational connectors and their associated complexity, using electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical interfaces to transfer power and data across the drill string to the drilling motor and MWD system.
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 enhances drilling performance by allowing real-time measurement and control of drilling conditions, reducing costs, and maintaining optimal placement of MWD systems and mud pulse telemetry, while avoiding the need for physical connections that cross rotational joints.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power and data connection located above a drilling motor in the drill string for providing power and data between the MWD module and the drilling motor
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom hole assembly (BHA) configured for use in a drill string of a wellsite drilling system. The BHA includes a measuring-while-drilling (MWD) module, a wireless power and data connection, and a rotary steerable system (RSS). The MWD module is configured for coupling to a drill string, and includes a power generation component and a direction and inclination (D&I) survey package. The wireless power and data connection is disposed above a drilling motor in the drill string and for providing power and data connectivity between the MWD module and the drilling motor. The RSS is coupled to the drilling motor for receiving power from and communicating with the MWD module via the wireless power and data connection and the drilling motor.