U.S. patent application number 14/835586 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-31 for transportable energy storage devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schlumberger Technology Corporation. Invention is credited to Rogerio Tadeu Ramos.
Application Number | 20160090817 14/835586 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55583861 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160090817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ramos; Rogerio Tadeu |
March 31, 2016 |
Transportable Energy Storage Devices
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure can relate to transportable energy
storage devices for furnishing power to down-hole electrical
devices of a drill string. In embodiments, a system for furnishing
electrical power includes a vessel that can be transported through
a drill pipe (e.g., from the surface) towards a down-hole tool
coupled to an end of the drill pipe. An energy storage device can
be disposed within or defined by the vessel. The energy storage
device can have an output terminal that can be operably coupled
with an input terminal of the down-hole tool or operably coupled
with an input terminal of a second energy storage device that
directly or indirectly furnishes power to the down-hole tool.
Inventors: |
Ramos; Rogerio Tadeu;
(Eastleigh, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlumberger Technology Corporation |
Sugar land |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55583861 |
Appl. No.: |
14/835586 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62057932 |
Sep 30, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/65.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 41/0085
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 41/00 20060101
E21B041/00; E21B 17/10 20060101 E21B017/10 |
Claims
1. A system for furnishing electrical power to down-hole
electrically powered devices of a drill string, comprising: a
vessel transportable through a drill pipe towards a down-hole tool
of the drill pipe; an energy storage device disposed within or
defined by the vessel, the energy storage device including an
output terminal configured to be operably coupled with an input
terminal of the down-hole tool or an input terminal of a second
energy storage device.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the output terminal is
configured to be inductively coupled with the input terminal of the
down-hole tool or the input terminal of the second energy storage
device.
3. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein the output terminal of
the energy storage device comprises a first conductive coil,
wherein the first conductive coil is configured to at least
partially surround or be surrounded by a second conductive
coil.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the output terminal is
configured to be directly coupled with the input terminal of the
down-hole tool or the input terminal of the second energy storage
device.
5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the vessel comprises
an annular body allowing fluid flow through an inner cavity of the
annular body.
6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the vessel comprises a
substantially cylindrical body.
7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein the vessel includes a
centralizer at least partially surrounding the substantially
cylindrical body, the centralizer being structured to align the
substantially cylindrical body with the down-hole tool or the
second energy storage device.
8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the centralizer
includes one or more wheels or bearings to reduce friction between
the vessel and an inner surface of the pipe while the vessel is
transported therethrough.
9. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the vessel is
transportable by at least one of gravitational force or flow of
drilling fluid.
10. A system for furnishing electrical power to electrically
powered devices, comprising: a vessel transportable through a
passage towards an electrically powered device located at an end of
the passage; an energy storage device disposed within or defined by
the vessel, the energy storage device including an output terminal
configured to be operably coupled with an input terminal of the
electrically powered device or an input terminal of a second energy
storage device.
11. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the output terminal
is configured to be inductively coupled with the input terminal of
the electrically powered device or the input terminal of the second
energy storage device.
12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein the output terminal
of the energy storage device comprises a first conductive coil,
wherein the first conductive coil is configured to at least
partially surround or be surrounded by a second conductive
coil.
13. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the output terminal
is configured to be directly coupled with the input terminal of the
electrically powered device or the input terminal of the second
energy storage device.
14. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the vessel comprises
an annular body allowing fluid flow through an inner cavity of the
annular body.
15. The system as recited in claim 10, wherein the vessel comprises
a substantially cylindrical body.
16. The system as recited in claim 15, wherein the vessel includes
a centralizer at least partially surrounding the substantially
cylindrical body, the centralizer being structured to align the
substantially cylindrical body with the electrically powered device
or the second energy storage device.
17. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein the centralizer
includes one or more wheels or bearings to reduce friction between
the vessel and an inner surface of the pipe while the vessel is
transported therethrough.
18. An apparatus for furnishing energy to electrically powered
devices, comprising: a transportable vessel having a substantially
cylindrical body configured to transport through a tubular passage;
a centralizer at least partially surrounding the substantially
cylindrical body, the centralizer being structured to maintain the
substantially cylindrical body aligned with a longitudinal axis of
the tubular passage; an energy storage device disposed within or
defined by the vessel; and an output connector coupled to the
energy storage device, the output connector being located at an end
of the substantially cylindrical body and being configured to at
least partially fit within an input socket of an electrically
powered device or a second energy storage device.
19. The apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the centralizer
includes openings or spaced apart elements that allow fluid to flow
around the substantially cylindrical body.
20. The apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the tubular
passage comprises at least one of: a drill pipe, a testing string
pipe, a completion pipe, a stimulation string, a formation
evaluation string, or a monitoring string.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a non-provisional patent application of co-pending
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/057,932, filed on
Sep. 30, 2014, and entitled "Energy Storage Devices and Energy
Storage Device Inductive Connections," which is hereby incorporated
in its entirety for all intents and purposes by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Oil wells are created by drilling a hole into the earth
using a drilling rig that rotates a drill string (e.g., drill pipe)
having a drill bit attached thereto. The drill bit, aided by the
weight of pipes (e.g., drill collars) cuts into rock within the
earth. Drilling fluid (e.g., mud) is pumped into the drill pipe and
exits at the drill bit. The drilling fluid may be used to cool the
bit, lift rock cuttings to the surface, at least partially prevent
destabilization of the rock in the wellbore, and/or at least
partially overcome the pressure of fluids inside the rock so that
the fluids do not enter the wellbore. Other equipment can also be
used for evaluating formations, fluids, production, other
operations, and so forth.
[0003] Downhole equipment can be powered by remote energy sources
that power the equipment via transmission lines (e.g., electrical,
optical, mechanical, or hydraulic transmission lines). Downhole
equipment can also be powered by local energy sources such as local
generators (e.g., mud turbines) or energy storage devices (e.g.,
battery packs) coupled with the equipment.
SUMMARY
[0004] Aspects of the disclosure can relate to transportable energy
storage devices for furnishing power to down-hole electrical
devices of a drill string. In embodiments, a system for furnishing
electrical power includes a vessel that can be transported through
a drill pipe (e.g., from the surface) towards a down-hole tool
coupled to an end of the drill pipe. An energy storage device can
be disposed within or defined by the vessel. The energy storage
device can have an output terminal that can be operably coupled
with an input terminal of the down-hole tool or operably coupled
with an input terminal of a second energy storage device that
directly or indirectly furnishes power to the down-hole tool. In an
example implementation, the energy storage device can be
transported through a drill string pipe from the surface to
directly power a down-hole tool or to charge or supplement another
down-hole energy storage device that was previously lowered within
a borehole.
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts that are further described below in the detailed
description. This summary is not intended to identify key or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
FIGURES
[0006] Embodiments of transportable energy storage devices and
inductive connection circuits are described with reference to the
following figures. The same numbers are used throughout the figures
to reference like features and components.
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system in which embodiments of
a transportable energy storage device can be implemented.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an example system in which embodiments of
a transportable energy storage device can be implemented.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a transportable energy
storage device.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of two inductive coils in
accordance with an example system in which embodiments of a
transportable energy storage device can be implemented.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a transportable energy
storage device.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an inductive connection circuit that can
be implemented in a system in which embodiments of a transportable
energy storage device can be implemented, such as the system
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an inductive connection circuit that can
be implemented in a system in which embodiments of a transportable
energy storage device can be implemented, such as the system
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0014] FIG. 8A illustrates inductive connectors that can be
implemented in a system in which embodiments of a transportable
energy storage device can be implemented, such as the system
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0015] FIG. 8B illustrates inductive connectors that can be
implemented in a system in which embodiments of a transportable
energy storage device can be implemented, such as the system
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates an inductive connection circuit that can
be implemented in a system in which embodiments of a transportable
energy storage device can be implemented, such as the system
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a transportable energy
storage device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts a wellsite system 100 in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The wellsite can be
onshore or offshore. A borehole 102 is formed in subsurface
formations by directional drilling. A drill string 104 extends from
a drill rig 106 and is suspended within the borehole 102. In some
embodiments, the wellsite system 100 implements directional
drilling using a rotary steerable system (RSS). For instance, the
drill string 104 is rotated from the surface, and down-hole devices
move the end of the drill string 104 in a desired direction. The
drill rig 106 includes a platform and derrick assembly positioned
over the borehole 102. In some embodiments, the drill rig 106
includes a rotary table 108, kelly 110, hook 112, rotary swivel
114, and so forth. For example, the drill string 104 is rotated by
the rotary table 108, which engages the kelly 110 at the upper end
of the drill string 104. The drill string 104 is suspended from the
hook 112 using the rotary swivel 114, which permits rotation of the
drill string 104 relative to the hook 112. However, this
configuration is provided by way of example and is not meant to
limit the present disclosure. For instance, in other embodiments a
top drive system is used.
[0019] A bottom hole assembly (BHA) 116 is suspended at the end of
the drill string 104. The bottom hole assembly 116 includes a drill
bit 118 at its lower end. In embodiments of the disclosure, the
drill string 104 includes a number of drill pipes 120 that extend
the bottom hole assembly 116 and the drill bit 118 into
subterranean formations. Drilling fluid (e.g., mud) 122 is stored
in a tank and/or a pit 124 formed at the wellsite. The drilling
fluid can be water-based, oil-based, and so on. A pump 126
displaces the drilling fluid 122 to an interior passage of the
drill string 104 via, for example, a port in the rotary swivel 114,
causing the drilling fluid 122 to flow downwardly through the drill
string 104 as indicated by directional arrow 128. The drilling
fluid 122 exits the drill string 104 via ports (e.g., courses,
nozzles) in the drill bit 118, and then circulates upwardly through
the annulus region between the outside of the drill string 104 and
the wall of the borehole 102, as indicated by directional arrows
130. In this manner, the drilling fluid 122 cools and lubricates
the drill bit 118 and carries drill cuttings generated by the drill
bit 118 up to the surface (e.g., as the drilling fluid 122 is
returned to the pit 124 for recirculation).
[0020] In some embodiments, the bottom hole assembly 116 includes
down tools, such as a logging-while-drilling (LWD) module 132, a
measuring-while-drilling (MWD) module 134, a rotary steerable
system 136, a motor, and so forth (e.g., in addition to the drill
bit 118). The logging-while-drilling module 132 can be housed in a
drill collar and can contain one or a number of logging tools. It
should also be noted that more than one LWD module and/or MWD
module can be employed (e.g. as represented by another
logging-while-drilling module 138). In embodiments of the
disclosure, the logging-while drilling modules 132 and/or 138
include capabilities for measuring, processing, and storing
information, as well as for communicating with surface equipment,
and so forth.
[0021] The measuring-while-drilling module 134 can also be housed
in a drill collar, and can contain one or more devices for
measuring characteristics of the drill string 104 and drill bit
118. The measuring-while-drilling module 134 can also include
components for generating electrical power for down-hole tools
(e.g., sensors, electrical motors, transmitters, receivers,
controllers, energy storage devices, and so forth). For example,
the system can include a mud turbine generator (also referred to as
a "mud motor") powered by the flow of the drilling fluid 122.
However, this configuration is provided by way of example and is
not meant to limit the present disclosure. In other embodiments,
other power and/or battery systems can be employed. The
measuring-while-drilling module 134 can include one or more of the
following measuring devices: a weight-on-bit measuring device, a
torque measuring device, a vibration measuring device, a shock
measuring device, a stick slip measuring device, a direction
measuring device, an inclination measuring device, and so on.
[0022] In embodiments of the disclosure, the wellsite system 100 is
used with controlled steering or directional drilling. For example,
the rotary steerable system 136 is used for directional drilling.
As used herein, the term "directional drilling" describes
intentional deviation of the wellbore from the path it would
naturally take. Thus, directional drilling refers to steering the
drill string 104 so that it travels in a desired direction. In some
embodiments, directional drilling is used for offshore drilling
(e.g., where multiple wells are drilled from a single platform). In
other embodiments, directional drilling enables horizontal drilling
through a reservoir, which enables a longer length of the wellbore
to traverse the reservoir, increasing the production rate from the
well. Further, directional drilling may be used in vertical
drilling operations. For example, the drill bit 118 may veer off of
a planned drilling trajectory because of the unpredictable nature
of the formations being penetrated or the varying forces that the
drill bit 118 experiences. When such deviation occurs, the wellsite
system 100 may be used to guide the drill bit 118 back on
course.
[0023] Drill assemblies can be used with, for example, a wellsite
system (e.g., the wellsite system 100 described with reference to
FIG. 1). For instance, a drill assembly can comprise a bottom hole
assembly suspended at the end of a drill string (e.g., in the
manner of the bottom hole assembly 116 suspended from the drill
string 104 depicted in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, a drill
assembly is implemented using a drill bit. However, this
configuration is provided by way of example and is not meant to
limit the present disclosure. In other embodiments, different
working implement configurations are used. Further, use of drill
assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure is not limited
to wellsite systems described herein. Drill assemblies can be used
in other various cutting and/or crushing applications, including
earth boring applications employing rock scraping, crushing,
cutting, and so forth.
[0024] A drill assembly includes a body for receiving a flow of
drilling fluid. The body comprises one or more crushing and/or
cutting implements, such as conical cutters and/or bit cones having
spiked teeth (e.g., in the manner of a roller-cone bit). In this
configuration, as the drill string is rotated, the bit cones roll
along the bottom of the borehole in a circular motion. As they
roll, new teeth come in contact with the bottom of the borehole,
crushing the rock immediately below and around the bit tooth. As
the cone continues to roll, the tooth then lifts off the bottom of
the hole and a high-velocity drilling fluid jet strikes the crushed
rock chips to remove them from the bottom of the borehole and up
the annulus. As this occurs, another tooth makes contact with the
bottom of the borehole and creates new rock chips. In this manner,
the process of chipping the rock and removing the small rock chips
with the fluid jets is continuous. The teeth intermesh on the
cones, which helps clean the cones and enables larger teeth to be
used. A drill assembly comprising a conical cutter can be
implemented as a steel milled-tooth bit, a carbide insert bit, and
so forth. However, roller-cone bits are provided by way of example
and are not meant to limit the present disclosure. In other
embodiments, a drill assembly is arranged differently. For example,
the body of the bit comprises one or more polycrystalline diamond
compact (PDC) cutters that shear rock with a continuous scraping
motion.
[0025] In embodiments of the disclosure, the body of a drill
assembly can define one or more nozzles that allow the drilling
fluid to exit the body (e.g., proximate to the crushing and/or
cutting implements). The nozzles allow drilling fluid pumped
through, for example, a drill string to exit the body. For example,
drilling fluid can be furnished to an interior passage of the drill
string by the pump and flow downwardly through the drill string to
a drill bit of the bottom hole assembly, which can be implemented
using, for example, a drill assembly. Drilling fluid then exits the
drill string via nozzles in the drill bit, and circulates upwardly
through the annulus region between the outside of the drill string
and the wall of the borehole. In this manner, rock cuttings can be
lifted to the surface, destabilization of rock in the wellbore can
be at least partially prevented, the pressure of fluids inside the
rock can be at least partially overcome so that the fluids do not
enter the wellbore, and so forth.
[0026] Modern oil and gas exploration increasingly uses electronic
devices in the borehole to provide measurements, and for control
and operational optimization. When operating electronics as part of
a drill string, other down-hole equipment/tools and/or strings
(e.g., for well testing, well simulation, well monitoring,
formation evaluation, and so forth), available power in the
borehole may be limited near a bottom hole assembly 116. In some
cases, electrical power can be generated by turbines while fluids
are pumped into and/or out of a well, but this technique may not be
efficient when there is little or no movement of fluids. Batteries
can also be installed in electronic equipment to provide electrical
power in a borehole, but batteries have a finite energy storage
capacity, which limits the amount of time the equipment can be
operated. In some cases, larger batteries may be used, but the
amount of space available in the borehole is also finite, limiting
the size of such batteries. In other cases, higher power density
batteries may be used, but such batteries may be more prone to
failure (e.g., in the high temperature operating conditions present
down-hole). Another, factor that can limit the autonomy of battery
powered systems is the effect of self-discharge. As used herein,
the term "self-discharge" describes energy that is wasted in a
battery (e.g., not provided to a device powered by the battery).
Generally, self-discharge of a battery increases with temperature,
and, in some cases, may increase exponentially with temperature.
Thus, batteries deployed in oil wells and/or gas wells may be
strongly affected by self-discharge (e.g., due to the time such
batteries spend at high temperatures).
[0027] Systems and apparatuses are described herein that can be
used to connect one or more separate batteries and/or other energy
storage devices to a down-hole tool (e.g., (e.g., LWD, MWD, various
sensors, electrical motors, transmitters, receivers, controllers,
other energy storage devices, and so forth). Further, such energy
storage devices can be deployed on an as-needed basis. In this
manner, the devices can be stored in more favorable conditions
(e.g., at the surface of a wellsite instead of down-hole during
tripping, normal operations, and so forth). Then, when an energy
storage device is needed, it can be supplied (e.g., pumped,
dropped, slid or otherwise actuated) towards a down-hole tool to be
powered by the energy storage device (e.g., dropped, slid or pumped
down the pipe string until it connects with a down-hole tool to be
powered or another energy storage device to by charged or
supplemented). As described herein, when the energy storage device
comprises a battery, the battery can be stored at lower
temperatures for a longer time, reducing and/or minimizing the
effect of self-discharge. In this manner, the energy storage device
can have a smaller energy storage capacity (e.g., since more energy
will be available when needed), which can correspond to a smaller
overall size. Further, because the energy storage device can be
deployed when needed, cost savings can be achieved (e.g., by
reducing or eliminating the need for backup batteries, which may
not actually be needed), reliance on partially-spent batteries can
be reduced, the costs of battery disposal can be reduced, and so
forth.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an energy storage device (e.g.,
battery or battery pack) can be contained within or defined by a
transportable vessel 200 that is to be fed into a drill string pipe
120 or similar structure (e.g., tubular passage or conduit such as
a testing string pipe, a completion pipe, a stimulation string, a
formation evaluation string, a monitoring string, or the like). It
is noted that the passage way need not have a circular or
elliptical cross section. For example, the vessel 200 can be
structured for transportation through a passage way having a
rectangular cross section or any other shape. In embodiments of the
disclosure (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2 through 5), the vessel 200
has a body (e.g., an annular body) defining a longitudinal passage
206 therethrough. In other embodiments, the vessel 200 can have a
substantially cylindrical body (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10, wherein
vessel 400 has a cylindrical body structure 402). In embodiments,
the vessel 200 can have an energy storage device disposed in the
body. For example, the one or more battery cells can be disposed
within or defined by a wall of the annular body (e.g., a primary
battery and possibly one or more secondary batteries). Thus, in
some embodiments, the energy storage device is configured as a
battery pack. In some embodiments, the vessel 200 can be pumped
into an oil well and/or a gas well to provide energy to power a
tool in the wellbore. That is, the vessel 200 can be actuated
towards a deployment site (e.g., for connection with a down-hole
tool or another energy storage device) by fluid flow. The vessel
200 can also be actuated by gravitational force (e.g., free fall)
towards the deployment site.
[0029] The energy storage device includes an output terminal 202
(e.g., a connector such as an electrical contact, an inductive
connection coil, or the like) for operably coupling the energy
storage device to a powered device, where connection between the
energy storage device and the powered device can be made while the
powered device is deployed (e.g., in the well) by transporting the
vessel 200 housing the energy storage device through the pipe to
the powered device. The powered device can be a down-hole tool
having an input terminal 140 for connecting with output terminal
202, or the powered device can be a second energy storage device
(e.g., a previously deployed battery) that is to be charged or
supplemented by the energy storage device that is transported by
vessel 200. In some embodiments, the output terminal 202 can
establish an inductive connection between the energy storage device
and a downhole tool and/or another energy storage device (e.g., as
more described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 through 9
below). However, inductive coupling is provided by way of example
and is not meant to limit the present disclosure. In other
embodiments, the connector can be an exposed electrical contact. In
further embodiments, the connector can be an electrical contact
that can be covered by a biased cover (e.g., a spring-loaded
sleeve), where the electrical contact is exposed when the energy
storage device contacts a tool and/or another energy storage
device.
[0030] In embodiments of the disclosure, the output terminal 202
facilitates energy transfer between the energy storage device and
the powered device. Further, in some embodiments, the energy
storage device includes input terminal 204 for connecting the
energy storage device to an additional energy storage device (e.g.,
that can also be transported by additional vessels 200). For
example, a second energy storage device can be used to charge
(e.g., recharge) the first energy storage device, furnish energy to
a powered device along with the first energy storage device (e.g.,
in series with the first energy storage device, in parallel with
the first energy storage device, and so on), and/or directly
furnish energy to the powered device (e.g., bypassing the first
energy storage device). The additional energy storage device itself
includes an output terminal 202, and may also include an input
terminal 204 for connecting the second energy storage device to a
third energy storage device, and so on. In this manner, energy
storage devices can be transported via respective vessels 200 and
linked together to provide additional energy (e.g., on an as-needed
basis). These energy packs can also be furnished (e.g., pumped or
dropped) into an oil well and/or a gas well to provide energy to
other energy storage devices, electrically powered down-hole tools
in the wellbore, and so forth.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, an energy storage device is
described in an example embodiment. The energy storage device can
be contained within or defined by a vessel 200 having an annular
configuration with a central passage 206 that fluid (e.g., mud) can
move through. As shown, the energy storage device has an input
terminal 204 at one or more of an end, a side, an internal wall, an
external wall, and so on. The energy storage device can also have
an output terminal 202, allowing other energy storage devices to
attach or connect to the energy storage device. In this manner, an
energy storage device can connect to another energy storage device,
a tool, and so forth. However, a two-terminal energy storage device
is provided by way of example and is not meant to limit the present
disclosure. In other embodiments, the energy storage device can
have more than two connectors (e.g., three connectors, four
connectors, and so forth).
[0032] In some embodiments, the output terminal 202 of the energy
storage device includes a conductive coil that can surround or be
surrounded by a conductive coil of an input terminal terminal 204
or another energy storage device or by a conductive coil of an
input terminal 140 of a downhole tool. For example, FIG. 4 shows an
arrangement where the output terminal 202 of a first energy storage
device is surrounded by the input terminal 204 of a second energy
storage device when the first and second energy storage device are
operably coupled with one another (e.g., forming an inductive
connection between the two devices).
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, shaping (e.g., rounding and/or
chamfering) of edges 208 of the vessel 200 can be used to
facilitate the connection between the energy storage device and
other energy storage devices and/or tools, and/or to facilitate
transportation and/or latching of the energy storage device. It
should be noted that connections formed at the output terminal 202
or the input terminal 204 may have various forms and/or shapes.
Further, other mechanical devices can be used to facilitate
latching and/or connection between devices. In some embodiments,
the energy storage device and/or a tool can include one or more
biasing and/or damping mechanisms (e.g., a spring and/or a flexible
gasket for damping the impact of the energy storage device on the
tool and/or on another energy storage device). Magnetic connections
can also be used to assist in aligning and/or fixing connections
between the energy storage device and the powered device/tool.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, pumping of the energy storage
device contained or defined by the vessel 200 into a wellbore 120
is described. In this example, the wellbore 120 can represent a
drill pipe, a completion string, a testing string, an open hole,
and so forth. The vessel 200 can be placed into the wellbore 120,
and one or more pumps can be used to create a pressure difference
between the pressure above the vessel 200 and the pressure below
the vessel 200 (e.g., such that the pressure above the vessel 200
is greater than the pressure below the vessel 200). The pressure
difference can be used to transport (e.g., propel) the energy
storage device down-hole towards a tool, another powered device,
another energy storage pack, and so on. However, pumping is
provided by way of example and is not meant to limit the present
disclosure. In other embodiments, a pressure differential is not
necessarily used to transport the energy storage device down-hole.
For example, the energy storage device can be "dropped," where
gravity is used to transport the energy storage device to its
intended location down-hole. Additional vessel structures can be
employed to facilitate transport, such as vessel 400 shown in FIG.
10 which is described in further detail below.
[0035] Referring generally to FIGS. 6 through 9, circuitry for
establishing inductive connections between an energy storage device
a tool, a down-hole sub, and/or another energy storage are
described. An inductive connection circuit 300 can include an
energy storage device 301 (e.g., an energy storage device as
described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5 or FIG. 10). The
energy storage device 301 can be pumped into an oil well and/or a
gas well to provide energy to power a tool in the wellbore. The
energy storage device 301 includes a primary inductor 305. A
powered device 302 (e.g., a down-hole tool or another energy
storage device) can include a secondary inductor 306 for connecting
the energy storage device 301 to the powered device 302 when an
inductive connection is established between the primary inductor
305 and the secondary inductor 306. Once the inductive connection
is established, energy can be transferred between the energy
storage device 301 and the powered device 302. For example, the
energy storage device and/or additional energy storage devices can
be used to power a down-hole tool.
[0036] In some embodiments, the energy storage device 301 is
chargeable (e.g., rechargeable) by the tool when the inductive
connection is established between the primary inductor 305 and the
secondary inductor 306. Further, in some embodiments, the energy
storage device 301 also includes a secondary inductor for receiving
energy from another energy storage device, where the additional
energy storage device also includes a primary inductor for
connecting the second energy storage device to the first energy
storage device 301 (e.g., when an inductive connection is
established between the primary inductor of the second energy
storage device and the secondary inductor of the first energy
storage device). In this manner, energy can be transferred between
the second energy storage device and the first energy storage
device 301 and/or the powered device 302.
[0037] In some embodiments, the tool comprises a bottom hole
assembly tool (e.g., a drill bit, a sensor, a measuring device, a
rotary steerable system, a motor, etc.) suspended from a drill
string. For example, the tool includes electronic equipment
configured to measure and/or control the rate and/or direction of
the drill string, such as sensors to sense formation types, sensors
to prevent kick (out of control behavior), and so forth. However, a
bottom hole assembly tool is provided by way of example and is not
meant to limit the present disclosure. For example, in other
embodiments, the tool can comprise a sub suspended from a drill
string. The system also includes a pipe supporting the tool. The
pipe is configured to transport fluid. For example, the pipe can be
a drill pipe, a testing string pipe, a completion pipe, and so
forth. As previously described, the pipe is also configured to
transport the energy storage device to the tool.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6, the inductive connection circuit
300 is described in an example embodiment. In this example, the
circuit 300 includes an energy storage device 301, a powered device
302, energy cells 303, an alternator 304, a primary inductor 305, a
secondary inductor 306, a rectifier 307, and a tool
electrical/electronic system 308. In some embodiments, the energy
storage device 301 comprises an energy pack or cell implemented as
a battery pack or battery cell, in which a battery provides a
direct current (DC). In other embodiments, a rectifier, capacitor,
or the like can be used to supply direct current. To supply an
induction connector with alternating current (AC) (e.g., to induce
current through an inductor on the other side of the connector), an
alternator (e.g., configured as a DC/AC converter) can be used. The
current induction can function in a similar manner as in an
electrical transformer, transferring energy from one inductor to
another.
[0039] In some embodiments, energy to the down-hole tool is
supplied in a DC format to power electronics. In such cases, a
rectifier (e.g., an AC/DC converter) can be used on the tool side
of the connector. To avoid unnecessary discharge of the battery
during transportation and/or storage, a switch 310 can be used to
keep the battery or energy source disconnected from the rest of the
system when it is not in use. In some embodiments, an activation
solenoid 319 can be used to activate switches 310 and/or 311 (e.g.,
as illustrated in FIG. 7). In this example, the same inductive
connector 305 can be used to activate such a switch. In some
embodiments, a bi-stable switch can be used. A switch activation
sub 312 may be used to activate the switch before use.
[0040] The two inductors 305 and 306 can be relatively close to one
another to facilitate energy transfer. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B,
respectively, the energy storage device 301 can be connected and
disconnected from the powered device 302 (e.g., a down-hole tool or
second energy storage device). In this example, the energy storage
device 301 has an annular configuration, allowing fluid movement
through the middle of the device 301. In some embodiments, the
distance between the two inductors can be reduced (e.g., minimized)
by inserting one electrical coil into the other during the
connection operation (e.g., as discussed above with reference to
FIG. 4).
[0041] In some embodiments, a second energy storage device can be
used to charge (e.g., recharge) the first energy storage device
301, furnish energy to the powered device 302 along with the first
energy storage device 301 (e.g., in series with the first energy
storage device 301, in parallel with the first energy storage
device 301, and so on), and/or directly furnish energy to the
powered device 302 (e.g., bypassing the first energy storage device
301). For example, with reference to FIG. 9, an upper inductor 311
can be used to receive the power of another energy storage device
to activate a stacking solenoid 315 that disconnects the energy of
the energy storage device 301 and transmits the energy from the
other energy storage device (stacking battery cell or pack) to the
lower inductor 314.
[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a transportable
energy storage device that can be dropped, pumped or otherwise
actuated from the surface, directly to the downhole BHA 116 or
another deployment site of the drill string 104, travelling inside
the drill pipes 120, to bring additional or emergency power supply
to down-hole tools, without needing to pull out of the hole. One or
more energy storage devices 401 (e.g., battery cells or packs) can
be implemented in a vessel 400, such as a rocket or torpedo shaped
vessel or any other container suitable for transporting the energy
storage devices 401 to a deployment site (e.g., to a down-hole tool
or to link up with another energy storage device that is coupled to
a down-hole tool). In some embodiments, the energy storage devices
401 include LTC cells. However, Li-Polymer cells and other battery
chemistries or capacitors can also be used. The vessel 400 can be
designed to isolate the energy storage devices 401 contained
therein from pressure. Internal packaging can also provide a good
shock and vibrations absorption, by the mean of dampers, spacers,
spring, potting, or the like.
[0043] The vessel 400 can be transported through the drill pipe 120
or a similar structure as described above. In embodiments, one or
several energy storage devices 401 can be securely enclosed in a
body 402 (e.g., pressure housing). An output terminal 403 (e.g.,
electrical contact or inductive connector) can be installed at an
end of the vessel 403. This output terminal 403 can be structured
to cooperatively couple (e.g., male-to-female or female-to-male)
with an input terminal 404 of a down-hole tool (e.g., a BHA Power
Management Sub Connector) or another energy storage device. In some
embodiments, the coupling provides for a mechanical connection
between the vessel 400 and BHA 116 or other deployment site, in
addition to operably coupling the energy storage device 401
contained in the vessel 400 with the input terminal 404 of the
powered device (e.g., tool or another energy device).
[0044] To control the vessel motion inside through the drill pipe
120, one or more centralizers 405 can be attached around the body
402 of the vessel 400 to help the vessel 400 slide inside the pipe
120 while keeping alignment with a central axis or other
longitudinal axis of the pipe 120. The centralizers 405 can reduce
friction between vessel 400 and pipe 120 in addition to aligning
the vessel 400 with the powered device (e.g., aligning output
terminal 403 with input terminal 404). In embodiments, the
centralizers 405 can simply include low-friction material pads or
housing mounted outside of the vessel body 402. In some
embodiments, the centralizers 405 can include any other type of
linear guiding element such as rollers, bearings, wheels, or the
like. As shown in FIG. 10, the centralizers 405 can include
protruding arms with rollers located at the ends of the arms.
[0045] A braking structure 406 can also be installed to control the
speed of the vessel 400 as it is transported (e.g., free falls)
through the pipe 120. The braking structure 406 can include an
adjustable surface area plate that can be pre-set at the surface,
taking into consideration mud parameter, deviation, depth, and so
forth. The plate can operate to set a mud flow limit, thus a vessel
speed limit. The braking structure 406 can include openings or
spaced apart elements such that a mud path is still possible once
the vessel 400 is fixed at the deployment site (e.g., coupled with
the powered device). The braking structure 406 can also be used to
push the vessel 400 inside the pipe 120 (e.g., in case the vessel
400 is stuck), acting as a piston when the mud flow is turned on.
As mentioned above, an input terminal (e.g., like terminal 404) can
also be installed at the rear of the vessel 400 to allow several
vessels 400 containing energy storage devices 401 to be stacked on
each other.
[0046] In some embodiments, output terminal 403 and input terminal
404 can implement a self-locking connection. For example, a
mechanical guiding system (i.e. similar to airplane boom drogue
adapter) can be implemented to ensure a proper connection,
accounting for possible misalignment, angular shift, and so forth.
The input terminal 404 of the powered device can be protected from
mud flow by a selective cover (e.g., spring-loaded flap or the
like) that can be opened by a structural element of the output
terminal 403 but not by pressure from mud flow, rock cuttings, etc.
Dampeners (e.g., elastomers) can be added to connector parts to
facilitate a smooth connection when the vessel 400 approaches at a
potentially high speed.
[0047] During a connection, the vessel 400 is inserted inside the
drill pipes inner diameter at the surface. The vessel 400 is
dropped inside the well, sliding inside the drill pipe 120. In some
implementations, fluid (e.g., mud) flow is also used to propel the
vessel 400. At the end of the drill pipes string, the BHA 116 or a
tool is fixed. At the top of the BHA 116 or tool, a power
management sub can be mounted. Due to gravity, and/or mud flow
inside the drill pipes 120, the vessel 400 slides until reaching
the power management sub. At a front end of the vessel 400, a
guiding and connection system can physically and operably couple to
an input terminal 404 (e.g., socket) of the power management sub,
tool, second energy storage device, or any other powered device.
This can create a strong mechanical and electrical connection
between the vessel 400 and the powered device, and the energy
storage device is therefore enabled to furnish an electrical
current. In some implementations, an input terminal is positioned
at a rear end of the vessel 400. The input terminal (e.g., a
socket) can be structured to tightly connect with the output
terminal 403 so that several vessels 400 can be dropped from the
surface and stacked on each other to transport and link multiple
energy storage devices 401 (e.g., either to supply energy in
series, parallel, and/or on an as-needed basis).
[0048] In some embodiments, vessels 400 carrying energy storage
devices 401 can also be used to convey a signal from the surface.
When the vessel 400 connects to a tool, for example, the voltage at
the output terminal 403 can be interpreted by the tool as an
instruction (e.g., to open a valve, fire a gun, shutdown, etc.). In
some embodiments, the vessel 400 can also include a memory device
(e.g., flash memory, solid-state disk (SSD), etc.) that contains an
instruction sequence. When the vessel 400 connects to the tool, the
data stored by the memory device can be accessed by the tool.
[0049] Although only a few example embodiments have been described
in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate
that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments
without materially departing from electrical power generation
systems. Features shown in individual embodiments referred to above
may be used together in combinations other than those which have
been shown and described specifically. Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this
disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus,
although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in
that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts
together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the
environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be
equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant
not to invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph 6 for any limitations
of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim
expressly uses the words `means for` together with an associated
function.
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