Annulus pressure operated electric power generator
First Claim
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1. A system for generating electric power in a subterranean wellbore, the system comprising:
- a structure which displaces in response to a change in well pressure; and
an electric generator which generates electricity in response to displacement of the structure, whereby electricity is generated in response to the change in well pressure.
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Abstract
Electric power is generated downhole by changes in annulus pressure. In a described embodiment, a system for generating electric power includes a piston, an accumulator, a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a turbine, and a generator. A change in annulus pressure causes displacement of the piston due to a pressure differential between the annulus and the accumulator. Piston displacement causes the hydraulic fluid to flow through the turbine, thereby driving the generator to generate electricity.
49 Citations
52 Claims
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1. A system for generating electric power in a subterranean wellbore, the system comprising:
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a structure which displaces in response to a change in well pressure; and
an electric generator which generates electricity in response to displacement of the structure, whereby electricity is generated in response to the change in well pressure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A system for generating electric power in a subterranean wellbore, the system comprising:
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a structure operative to displace in response to a change in well pressure;
a reservoir having hydraulic fluid therein, the hydraulic fluid displacing in response to displacement of the structure;
a hydraulic motor which rotates in response to displacement of the hydraulic fluid; and
a generator which generates electricity in response to rotation of the hydraulic motor. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A method of generating electric power in a subterranean wellbore of a well, the method comprising the steps of:
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positioning an accumulator in the wellbore;
changing pressure in the well proximate the accumulator;
flowing well fluid through an opening of the accumulator in response to the pressure changing step; and
generating electricity in response to the well fluid flowing through the opening. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43)
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44. A method of generating electric power in a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
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positioning a tubular string in the wellbore, thereby forming an annulus between the tubular string and the wellbore;
changing pressure in the annulus; and
generating electric power in response to the pressure changing step. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52)
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Specification