System and Method for Autonomous Downhole Power Generation

• US 20160090820A1
• Filed: 09/25/2014
• Published: 03/31/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Chevron USA Incorporated (Chevron Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Chevron USA Incorporated (Chevron Corp.)
• Inventors: Kim, Namhyo
• Granted Patent: US 9,593,557 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 34/06 in wells
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 41/0085 Adaptations of electric power generating means for use in boreholes

Abstract

An autonomous downhole power generation system includes a power generation device configured to be disposed in an annular space around a portion of a production tubing, wherein the power generation device is switchable between a power generation mode and a bypass mode. The system further includes a power storage device electrically coupled to the power generation device and configured to store power generated by the power generation device. The system also includes a control processor communicatively coupled to the power storage device and the power generation device, wherein the control processor receives a measure of power stored in the power storage device and switches the power generation device between the power generation mode and the bypass mode based on the measure of power or an preprogrammed operational protocol.

Claims

1. An autonomous downhole power generation system, comprising:

a power generation device configured to be disposed in an annular space around a portion of a production tubing, wherein the power generation device is switchable between a power generation mode and a bypass mode;

a power storage device electrically coupled to the power generation device and configured to store power generated by the power generation device; and

a control processor communicatively coupled to the power storage device and the power generation device, wherein the control processor receives a measure of power stored in the power storage device and switches the power generation device between the power generation mode and the bypass mode based on the measure of power.

2. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 1, wherein the power generation device comprises a power generation path and a bypass path, wherein the power generation path comprises a power generation mechanism which generates power when traversed by fluid,

wherein the power generation path is open in the power generation mode;

and

wherein the power generation path is closed in the bypass mode and the power generation mechanism is isolated from the bypass path.

3. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 2, wherein the power generation mechanism comprises at least one of a piezoelectric power generation element, a turbine power generation component, or an electromagnetic induction power generation device.

4. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 1, wherein the control processor switches the power generation device to the power generation mode when the measure of power stored in the power storage device is below a first threshold level.

5. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 4, wherein the control processor switches the power generation device to the bypass mode when the measure of power stored in the power storage device is above a second threshold level.

6. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 4, wherein the control processor switches the power generation device to the bypass mode when the power storage device is fully charged.

7. The autonomous downhole power generations system of claim 2, wherein the power generation path is inter-connected to the bypass paths.

8. An autonomous downhole power generation system, comprising:

a power generation device configured to be disposed in an annular space around a portion of a production tubing, wherein the power generation device is switchable between a power generation mode and a bypass mode;

a power storage device electrically coupled to the power generation device and configured to store power generated by the power generation device; and

a control processor communicatively coupled to the power generation device, wherein the control processor switches the power generation device between the power generation mode and the bypass mode based on a preprogrammed operational protocol.

9. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 8, wherein the control processor switches the power generation device to the power generation mode before, during, or after the actuation of a downhole device.

10. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 8, wherein the downhole device comprises a valve.

11. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 8, wherein the control processor switches the power generation device to the power generation mode when a current operational state matches one of a plurality of predefined activation conditions.

12. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of predefined activation conditions includes at least one of a time parameter, a device actuation state, a received control signal, or a programmed function.

13. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 8, wherein the control processor switches the power generation system to the bypass mode when a deactivation condition is met.

14. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 8, wherein the deactivation condition is an operational state that no longer matches any of the plurality of activation conditions, a certain time period after switching to the power generation mode, or when the power storage device is fully charged.

15. The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 8, wherein the power generation device comprises a power generation path and a bypass path, wherein the power generation path comprises a power generation mechanism which generates power when traversed by fluid,

wherein the power generation path is open in the power generation mode;

and

wherein the power generation path is closed in the bypass mode and the power generation mechanism is isolated from the bypass path.

16. A method of generating power in a downhole environment, comprising:

detecting, by a control processor, a measured power level of a power storage device or an operational condition;

determining, by the control processor, that the measured power level of the power storage device is below a first threshold level or that the operational condition matches one of a plurality of predefined activation conditions;

switching, by the control processor, a power generation device from a bypass mode to a power generation mode, wherein the power generation device generates power via a power generation mechanism when in the power generation mode, and bypasses the power generation mechanism in the bypass mode.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the power device does not generate power in the bypass mode.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

switching, by the control processor, the power generation device from the power generation mode to the bypass mode when the measured power level of the power storage device is above a second threshold level or when the current operational state is something other than one of the plurality of predefined activation conditions.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the plurality of predefined activation conditions is based on at least one of a time parameter, a device actuation state, a received control signal, or programmed function.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

switching, by the control processor, the power generation system to the bypass mode when a deactivation condition is met.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the power generation device comprises a power generation path and a bypass path, wherein the power generation path comprises a power generation mechanism which generates power when traversed by fluid,

wherein the power generation path is open in the power generation mode;

and

wherein the power generation path is closed in the bypass mode and the power generation mechanism is isolated from the bypass path.