Counterbalance enabled power generator for horizontal directional drilling systems
First Claim
1. An electrical generating system for use in a horizontal directional drilling system, the drilling system having a generally horizontal drill stem that rotates, comprising:
- a) a generator having a first component coupled to rotate with the drill stem, and a second component capable of relative rotation with respect to the first component, one of the first and second components comprising an armature and the other of the first and second components comprising a field;
b) an eccentric mass mounted inside of the drill stem and rotatably mounted with respect to the drill stem so that as the drill stem rotates, the eccentric mass can remain stationary;
c) the eccentric mass coupled to the second component, wherein when the drill stem rotates, relative rotational motion is produced between the first and second components and the generator produces electrical power.
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Abstract
An electrical generating system is used for a horizontal directional drilling system. The drilling system has a generally horizontal drill stem that rotates. A generator has first and second components. The first component rotates with the drill stem, while the second component is able to rotate with respect to the first component. An eccentric mass is rotatably mounted inside of the drill stem and is coupled to the second component, wherein as the drill stem rotates, relative rotational motion is produced between the first and second components and the generator produces electrical power. The eccentric mass is mounted on two spaced apart mounting points inside of the drill stem. The generator provides power to a sonde. The generator is in a housing which has flow channels that allow drilling fluid to flow through the drill stem.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An electrical generating system for use in a horizontal directional drilling system, the drilling system having a generally horizontal drill stem that rotates, comprising:
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a) a generator having a first component coupled to rotate with the drill stem, and a second component capable of relative rotation with respect to the first component, one of the first and second components comprising an armature and the other of the first and second components comprising a field; b) an eccentric mass mounted inside of the drill stem and rotatably mounted with respect to the drill stem so that as the drill stem rotates, the eccentric mass can remain stationary; c) the eccentric mass coupled to the second component, wherein when the drill stem rotates, relative rotational motion is produced between the first and second components and the generator produces electrical power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification