Power generation in a tubular structure by way of electromagnetic induction

• US 9,322,389 B2
• Filed: 12/19/2013
• Issued: 04/26/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 09/01/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Chevron USA Incorporated (Chevron Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Chevron USA Incorporated (Chevron Corp.)
• Inventors: Tosi, Luis Phillipe Costa Ferreira
• Primary Examiner(s): ZARROLI, MICHAEL C
• Application Number:
  US14/134,512
• Publication Number:
  US 20140103662A1
• Time in Patent Office: 859 Days
• Field of Search: 290/54
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/00 Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus if the apparatus aspects are predominant, see the relevant subclasses for such apparatus, e.g. H02K7/18; Power stations or aggregates incorporating only machines or engines of positive-displacement type F03C; hydraulic engineering aspects E02B; combinations with wind energy converters F03D9/008
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/02 Adaptations for drilling wells
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 17/06 using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type , "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" F03B13/264 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/1415 with a generator driven by a prime mover other than the motor of a vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 35/02 with moving magnets and stationary coil systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 25/06 Linear motors
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 25/062 of the induction type
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 9/02 Details of the control
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/20 Hydro energy

Abstract

Electrical power may be generated by way of electromagnetic induction through oscillating linear translation driven by the flow of a fluid being transported through a tubular structure. In exemplary embodiments, a conductive coil is disposed in a fixed position along a length of a tubular structure such that the conductive coil encircles the tubular structure. A linear translation apparatus is disposed radially inward from the conductive coil and is configured to move linearly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular structure and within the conducting coil by harnessing mechanical energy from fluid flowing within the tubular structure. Magnets are affixed to the linear translation apparatus to cause electrical power to be generated in the conductive coil by way of electromagnetic induction responsive to the magnets passing by the conductive coil when the linear translation apparatus is in motion.

Claims

1. A system configured for generating electrical power by way of electromagnetic induction through oscillating linear translation driven by flow of a fluid being transported by a tubular structure, the system comprising:

a power generation apparatus disposed at a position along a tubular structure, having a longitudinal axis with substantially parallel sides, the power generation apparatus comprising;

a conductive coil disposed along a length of the tubular structure such that the conductive coil encircles the tubular structure, the conductive coil being in a fixed position relative to the tubular structure, the conductive coil being electrically coupled to an electrical load and/or a power storage apparatus, the electrical load and/or the power storage apparatus being disposed at a remote position;

a linear translation apparatus disposed radially inward from the conductive coil, the linear translation apparatus being attached to the tubular structure in a slidable manner such that it is able to move linearly and parallel to a longitudinal axis and substantially parallel to the sides of the tubular structure and within the conducting coil;

a fluid motion capture apparatus affixed to the linear translation apparatus and connected to a controller, the fluid motion capture apparatus comprising an actuating mechanism, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a mechanism that moves the fluid motion capture apparatus between at least two states when actuated by the controller;

a) a disengaged state, and

b) an engaged state, where the fluid motion capture apparatus is positioned further towards the radial center of the tubular member than when in the disengaged state; and

one or more magnets affixed to the linear translation apparatus.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises springs.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises an actuating flange.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more springs configured to facilitate linear oscillation of the linear translation apparatus.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein individual ones of the one or more springs are disposed proximate to one or both endpoints of a range of motion of the linear translation apparatus.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein individual ones of the one or more springs are disposed at opposing ends of the linear translation apparatus.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a rectification apparatus configured to convert electrical power generated by the power generation apparatus to direct current electrical power.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the power storage apparatus is configured to store direct current electrical power received from the rectification apparatus.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the power storage apparatus includes one or both of a battery or a capacitor.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the tubular structure is a production pipe of a production well.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the tubular structure is a drill pipe in a well.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the tubular structure is a pipeline for transporting downhole fluids from one location to another.