System and method for providing electrical power downhole

• US 7,504,963 B2
• Filed: 04/24/2007
• Issued: 03/17/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: NovaDrill, Inc. (Schlumberger NV)
• Inventors: Hall, David R., Shumway, Jim
• Primary Examiner(s): Edwards, Jr.; Timothy
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dang; Hung Q
• Application Number:
  US11/739,344
• Publication Number:
  US 20070194948A1
• Time in Patent Office: 693 Days
• Field of Search: 340/854.9, 340/855.1, 340/855.8
• US Class Current: 340/854.8
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/003 with electrically conducting or insulating means E21B17/028 and E21B17/023 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/0283 characterised by the coupling being contactless, e.g. inductive
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 41/0085 Adaptations of electric power generating means for use in boreholes
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 15/006 with straight threads
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 15/08 with supplementary elements F16L15/04, F16L41/00 and F16L43/02 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 25/01 specially adapted for realising electrical conduction between the two pipe ends of the joint or between parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 25/021 for screw-threaded joints
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 38/14 Inductive couplings for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling H02J50/10

Abstract

A system for transmitting power to components of a downhole drill string is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a power source providing an alternating current at a first frequency. A rectifier is provided to convert the alternating current to direct current. An inverter converts the direct current to an alternating current at a second frequency, different from the first frequency, and more efficient for power transmission. An inductive coupler converts the alternating current at the second frequency to an alternating magnetic flux for transmission across a tool joint of a downhole drill string. The magnetic flux may be detected by another inductive coupler, magnetically coupled to the first inductive coupler, to convert the alternating magnetic flux back to an alternating current at the second frequency.

Claims

1. A system for transmitting power between components of a downhole drill string, the system comprising:

a power source providing a first alternating current having a first frequency;

a first rectifier to convert the first alternating current to direct current;

an inverter to convert the direct current to a second alternating current having a second frequency different from the first frequency; and

a first inductive coupler to convert the second alternating current to an alternating magnetic flux for transmission across a tool joint of a downhole drill string.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is a downhole electrical power generator.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first frequency is between about 100 Hz and about 2 kHz.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first frequency is between about 300 Hz and about 1 kHz.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the second frequency is between about 2 kHz and about 2 MHz.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second frequency is between about 10 kHz and about 500 kHz.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second inductive coupler, magnetically coupled to the first inductive coupler, to convert the alternating magnetic flux back to the second alternating current.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a second rectifier to convert the second alternating current to direct current.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the first inductive coupler comprises a coil having a first number of turn, the second inductive coupler comprises a coil having a second number of turns, and the first and second numbers equal at least two.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first and second numbers are equal.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the second number is greater than the first number to increase the voltage induced on the second inductive coupler.

12. A method for transmitting power between components of a downhole drill string, the method comprising:

generating a first alternating current having a first frequency;

converting the first alternating current to direct current;

converting the direct current to a second alternating current having a second frequency different from the first frequency; and

converting the second alternating current to an alternating magnetic flux for transmission across a tool joint of a downhole drill string.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein generating comprises generating in a downhole environment.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first frequency is between about 100 Hz and about 2 kHz.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the second frequency is between about 2 kHz and about 2 MHz.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising converting the alternating magnetic flux back to the second alternating current.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising increasing a voltage of the second alternating current.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising converting the second alternating current to direct current.