# US 10,309,197 B2 · System and method for autonomous downhole power generation

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- Number: US 10,309,197 B2
- Document ID: US10309197B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/409,028
- Filed: 2017-01-18
- Published: 2017-05-04
- Granted: 2019-06-04
- Earliest claimed: 2014-09-25
- Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
- Applicants: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
- Inventors: Namhyo Kim
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10309197B2

## CPC

- E21B 41/0085: {Adaptations of electric power generating means for use in boreholes}
- E21B 34/06: in wells
- E21B: EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

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

## Claims

### Claim 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 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, wherein the power generation device comprises a power generation path and a bypass path, wherein the power generation path comprises a power generation mechanism that generates power when traversed by a fluid, wherein the control processor is configured to open the power generation path and close the bypass path to generate the power by the power generation mechanism, and wherein the control processor is configured to close the power generation path and open the bypass path to disable generation of the power by the power generation mechanism.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 1, wherein the control processor switches the power generation device to the power generation mode before, during, or after the actuation of a downhole device.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 2, wherein the downhole device comprises a valve.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 1, 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.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 4, 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.

### Claim 6 (depends on 4)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of predefined activation conditions includes actuation of a valve.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 1, wherein the control processor switches the power generation system to the bypass mode when a deactivation condition is met.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 7, 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.

### Claim 9 (depends on 7)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 7, wherein the deactivation parameter is a time period after switching to the power generation mode.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 1, wherein the power generation path is open in the power generation mode and wherein the power generation mechanism is isolated from the bypass path.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 10, 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.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The autonomous downhole power generation system of claim 1, wherein the control processor switches the power generation device to the power generation mode at certain time intervals.