Well-based potential energy conversion systems and methods
AssigneeRenewell Energy
InventorsWalter Rowley Colt, Anthony Kemp Gregory, Jr., Stefan James Streckfus
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Potential energy conversion systems include a movable mass suspended by a line in a non-producing well, the line being coupled to a motor operable to lift the movable mass, and a generator operable to produce electricity when lowering the movable mass. Energy conversion methods include providing the potential energy conversion system; and storing potential energy by raising the movable mass, or releasing potential energy and converting the potential energy to electricity by lowering the movable mass.
Claims28
A potential energy conversion system comprising:
- a movable mass suspended by a line in a non-producing well having a casing, an upper section, a lower section, and a plug isolating the upper section from the lower section, the movable mass being located in the upper section within a cased interval of the non-producing well, and the line being coupled to a motor operable to lift the movable mass and a generator operable to produce electricity when lowering the movable mass;
- wherein the potential energy conversion system comprises at least one of 1) a sensor located within the upper section of the non-producing well and operative to measure one or more fluid properties, gas properties, or any combination thereof within the upper section of the non-producing well, 2) one or more failsafe devices affixed to the movable mass or located upon the plug within the non-producing well, 3) a range finder effective to determine a distance between a wellhead of the non-producing well and the movable mass, the wellhead comprising a blowout preventer, or 4) any combination thereof.
A potential energy conversion system comprising:
- a movable mass suspended by a line in a non-producing well having a casing, an upper section, a lower section, and a plug isolating the upper section from the lower section, the movable mass being located in the upper section within a cased interval of the non-producing well, and the line being coupled to a motor operable to lift the movable mass and a generator operable to produce electricity when lowering the movable mass;
- wherein the upper section of the non-producing well is at least partially filled with a fluid, the potential energy conversion system comprises a sensor operative to measure one or more fluid properties, gas properties, or any combination thereof within the upper section of the non-producing well, and the sensor is configured to remain on a surface of the fluid.
A potential energy conversion system comprising:
- a movable mass suspended by a line in a non-producing well having a casing, an upper section, a lower section, and a plug isolating the upper section from the lower section, the movable mass being located in the upper section within a cased interval of the non-producing well, and the line being coupled to a motor operable to lift the movable mass and a generator operable to produce electricity when lowering the movable mass;
- wherein the potential energy conversion system comprises one or more failsafe devices affixed to the movable mass or located upon the plug within the non-producing well.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.