Well-based potential energy conversion systems and methods
AssigneeRenewell Energy
InventorsWalker 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.
Claims19
A method for retrofitting a well, comprising:
- installing a potential energy conversion system into an interval of a non-producing well having a wellhead located at the earth's surface, the potential energy conversion system comprising a movable mass suspended by a line in 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 within the interval;
- introducing a fluid into the interval of the non-producing well;
- wherein the fluid comprises an additive, and the additive is selected to minimize corrosion, modify rheological properties, reduce friction, convey biocidal activity, or inhibit scale;
- and
- capping the non-producing well after installing the potential energy conversion system therein.
A potential energy conversion system comprising:
- a movable mass suspended by a line in a non-producing well having an upper section and a lower section that are separated from each other by a plug, the upper section being at least partially filled with a fluid, and the movable mass being movable within the fluid in the upper section between the plug and a wellhead located at the earth's surface;
- wherein the fluid comprises an additive, and the additive is selected to minimize corrosion, modify rheological properties, reduce friction, convey biocidal activity, or inhibit scale;
- and
- wherein the line is coupled to a motor operable to lift the movable mass and a generator operable to produce electricity when lowering the movable mass within the upper section.
A method for retrofitting a well, comprising:
- installing a potential energy conversion system into an interval of a non-producing well, the potential energy conversion system comprising a movable mass suspended by a line in 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 within the interval;
- and
- introducing a fluid into the interval of the non-producing well;
- wherein the fluid comprises an additive, and the additive is selected to minimize corrosion, modify rheological properties, reduce friction, convey biocidal activity, or inhibit scale;
- and
- wherein the non-producing well has an upper section and a lower section divided by a plug isolating the upper section from the lower section, the movable mass and the fluid are located within the upper section, and the movable mass is movable through the fluid.
A method for retrofitting a well, comprising:
- installing a potential energy conversion system into an interval of a non-producing well, the potential energy conversion system comprising a movable mass suspended by a line in 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 within the interval;
- and
- installing an aqueous fluid into the interval of the non-producing well;
- wherein the non-producing well has an upper section and a lower section divided by a plug isolating the upper section from the lower section, the movable mass and the fluid are located within the upper section, and the movable mass is movable through the fluid;
- and
- wherein the aqueous fluid is not a connate fluid, and the plug prevents entry of connate fluids into the interval.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.