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US 12,760,624 B2Granted
Downhole energy harvesting system
AssigneeThe Charles Machine Works, Inc.
InventorsKlayton Day Jones, Scott B. Cole, Bradley S. Marshall, Brian K. Bailey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A downhole energy harvesting system configured for use in a downhole tool. The system utilizes at least one harvesting antenna supported within the downhole tool. During operation, the harvesting antenna harvests energy from a beacon signal emanating from a beacon included in the downhole tool. The harvested energy is used to power electronics included within the downhole tool during the course of a boring operation.
Claims24
A kit, comprising:
- a beacon comprising a transmitting antenna, the transmitting antenna configured to emit a dipole magnetic field receivable by an above-ground tracker to determine a position of the beacon;
- a harvesting antenna, configured to receive the dipole magnetic field and convert the dipole magnetic field into power;
- and
- electronics configured to detect information about an underground boring operation, wherein the electronics are provided power from the harvesting antenna;
- wherein the electronics are configured to transmit the information to the beacon for transmission to the above-ground tracker via the dipole magnetic field.
2 more elements
A downhole tool, comprising:
- a beacon configured to emit a magnetic dipole field;
- an elongate housing having an exterior surface within which a cavity is formed, the cavity receiving the beacon and having an open mouth that joins the exterior surface of the housing;
- a lid configured to close the mouth of the cavity;
- a harvesting antenna carried by the downhole tool outside of the cavity and situated within a pathway of the emitted magnetic dipole field;
- and
- an energy storage device in communication with the harvesting antenna.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.