Annulus pressure operated electric power generator
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsNeal G. Skinner, Michael L. Fripp, Roger L. Schultz
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Abstract
Electric power is generated downhole by changes in annulus pressure. In a described embodiment, a system for generating electric power includes a piston, an accumulator, a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a turbine, and a generator. A change in annulus pressure causes displacement of the piston due to a pressure differential between the annulus and the accumulator. Piston displacement causes the hydraulic fluid to flow through the turbine, thereby driving the generator to generate electricity.
Claims52
A system for generating electric power in a subterranean wellbore, the system comprising:
- a structure which displaces in response to a change in well pressure;
- and
- an electric generator which generates electricity in response to displacement of the structure,
- whereby electricity is generated in response to the change in well pressure.
A system for generating electric power in a subterranean wellbore, the system comprising:
- a structure operative to displace in response to a change in well pressure;
- a reservoir having hydraulic fluid therein, the hydraulic fluid displacing in response to displacement of the structure;
- a hydraulic motor which rotates in response to displacement of the hydraulic fluid;
- and
- a generator which generates electricity in response to rotation of the hydraulic motor.
A method of generating electric power in a subterranean wellbore of a well, the method comprising the steps of:
- positioning an accumulator in the wellbore;
- changing pressure in the well proximate the accumulator;
- flowing well fluid through an opening of the accumulator in response to the pressure changing step;
- and
- generating electricity in response to the well fluid flowing through the opening.
A method of generating electric power in a subterranean wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
- positioning a tubular string in the wellbore, thereby forming an annulus between the tubular string and the wellbore;
- changing pressure in the annulus;
- and
- generating electric power in response to the pressure changing step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.