Powering Downhole Components in Subsurface Formations Behind Casing

A system for powering a downhole component positioned behind a casing, the casing extending within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation, the system comprising:

• a power source in electrical communication with the casing;
• a power harvester positioned behind the casing and in electrical communication with the downhole component;
• and
• a current return unit in electrical communication with the power source;
• wherein at least the power source, the casing, the subterranean formation, and the current return unit form a circuit through which an electrical current flows;
• wherein flow of the electrical current out of the casing creates a potential difference behind the casing;
• wherein the potential difference behind the casing is utilized by the power harvester to store electrical power;
• and
• wherein the power harvester delivers the stored electrical power to the downhole component to thereby power the downhole component.

A system for powering a downhole component positioned behind a casing, the casing extending within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation, the system comprising:

• a power source to create a first potential difference and induce flow of an electrical current into the subterranean formation;
• a power harvester to store electrical power for delivery to the downhole component as a result of the flow of the electrical current into the subterranean formation;
• and
• a current return unit to receive the electrical current from the subterranean formation;
• wherein, when the first potential difference is created, the flow of the electrical current into the subterranean formation is induced, and the current return unit receives the electrical current from the subterranean formation:
• a circuit through which the electrical current flows is formed, the circuit comprising the power source, the casing, the subterranean formation, and the current return unit;
• the electrical current flows out of the casing to create a second potential difference that is utilized by the power harvester to store the electrical power;
• and
• the power harvester delivers the stored electrical power to the downhole component to thereby power the downhole component.