Downhole apparatus for generating electrical power in a well

A production well comprising:

• a first section of production tubing;
• a second section of production tubing;
• and
• a downhole electrical energy generating apparatus positioned between and operatively connected to said first and second sections of production tubing, said electrical energy generating apparatus including;
• (a) a primary flow passageway and a side passageway laterally displaced from said primary passageway;
• and
• (b) an electrical generating device positioned at least in part in said side passageway, said electrical generating device adapted to generate electricity in response to fluid flowing through said side passageway.

An electrical energy generating apparatus for generating electricity downhole in a well, comprising:

• a movable magnetic field extending across a selected area downhole, said movable magnetic field being created in response to the flow of fluid;
• and
• an electrical energy converter converting magnetic flux created by said movable magnetic field into electrical energy wherein said movable magnetic field comprises;
• a flexible bladder having an interior and an exterior, said bladder being located within said side passageway, said bladder including an opening for receiving fluid to the interior thereof;
• at least one magnet on the exterior of said bladder;
• and
• a coil spaced from and associated with said magnet wherein said magnet moves relative to said coil when fluid flows into said bladder.

A production well comprising:

• a section of production tubing having an interior flow passage and an exterior;
• a piezoelectric device positioned on said exterior of said tubing and being responsive to movement caused by flowing fluid;
• and
• a converter for converting signals from said piezoelectric device to electrical energy.

A production well comprising:

• a section of production tubing;
• a downhole power generator associated with said production tubing;
• and
• at least one rechargeable battery operatively connected to said power generator.

A long-term power supply to be mounted on hydrocarbon production tubing downhole in a wellbore for providing electrical power to equipment mounted on the production tubing comprising:

• an electrical power generating device powered by fluid flow downhole;
• a rechargeable battery for storing electrical power from the generating device;
• and
• a charging circuit receiving electrical power as generated from the generating device and producing a charging current for delivery of power to the battery;
• wherein the battery is recharged on a periodic basis by the charging circuit and serves as a source of power for the downhole equipment.