Method and apparatus for generating electric power downhole
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsMark A. Schnatzmeyer, Clark E. Robison
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Abstract
Electric power is generated downhole in a well using a thermoelectric device. A temperature gradient or differential .DELTA.T present in the well is applied to the thermoelectric device to produce a voltage potential across the output terminals of the device. The thermoelectric device includes a first thermocouple coupled to a heat source and a second thermocouple coupled to a heat sink source. The electric power generated by the thermoelectric device is used to recharge battery packs located downhole or to power electrical devices or systems.
Claims27
A method for providing electric power in a well, the method comprising the step of:
- applying a temperature gradient of the well across a first thermocouple and a second thermocouple of at least one thermoelectric device having an electric power output terminal.
An apparatus for providing electric power while in a well, the apparatus comprising:
- a tubing string for conveying a fluid flow heat source from a subterranean formation;
- and
- a thermoelectric device having a first thermocouple, a second thermocouple, and an electric power terminal, said first thermocouple is thermally coupled with said tubing string, and said second thermocouple is thermally coupled with a heat sink source of the well.
An apparatus for extending a life span of a downhole battery pack, the apparatus comprising:
- a thermoelectric device having a first thermocouple, a second thermocouple, and an electric power terminal, said first thermocouple is thermally coupled with a well heat source, and said second thermocouple is thermally coupled with a well heat sink source;
- and
- a battery recharge circuit having an input terminal and an output terminal, said input terminal coupled to said electric power terminal of said thermoelectric device, and said output terminal for electrically coupling said battery recharge circuit to a downhole electronic device.
A method of generating electric power downhole in a well comprising the steps of:
- locating a thermoelectric device downhole in a well, the thermoelectric device having a first surface, a second surface, a first and a second terminal;
- coupling the first surface of the thermoelectric device to a heat source;
- and
- coupling the second surface of the thermoelectric device to a heat sink source, whereby a temperature differential between the temperature of the heat source and the temperature of the heat sink source causes the thermoelectric device to generate a voltage potential between the first and the second terminal of the thermoelectric device.
A method for generating electric power with a thermoelectric device located downhole in a well, the method comprising the steps of:
- applying a downhole heat source to a first surface of the thermoelectric device;
- and
- applying a downhole heat sink source to a second surface of the thermoelectric device.
An apparatus for providing electric power while in a well, the apparatus comprising:
- a tubing string for conveying a fluid flow heat source from a subterranean formation;
- a thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the tubing string, the thermoelectric device having a first thermocouple, a second thermocouple;
- and an electric power terminal;
- an expandable element with at least one expandable void, wherein the expandable element is thermally coupled to the second thermocouple and is thermally coupled to a heat sink source of the well;
- and
- a thermoelectric conductive fluid filling the expandable void.
An apparatus for providing electric power while in a well, the apparatus comprising:
- a thermoelectric device thermally coupled to a heat source, the thermoelectric device having a first thermocouple, a second thermocouple thermally coupled to a heat sink source;
- and an electric power terminal;
- and
- a means to generate a temperature gradient across the heat source and heat sink by creating a convection fluid circulation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.