Apparatus and methods for self-powered communication and sensor network

A method for communicating along a jointed tubular in a borehole, comprising:

• extending a tubular string in the borehole, the tubular string having a plurality of sections connected by a plurality of connection joints;
• disposing a transducer in a selected connection joint between adjoining sections of the plurality of sections, wherein the transducer is configured to receive a first signal at one end of the selected connection joint from a transducer in a preceding section and transmit a second signal related to the first signal wirelessly directly into a succeeding section for transmission of the second signal to a transducer in a succeeding connection joint;
• and
• using a power source to generate electrical power to power the transducer, wherein the power source includes a rotor rotating a magnet proximate an electrically conductive coil in the selected connection joint, wherein the rotor is rotated by fluid flowing in the tubular string.

A method for determining a drilling parameter distribution along a drilling tubular in a wellbore, comprising:

• extending a tubular string in the borehole, the tubular string having a plurality of sections connected by a plurality of connection joints;
• disposing a transducer in a selected connection joint between adjoining sections of the plurality of sections, wherein each transducer is configured to receive a first signal from a preceding section and transmit a second signal related to the first signal wirelessly directly into a succeeding section;
• supplying electrical power to the transducer in the selected connection joint by a power source, wherein the power source includes a micro-turbine comprising a rotor rotating a magnet proximate within an electrically conductive coil in the selected connection joint, wherein the rotor is rotated by fluid flowing in the tubular string;
• disposing a sensor for detecting a drilling parameter proximate to at least one of the transducers;
• detecting the drilling parameter using the sensor;
• and
• transmitting the detected drilling parameter to a surface processor.

A communication system for use with a jointed tubular, comprising:

• a tubular string, the tubular string having a plurality of sections connected by a plurality of connection joints;
• a transducer disposed in each of the plurality of connection joints wherein each transducer is configured to receive a first signal from a preceding section and transmit a second signal related to the first signal wirelessly directed into a succeeding section;
• and
• a power source for supplying power to at least one transducer in a selected connection joint, wherein the power source includes a rotor rotating a magnet proximate an electrically conductive coil in the selected connection joint, wherein the rotor is rotated by fluid flowing in the tubular string.