System and Method for Harvesting Energy Down-Hole from an Isothermal Segment of a Wellbore

摘要

Systems and methods of generating power in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation are described. A swirling flow of pressurized fluid is passed through a vortex tube to generate a temperature differential between first and second outlets of the vortex tube. The temperature differential is applied to a thermoelectric generator configured to convert the temperature differential into a voltage. The thermoelectric generator produces electrical power that is transmittable to down-hole tools within the wellbore such as an inflow control valve.

主权项

1. A power generation system for generating electric power in a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation, the power generation system comprising:
a source of pressurized fluid; a thermoelectric generator operable to generate a voltage in response to an applied temperature differential; and a vortex tube operatively coupled to the thermoelectric generator to apply the temperature differential thereto, the vortex tube comprising:
an elongate hollow body;an inlet in fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid;a first outlet in thermal communication with a radially outer region of the elongate hollow body, the first outlet operatively associated with a high temperature input to the thermoelectric generator; anda second outlet in thermal communication with a radially inner region of the elongate hollow body, the second outlet operatively associated with a low temperature input to the thermoelectric generator.