Electric horizontal directional drilling machine system

摘要

An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps or works independently to rotate, advance and retract a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids).

主权项

1. An electrically powered horizontal directional drilling machine comprising:
a machine frame; at least one electric motor supported on the machine frame; an electric power assembly operatively connected to the electric motor, wherein the electric power assembly conditions an incoming current for use by the electric motor, the electric power assembly comprising:
a plurality of inverters for converting a direct current to an alternating current; anda control unit operatively connected to each inverter wherein the control unit sends control signals to each inverter to maintain a timing relationship between the plurality of inverters, a drive system supported on the machine frame and powered by the at least one electric motor; a drill string comprising a first end and a second end; a coupling device to engage the first end of the drill string to the drive system; a downhole tool connected to the second end of the drill string; and an actuator powered by the at least one electric motor to apply thrust and retract the drill string and downhole tool.