초록 ▼

Electrical power generators and methods of producing power in a subterranean well are provided. In a described embodiment, fluid flow through a fluid conduit causes a member to displace or vibrate. The displacement of the member is utilized to induce strain in a piezoelectric material, thereby causi

Electrical power generators and methods of producing power in a subterranean well are provided. In a described embodiment, fluid flow through a fluid conduit causes a member to displace or vibrate. The displacement of the member is utilized to induce strain in a piezoelectric material, thereby causing the piezoelectric material to produce electricity. Various means may be used to create turbulence in the fluid flow, thereby increasing displacement of the member, resulting in increased power output from the generator.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit configured for flow of fluid therethrough, the fluid conduit having an external surface having at least a selected one of inwardly and outwardly extending projections formed the

1. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit configured for flow of fluid therethrough, the fluid conduit having an external surface having at least a selected one of inwardly and outwardly extending projections formed thereon which induces turbulence in fluid flow in the fluid conduit; anda piezoelectric material attached to the fluid conduit, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to pressure fluctuations in the conduit,the fluid conduit being generally tubular and being connectable in a tubular string positioned in the subterranean well. 2. The generator according to claim 1, wherein the pressure fluctuations are due to fluid flowing through the conduit. 3. The generator according to claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit includes a reduced thickness portion thereof, the piezoelectric material being attached proximate the reduced thickness portion. 4. The generator according to claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric material is attached to an external surface of the fluid conduit. 5. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit member configured for flow of fluid therethrough; anda piezoelectric material attached to the fluid conduit member, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to pressure fluctuations in the fluid conduit member caused by turbulence in fluid flow through its interior,the fluid conduit member including a reduced thickness portion thereof, the piezoelectric material being attached proximate the reduced thickness portion,the reduced thickness portion having an increased degree of flexing, in response to the pressure fluctuations in the fluid conduit member, relative to the remainder of the fluid conduit member. 6. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit member configured for flow of fluid therethrough; anda piezoelectric material attached to the fluid conduit member, the piezoelectric material producing electricity In response to pressure fluctuations in the fluid conduit member caused by turbulence in fluid flow through its interior,the fluid conduit member having a recess internally formed thereon, the recess inducing turbulence in fluid flow through the fluid conduit member. 7. The generator according to claim 6, wherein the recess extends generally helically on the fluid conduit member. 8. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:attaching a piezoelectric material to a reduced thickness portion of a fluid conduit;interconnecting the fluid conduit in a tubular string;positioning the tubular string in the well; andflowing fluid through the fluid conduit, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to the flexing of the reduced thickness portion created by the flowing of fluid through the conduit,the reduced thickness portion having an increased degree of flexing, in response to the pressure fluctuations in the conduit, relative to the remainder of the conduit. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the attaching step further comprises attaching the piezoelectric material externally to the fluid conduit. 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the flowing step further comprises inducing turbulence in the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit. 11. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:attaching a piezoelectric material to a fluid conduit;interconnecting the fluid conduit in a tubular string;positioning the tubular string in the well; andflowing fluid through the fluid conduit, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to the flowing of fluid through the conduit,the flowing step further comprising inducing turbulence in the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit, the inducing turbulence step further co mprising shaping the fluid conduit in a manner increasing turbulence in the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the shaping step further comprises helically forming the fluid conduit. 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the shaping step further comprises forming a recess internally on the fluid conduit. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the forming step further comprises forming the recess helically on the fluid conduit. 15. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:an outer housing;a mass reciprocably disposed relative to the housing;a piezoelectric material; anda bias member positioned between the mass and the piezoelectric material,pressure fluctuations in the housing causing the mass to displace and thereby induce strain in the piezoelectric material via the bias member. 16. The generator according to claim 15, wherein the pressure fluctuations are due to fluid flowing through the housing. 17. The generator according to claim 15, further comprising a fluid conduit extending in the outer housing, the mass, bias member and piezoelectric material being externally positioned relative to the fluid conduit. 18. The generator according to claim 17, wherein the mass, bias member and piezoelectric material are disposed in a chamber formed between the fluid conduit and the outer housing. 19. The generator according to claim 17, wherein the fluid conduit is plugged, fluid flow therethrough being bypassed to a chamber formed between the outer housing and the fluid conduit. 20. The generator according to claim 15, wherein a shape of a fluid conduit disposed within the outer housing induces turbulence in fluid flow through the fluid conduit. 21. The generator according to claim 20, wherein the fluid conduit shape is helical. 22. The generator according to claim 20, wherein the fluid conduit shape includes a recess formed on the fluid conduit. 23. The generator according to claim 22, wherein the recess extends helically on the fluid conduit. 24. The generator according to claim 20, wherein the fluid conduit shape includes a protrusion formed on the fluid conduit. 25. The generator according to claim 24, wherein the protrusion extends helically on the fluid conduit. 26. The generator according to claim 15, wherein fluid flowing through the outer housing also flows through a fluid conduit disposed within the outer housing. 27. The generator according to claim 26, further comprising a flow restriction in the fluid conduit, the flow restriction forcing at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit to flow between the fluid conduit and the outer housing. 28. The generator according to claim 27, wherein the flow restriction prevents fluid flow directly through the fluid conduit. 29. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:interconnecting an outer housing in a tubular string;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well; andflowing fluid through the outer housing, thereby causing a mass to displace within the housing and induce strain in a piezoelectric material via a bias member positioned between the mass and the piezoelectric material. 30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the flowing fluid step further comprises flowing fluid through a fluid conduit extending in the outer housing, the mass, bias member and piezoelectric material being externally positioned relative to the fluid conduit. 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein in the flowing fluid step, the mass, bias member and piezoelectric material are disposed in a chamber formed between the fluid conduit and the outer housing. 32. The method according to claim 30, wherein in the flowing fluid step, the fluid conduit is plugged, fluid flow therethrough being bypassed to a chamber formed between the outer housing and the fluid conduit. 33. The method according to cla im 29, wherein in the flowing fluid step, a shape of a fluid conduit disposed within the outer housing induces turbulence in fluid flow therethrough. 34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the fluid conduit shape is helical. 35. The method according to claim 33, wherein the fluid conduit shape includes a recess formed on the fluid conduit. 36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the recess extends helically on the fluid conduit. 37. The method according to claim 33, wherein the fluid conduit shape includes a protrusion formed on the fluid conduit. 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the protrusion extends helically on the fluid conduit. 39. The method according to claim 29, wherein in the flowing fluid step, the fluid flowing through the outer housing also flows through a fluid conduit disposed within the outer housing. 40. The method according to claim 39, wherein in the flowing fluid step, a flow restriction in the fluid conduit forces at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit to flow between the fluid conduit and the outer housing. 41. The method according to claim 40, wherein the flow restriction prevents fluid flow directly through the fluid conduit. 42. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit configuration for flow of fluid therethrough;a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, the chamber vibrating in response to pressure fluctuations in the fluid conduit; anda piezoelectric material attached to the fluid chamber, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to the fluid chamber vibration, the piezoelectric material being attached to the fluid conduit. 43. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit configuration for flow of fluid therethrough;a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, the chamber vibrating in response to pressure fluctuations in the fluid conduit; anda piezoelectric material attached to the fluid chamber, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to the fluid chamber vibration,the fluid conduit being shaped so that it induces turbulence in fluid flow therethrough. 44. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit configuration for flow of fluid therethrough;a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, the chamber vibrating in response to pressure fluctuations in the fluid conduit; anda piezoelectric material attached to the fluid chamber, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to the fluid chamber vibration,the fluid conduit being helically shaped. 45. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit configuration for flow of fluid therethrough;a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid conduit, the chamber vibrating in response to pressure fluctuations in the fluid conduit; anda piezoelectric material attached to the fluid chamber, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to the fluid chamber vibration,the fluid conduit having a recess internally formed thereon, the recess inducing turbulence in fluid flow through the fluid conduit. 46. The generator according to claim 45, wherein the recess extends generally helically on the fluid conduit. 47. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising steps of:interconnecting a fluid conduit in a tubular string;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through the fluid conduit;vibrating a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid conduit in response to the flowing fluid step; andproducing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the vibrating step,the vibrating step further comprising vibrating a membrane of the fluid chamber, the piezoelectric material being attached to the membrane. 48. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising steps of:interconnecting a fluid conduit in a tubular string;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through the fluid conduit;vibrating a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid conduit in response to the flowing fluid step; andproducing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the vibrating step,in the vibrating step, the fluid chamber being formed between the fluid conduit and an outer housing. 49. The method according to claim 48, wherein in the producing electricity step, the piezoelectric material is attached to the outer housing. 50. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising steps of:interconnecting a fluid conduit in a tubular string;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through the fluid conduit;vibrating a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid conduit in response to the flowing fluid step; andproducing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the vibrating step,in the producing electricity step, the piezoelectric material being attached to a piston bounding a portion of the fluid chamber. 51. The method according to claim 50, further comprising the step of displacing the piston to thereby optimize vibration of the fluid chamber in response to fluid flow through the fluid conduit. 52. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising steps of:interconnecting a fluid conduit in a tubular string;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through the fluid conduit;vibrating a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid conduit in response to the flowing fluid step; andproducing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the vibrating step,in the production electricity step, the piezoelectric material being attached to the fluid conduit. 53. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising steps of:interconnecting a fluid conduit in a tubular string;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through the fluid conduit;vibrating a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the fluid conduit in response to the flowing fluid step; andproducing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the vibrating step,the flow step further comprising inducing turbulence in the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit. 54. The method according to claim 53, wherein the inducing turbulence step further comprises shaping the fluid conduit in a manner increasing turbulence in the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit. 55. The method according to claim 54, wherein the shaping step further comprises helically forming the fluid conduit. 56. The method according to claim 54, wherein the shaping step further comprises forming a recess internally on the fluid conduit. 57. The method according to claim 56, wherein the forming step further comprises forming the recess helically on the fluid conduit. 58. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit having a flow passage for flow of fluid therethrough;a member extending into the flow passage, the member vibrating in response to fluid flow through the fluid conduit; anda piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to vibration of the member,the member extending generally transversely relative to the flow passage,the fluid conduit being generally tubular and being connectable in a tubular string positioned in the subterranean well. 59. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit having a flow passage for flow of fluid therethrough;a member extending into the flow passage, the member vibrating i n response to fluid flow through the fluid conduit; anda piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to vibration of the member,the piezoelectric material supporting the member in position relative to the fluid conduit. 60. The generator according to claim 59, wherein the piezoelectric material encircles the member. 61. The generator according to claim 59, wherein the member extends into a recess formed internally on the fluid conduit. 62. The generator according to claim 61, wherein the piezoelectric material is disposed in the recess between the member and the fluid conduit. 63. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit member having a flow passage for flow of fluid therethrough;a vibratable member extending into the flow passage, the vibratable member vibrating in response to fluid flow through the fluid conduit member; anda piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to vibration of the vibratable member, the piezoelectric material being carried by the fluid conduit member,the fluid conduit member further having a protrusion extending inwardly into the flow passage, the protrusion inducing turbulence in fluid flow through the flow passage, thereby increasing vibration of the vibratable member. 64. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:interconnecting in a tubular string a fluid conduit having a flow passage;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through the flow passage;vibrating a member extending into the flow passage in response to the flowing fluid step; andproducing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the member vibrating step,the flowing step further comprising flowing fluid transversely across the member. 65. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:interconnecting in a tubular string a fluid conduit having a flow passage;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through the flow passage;vibrating a member extending into the flow passage in response to the flowing fluid step; andproducing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the member vibrating step,the producing electricity step further comprising supporting the member relative to the fluid conduit utilizing the piezoelectric material. 66. The method according to claim 65, wherein the supporting step further comprises encircling the member with the piezoelectric material. 67. The method according to claim 65, wherein the supporting step further comprises positioning the piezoelectric material between the member and the fluid conduit in a recess formed internally on the fluid conduit. 68. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:interconnecting in a tubular string a fluid conduit having a flow passage;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through the flow passage;vibrating a member extending into the flow passage in response to the flowing fluid step;producing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the member vibrating step; andinducing turbulence in the flow passage upstream of the member, thereby increasing vibration of the member in the member vibrating step. 69. The method according to claim 68, wherein the inducing turbulence step further comprises providing a protrusion extending inwardly into the flow passage. 70. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit;a member having an orifice formed therethrough, fluid flow through the fluid conduit also flowing through the orifice, and the member vibrating in response to fluid flow through the orifice; anda piezoelectric material disposed proximate the member, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to vibration of the member,the pie zoelectric material being disposed in a recess formed internally on the fluid conduit. 71. The generator according to claim 70, wherein a portion of the member extends into the recess. 72. The generator according to claim 71, wherein the piezoelectric material is positioned between the portion of the member and the fluid conduit in the recess. 73. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit;a member having an orifice formed therethrough, fluid flow through the fluid conduit also flowing through the orifice, and the member vibrating in response to fluid flow through the orifice;a piezoelectric material disposed proximate the member, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to vibration of the member; anda structure inducing turbulence in fluid flow through the fluid conduit. 74. The generator according to claim 73, wherein the structure extends generally transversely to a flow passage formed through the fluid conduit. 75. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:interconnecting in a tubular string a power generator including a member having an orifice formed therethrough;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through the orifice;vibrating the member in response to the flowing fluid step;producing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the member vibrating step; andinducing turbulence in fluid flowing through the orifice. 76. The method according to claim 75, wherein the inducing turbulence step further comprises positioning a structure in the fluid conduit upstream of the member. 77. The method according to claim 76, wherein the positioning step further comprises positioning the structure so that it extends generally transversely relative to a flow passage formed through the fluid conduit. 78. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit member;a displaceable member disposed within and supported by the fluid conduit member, the displacing member displacing within the fluid conduit member in response to fluid flow through the fluid conduit member;a retainer preventing displacement of the displaceable member out of the fluid conduit member; anda piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to displacement of the displaceable member. 79. The generator according to claim 78, wherein the piezoelectric material is disposed between the retainer and the fluid conduit member. 80. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit;a member disposed within the fluid conduit, the member displacing within the fluid conduit in response to fluid flow through the fluid conduit;a retainer preventing displacement of the member out of the fluid conduit; anda piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to displacement of the member,the piezoelectric material being disposed between the member and the fluid conduit, and the piezoelectric material supporting the member within the fluid conduit. 81. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit;a member disposed within the fluid conduit, the member displacing within the fluid conduit in response to fluid flow through the fluid conduit;a retainer preventing displacement of the member out of the fluid conduit; anda piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to displacement of the member,the piezoelectric material being disposed between the retainer and the fluid conduit, and the piezoelectric material supporting the retainer. 82. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit;a member disposed within the fluid conduit, the member displacing within the fluid conduit in response to fluid flow t hrough the fluid conduit;a retainer preventing displacement of the member out of the fluid conduit; anda piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to displacement of the member,the member contacting the retainer in response to fluid flow through the fluid conduit, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to such contact. 83. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:interconnecting a fluid conduit in a tubular string;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through the fluid conduit;displacing a member within the fluid conduit in response to the flowing fluid step; andproducing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the member displacing step. 84. The method according to claim 83, wherein in the member displacing step, the member is prevented from displacing out of the fluid conduit by a retainer. 85. The method according to claim 84, wherein the member displacing step further comprises contacting the retainer with the member, and wherein in the producing electricity step, the piezoelectric material produces electricity in response to the member contacting the retainer. 86. The method according to claim 84, further comprising the step of supporting the retainer utilizing the piezoelectric material. 87. The method according to claim 83, further comprising the step of supporting the member in the fluid conduit utilizing the piezoelectric material. 88. An electrical power generator for use in conjunction with a subterranean well, the generator comprising:a fluid conduit having a flow passage formed therethrough and a cavity;a membrane separating the flow passage from the cavity, the membrane flexing in response to pressure fluctuations in the flow passage, the cavity being generally annularly shaped and outwardly surrounding the membrane, in a telescoped relationship therewith; anda piezoelectric material disposed within the cavity, the piezoelectric material producing electricity in response to the membrane flexing. 89. The generator according to claim 88, wherein the pressure fluctuations are due to fluid flow through the flow passage. 90. The generator according to claim 88, wherein the membrane is generally tubular. 91. The generator according to claim 88, wherein the membrane sealingly isolates the cavity from the flow passage. 92. The generator according to claim 91, wherein the cavity is at atmospheric pressure. 93. The generator according to claim 88, wherein the piezoelectric material is generally annular shaped and outwardly surrounds the membrane. 94. A method of producing power in a subterranean well, the method comprising the steps of:interconnecting a fluid conduit in a tubular string;positioning the tubular string in the subterranean well;flowing fluid through a flow passage of the fluid conduit;flexing a membrane separating the flow passage from a cavity of the fluid conduit in response to the flowing fluid step; andproducing electricity from a piezoelectric material in response to the membrane flexing step. 95. The method according to claim 94, wherein in the membrane flexing step, the membrane is generally tubular. 96. The method according to claim 94, wherein the flowing fluid step further comprises flowing fluid through the membrane. 97. The method according to claim 94, further comprising the step of sealingly isolating the flow passage from the cavity utilizing the membrane. 98. The method according to claim 94, wherein in the membrane flexing step, the cavity is at a reduced pressure relative to the flow passage. 99. The method according to claim 98, wherein in the membrane flexing step, the cavity is at atmospheric pressure. 100. The method according to claim 94, wherein in the membrane flexing step, the cavity outwardly surrounds the membrane. 101. The method according to claim 94, wherein in the producing electricity step, the piezoelectric material outwardly surrounds the membra ne.