초록 ▼

A downhole electric power generator is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an inlet channel formed in a bore of a downhole tool string component for conveying a moving downhole fluid and a turbine coupled to the inlet channel to receive the downhole fluid. The turbine converts

A downhole electric power generator is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an inlet channel formed in a bore of a downhole tool string component for conveying a moving downhole fluid and a turbine coupled to the inlet channel to receive the downhole fluid. The turbine converts the energy of the moving downhole fluid into rotational energy where it is stored using a flywheel. The flywheel may then be coupled to an electrical generator to convert the rotational energy to electrical energy. In certain embodiments, a continuously variable transmission may be inserted between the turbine and the flywheel. The entire generator may, in certain embodiments, be designed small enough to reside in the wall of a downhole tool.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. A downhole generator comprising:a body having a wall with an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface defining a bore configured to pass a fluid through said body;a recess formed within said wall;a cover configured to removably mount about said outer surface and said cover

We claim: 1. A downhole generator comprising:a body having a wall with an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface defining a bore configured to pass a fluid through said body;a recess formed within said wall;a cover configured to removably mount about said outer surface and said cover sized to cover said recess to form an enclosure;an inlet channel configured to pass said fluid from said bore to said enclosure;an outlet channel configured to pass said fluid from said enclosure;a turbine disposed within said enclosure and positioned to receive said fluid from said inlet channel and to discharge said fluid into said outlet channel, said turbine being configured for rotation by said fluid received from said inlet channel, and said turbine having an output shaft to transmit rotational energy;a transmission coupled to said shaft to transmit rotational energy from said shaft, said transmission having a continuously variable gear ratio;a flywheel within said enclosure, said flywheel having a rotor coupled to said transmission and said flywheel configured to receive, store, and deliver said rotational energy; and,an electrical generator within said enclosure operably coupled to said flywheel and said electrical generator configured to convert said rotational energy to electrical energy.