Method and apparatus for generating electric power downhole
US6150601A · kind A · utility
44Cited by
12References
27Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B41/0085
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Electric power is generated downhole in a well using a thermoelectric device. A temperature gradient or differential .DELTA.T present in the well is applied to the thermoelectric device to produce a voltage potential across the output terminals of the device. The thermoelectric device includes a first thermocouple coupled to a heat source and a second thermocouple coupled to a heat sink source. The electric power generated by the thermoelectric device is used to recharge battery packs located downhole or to power electrical devices or systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.