Abstract: Hardware that is configured to gather data on a process line. These configurations may include devices that can connect to existing process control networks, like 4-20 mA control loops. These devices may include rechargeable power sources, for example, a supercapacitor. This power source can power a sensor or like hardware that resides in proximity to a control valve or other device on the process line. The sensor may require a power level for a short time that significantly exceeds one available from 4-20 mA current loop network. As an added benefit, the circuitry may find use to allow the power source to store power, or re-charge, at periodic intervals to ensure that the sensor can gather data regularly during the lifetime of the control valve.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating for the changing power requirements of an electrical grid. A first generator is mechanically linked to a turbine and electrically linked to a power grid, such that the generator converts rotational energy into electrical energy to supply the power grid. The rotor of the generator is mechanically linked to the rotor of one or more additional generators, not connected to a turbine or the grid, via a continuously variable transmission. The turbine is maintained at optimal running speed. When the generator produces more electrical energy than required by the power grid, mechanical energy from the rotor is transmitted to the rotors of the additional generators. When the power grid requires more energy than generator produces, as the turbine runs at optimal efficiency, mechanical energy from the rotors of the additional generators is transmitted to the rotors of the first generator.

Abstract: A system for the resilience of an electric submersible pumping system to a transient power interruption includes a power backup connected to the variable speed drive of the pumping system. A method for controlling the electric submersible pump during the transient power interruption includes connecting a variable speed drive to a power source, charging one or more rechargeable batteries within the power backup, and connecting the power backup to the variable speed drive. The method continues with the steps of operating the motor with the variable speed drive, detecting a disruption in AC power from the power source to the variable speed drive, and applying power from the power backup to the variable speed drive to operate the motor during the transient interruption in electrical power.

Abstract: A system and method of generating electricity. A work string extends into a wellbore. A heat pump unit at a surface location circulates a working fluid through the work string to absorb heat from a formation surrounding the wellbore. A turbine generates a rotation from the working fluid that has absorbed the heat. A generator generates electricity from the rotation of the turbine. The electricity is transmitted to the surface location via an electrical cable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating between surface equipment and a downhole tool installed in a well. First and second toroidal transformers are positioned around an inner one of a pair of coaxial structural members of a well completion (e.g., a pump rod and tubular, or a tubular and a well casing) which are electrically coupled to form an electrical circuit. A transmitter generates a data signal which is applied to the first toroidal transformer, causing a corresponding electrical current to be induced in the circuit, which then induces the data signal on the second toroidal transformer. A receiver coupled to the second toroidal transformer receives the data signal induced on the second toroidal transformer. The transmitter and receiver may be components of transceivers that may communicate bidirectionally. Additional toroidal coils and transceiver may be provided to communicate with equipment at additional locations in the well.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless power transmission in a well, wherein first and second structural members of a well completion are electrically connected to form an electrical circuit, with first and second toroidal transformers positioned around the second structural member at different axial locations. A power source coupled to the first toroidal transformer is configured to generate an output voltage which is applied to the first toroidal transformer, inducing a corresponding electrical current in the electrical circuit. This in turn induces a second voltage on the second toroidal transformer, which is provided to a downhole tool. The tool may include conditioning circuitry, which rectifies the received power and charges a battery. The downhole electric tool is then operated using the received power.

Abstract: A motor includes one or more actuator, one or more one passive members, and one or more pushing members. The actuator(s) vibrate along a first axis. The vibrations vary a dimension of the actuator(s) as measured along the first axis. The passive member(s) rotate around a second axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis. The pushing member(s) are positioned between the actuator(s) and the passive member(s). The pushing member(s) are fixed to the actuator(s) and have a contact surface frictionally engaging and applying a mechanical force to the passive member (s). The pushing member(s) have an asymmetric rigidity along the first axis. The motor and a power consumer may be conveyed into a wellbore. The motor may be energized to supply mechanical power to the power consumer.

Abstract: A system for the resilience of an electric submersible pumping system to a transient power interruption includes a power backup connected to the variable speed drive of the pumping system. A method for controlling the electric submersible pump during the transient power interruption includes connecting a variable speed drive to a power source, charging one or more rechargeable batteries within the power backup, and connecting the power backup to the variable speed drive. The method continues with the steps of operating the motor with the variable speed drive, detecting a disruption in AC power from the power source to the variable speed drive, and applying power from the power backup to the variable speed drive to operate the motor during the transient interruption in electrical power.

Abstract: A reciprocating, internal combustion engine is capable of two modes of operation. The engine comprises three cylinders of substantially equal diameter. Each cylinder is provided with a piston. During operation, all pistons are synchronized and move in phase with one another. Valves are configured to selectively close paths between the second cylinder and two combustion chambers. Further valves are provided to selectively seal intake and exhaust channels leading to the two combustion chambers. A high efficiency combustion mode is achieved by increasing an expansion ratio through intake and compression of the fuel mixture in one cylinder and expansion in two cylinders. A high power combustion mode is achieved by compression and intake of the fuel mixture in two cylinders and expansion in one cylinder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wireless power transmission in a well, wherein first and second structural members of a well completion are electrically connected to form an electrical circuit, with first and second toroidal transformers positioned around the second structural member at different axial locations. A power source coupled to the first toroidal transformer is configured to generate an output voltage which is applied to the first toroidal transformer, inducing a corresponding electrical current in the electrical circuit. This in turn induces a second voltage on the second toroidal transformer, which is provided to a downhole tool. The tool may include conditioning circuitry, which rectifies the received power and charges a battery. The downhole electric tool is then operated using the received power.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating between surface equipment and a downhole tool installed in a well. First and second toroidal transformers are positioned around an inner one of a pair of coaxial structural members of a well completion (e.g., a pump rod and tubular, or a tubular and a well casing) which are electrically coupled to form an electrical circuit. A transmitter generates a data signal which is applied to the first toroidal transformer, causing a corresponding electrical current to be induced in the circuit, which then induces the data signal on the second toroidal transformer. A receiver coupled to the second toroidal transformer receives the data signal induced on the second toroidal transformer. The transmitter and receiver may be components of transceivers that may communicate bidirectionally. Additional toroidal coils and transceiver may be provided to communicate with equipment at additional locations in the well.

Abstract: A motor includes one or more actuator, one or more one passive members, and one or more pushing members. The actuator(s) vibrate along a first axis. The vibrations vary a dimension of the actuator(s) as measured along the first axis. The passive member(s) rotate around a second axis that is substantially parallel to the first axis. The pushing member(s) are positioned between the actuator(s) and the passive member(s). The pushing member(s) are fixed to the actuator(s) and have a contact surface frictionally engaging and applying a mechanical force to the passive member (s). The pushing member(s) have an asymmetric rigidity along the first axis. The motor and a power consumer may be conveyed into a wellbore. The motor may be energized to supply mechanical power to the power consumer.

Abstract: A reciprocating, internal combustion engine is capable of two modes of operation. The engine comprises three cylinders of substantially equal diameter. Each cylinder is provided with a piston. During operation, all pistons are synchronized and move in phase with one another. Valves are configured to selectively close paths between the second cylinder and two combustion chambers. Further valves are provided to selectively seal intake and exhaust channels leading to the two combustion chambers. A high efficiency combustion mode is achieved by increasing an expansion ratio through intake and compression of the fuel mixture in one cylinder and expansion in two cylinders. A high power combustion mode is achieved by compression and intake of the fuel mixture in two cylinders and expansion in one cylinder.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating for the changing power requirements of an electrical grid. A first generator is mechanically linked to a turbine and electrically linked to a power grid, such that the generator converts rotational energy into electrical energy to supply the power grid. The rotor of the generator is mechanically linked to the rotor of one or more additional generators, not connected to a turbine or the grid, via a continuously variable transmission. The turbine is maintained at optimal running speed. When the generator produces more electrical energy than required by the power grid, mechanical energy from the rotor is transmitted to the rotors of the additional generators. When the power grid requires more energy than generator produces, as the turbine runs at optimal efficiency, mechanical energy from the rotors of the additional generators is transmitted to the rotors of the first generator.

Abstract: DC to AC multi-vector, multi-module switch mode converter capable of producing a fully regulated quazi-sinusoidal output voltage with cancelled N odd harmonics comprises two sets of 2N switch mode modules each with equal output amplitude operating with the output frequency and the means for summation of their outputs. Each switch mode module in the first set operates with its own fixed phase shift, in reference to the first module. Each module phase shift is calculated as a weighted sum of phase shifts for all harmonics to be cancelled ?n=?/n, where n is a number of harmonic and weights are defined by module number. The second set of modules is identical to the first set and produces its own output voltage with cancelled N harmonics too. The output voltages of the first and second sets are proportional to the DC bus voltage. The amplitude of the combined output voltage is regulated by the variable phase shift between the output voltages of the first and the second sets.

Abstract: DC to AC multi-vector, multi module switch mode converter capable of producing a fully regulated quazi-sinusoidal output voltage with cancelled N odd harmonics comprises two sets of 2N switch mode modules each with equal output amplitude operating with the output frequency and the means for summation of their outputs. Each switch mode module in the first set operates with its own fixed phase shift in reference to the first module. Each moduie phase shift is calculated as a weighted sum of phase shifts for all harmonics to be cancelled ?n=?/n, where n is a number of harmonic and weights are defined by module number. The second set of modules is identical to the first set and produces its own output voltage with cancelled N harmonics too. The output voltage's of the first and second sets are proportional to the DC bus voltage. The amplitude of the combined output voltage is regulated by the variable phase shift between the output voltages of the first and the second sets.

Abstract: An enhanced radio frequency transmitter suitable for use in a nuclear magnetic resonance logging tool, may employ a power amplifier that comprises two pairs of switching amplifiers and a summation stage. The first pair of switching amplifiers together generate a first pair of pulse sequences having an adjustable phase difference, while the second pair of switching amplifiers generate a second pair of pulse sequences, each pulse sequence in the second pair being provided a fixed phase offset from a respective pulse sequence in the first pair. The summation stage forms a combined signal from the pulse sequences in both said first and second pairs. The fixed phase offset operates to at least partly cancel a higher harmonic of the pulse sequences from the combined signal, thereby reducing energy losses downstream from the transmitter.

Abstract: An enhanced radio frequency transmitter suitable for use in a nuclear magnetic resonance logging tool, may employ a power amplifier that comprises two pairs of switching amplifiers and a summation stage. The first pair of switching amplifiers together generate a first pair of pulse sequences having an adjustable phase difference, while the second pair of switching amplifiers generate a second pair of pulse sequences, each pulse sequence in the second pair being provided a fixed phase offset from a respective pulse sequence in the first pair. The summation stage forms a combined signal from the pulse sequences in both said first and second pairs. The fixed phase offset operates to at least partly cancel a higher harmonic of the pulse sequences from the combined signal, thereby reducing energy losses downstream from the transmitter.