Power management at a wellsite

A well construction system having well construction equipment operable to perform well construction operations to drill a well, power equipment operable to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment via an electrical power bus, operational data sources operable to output operational data, and a power manager communicatively connected with the operational data sources and the power equipment. The operational data sources may include well construction equipment sensors, power equipment sensors, and an electrical power bus sensor. The power manager receives the operational data and outputs power control data to the power equipment to control the electrical power being supplied by the power equipment to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus during the well construction operations based on the operational data.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Wells extend into the ground or ocean bed to facilitate recovery of natural deposits of oil, gas, and other materials that are trapped in subterranean geological formations. Well construction (e.g., drilling) operations may be performed at a wellsite by a well construction system (e.g., a drilling rig) having various surface and subterranean well construction equipment operating in a coordinated manner. For example, a drive mechanism, such as a top drive located at a wellsite surface, can be utilized to rotate and advance a drill string into the subterranean formation to drill a wellbore. The drill string may include a plurality of drill pipes coupled together and terminating with a drill bit. The length of the drill string may be increased by additional drill pipes as the wellbore depth increases. Drilling fluid may be pumped from the wellsite surface down through the drill string to the drill bit. The drilling fluid lubricates and cools the drill bit and carries drill cuttings from the wellbore back to the wellsite surface. The drilling fluid returning to the surface may then be cleaned and again pumped through the drill string. The well construction equipment of the well construction system may be grouped into various subsystems, wherein each subsystem performs a different operation.

Electrical power for operating the well construction equipment may be supplied by a plurality of electrical power sources, including combustion engine electric generator units, solar electrical generation units, electrical regeneration (or regen) units, an electrical power grid, and electrical power storage units, among other examples. Each electrical power source can be operated in an optimal manner, such as with respect to fuel efficiency, rate of pollutant emissions, equipment operational life, and cost.

However, electrical power demand by the well construction equipment changes frequently and significantly (i.e., to a high degree) during different stages of the well construction operations, causing the electrical power sources to individually and/or collectively operate in a less than optimal manner. For example, during well construction operations, the generator units collectively output electrical power to match electrical power demand of the well construction equipment, regardless of efficiency. Thus, during stages of well construction operations demanding relatively low levels of electrical power, the generator units collectively operate at low efficiencies. Also, while operating at low efficiency rates, the generator units discharge gas and particulate emissions at relatively high rates. During stages of well construction operations demanding relatively high levels of electrical power, one or more additional generator units may be turned on to provide additional electrical power without permitting the additional generator units to properly warm up, resulting in the generator units operating at low efficiency rates and discharging gas and particulate emissions at relatively high rates.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify indispensable features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure introduces a well construction system that includes well construction equipment, power equipment, operational data sources, and a power manager. The well construction equipment is operable to perform well construction operations to drill a well. The power equipment is electrically connected to the well construction equipment via an electrical power bus. The power equipment is operable to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus to permit the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations. The operational data sources are operable to output operational data. The operational data sources include well construction equipment sensors, power equipment sensors, and an electrical power bus sensor. The well construction equipment sensors are associated with the well construction equipment. The operational data includes well construction equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the well construction equipment. The power equipment sensors are associated with the power equipment. The operational data includes power equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the power equipment. The electrical power bus sensor is associated with the electrical power bus. The operational data includes electrical power bus sensor data indicative of electrical power transmitted through the electrical power bus. The power manager is communicatively connected with the operational data sources and the power equipment. The power manager includes a processor and a memory storing a computer program code that, when executed by the processor, causes the power manager to receive the operational data and output power control data to the power equipment to control the electrical power being supplied by the power equipment to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus during the well construction operations based on the operational data.

The present disclosure also introduces a well construction system that includes well construction equipment, power equipment, operational data sources, a central controller, and a power manager. The well construction equipment is operable to perform well construction operations to drill a well. The power equipment is electrically connected to the well construction equipment via an electrical power bus. The power equipment is operable to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus to permit the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations. The operational data sources are operable to output operational data. The operational data sources include well construction equipment sensors, power equipment sensors, and an electrical power bus sensor. The well construction equipment sensors are associated with the well construction equipment. The operational data includes well construction equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the well construction equipment. The power equipment sensors are associated with the power equipment. The operational data includes power equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the power equipment. The electrical power bus sensor is associated with the electrical power bus. The operational data includes electrical power bus sensor data indicative of electrical power transmitted through the electrical power bus. The central controller is communicatively connected with the well construction equipment, the operational data sources, and the power equipment. The central controller includes a first processor and a first memory storing a first computer program code that, when executed by the first processor, causes the central controller to output well construction control data to the well construction equipment to cause the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations. The power manager is communicatively connected with the central controller and the power equipment. The power manager is communicatively connected with the operational data sources via the central controller. The power manager includes a second processor and a second memory storing a second computer program code that, when executed by the second processor, causes the power manager to receive the operational data and output power control data to the power equipment to control the electrical power being supplied by the power equipment to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus during the well construction operations based on the operational data.

The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus that includes a power manager installable in association with a well construction rig. The well construction rig includes well construction equipment, power equipment, and operational data sources. The well construction equipment is operable to perform well construction operations to drill a well. The power equipment is electrically connected to the well construction equipment via an electrical power bus. The power equipment is operable to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus to permit the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations. The operational data sources are operable to output operational data. The operational data sources include well construction equipment sensors, power equipment sensors, and an electrical power bus sensor. The well construction equipment sensors are associated with the well construction equipment. The operational data includes well construction equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the well construction equipment. The power equipment sensors are associated with the power equipment. The operational data includes power equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the power equipment. The electrical power bus sensor is associated with the electrical power bus. The operational data includes electrical power bus sensor data indicative of electrical power transmitted through the electrical power bus. The power manager is communicatively connectable with the operational data sources and the power equipment. The power manager includes a processor and a memory storing a computer program code that, when executed by the processor, causes the power manager to receive the operational data and output power control data to the power equipment to control the electrical power being supplied by the power equipment to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus during the well construction operations based on the operational data.

These and additional aspects of the present disclosure are set forth in the description that follows, and/or may be learned by a person having ordinary skill in the art by reading the material herein and/or practicing the principles described herein. At least some aspects of the present disclosure may be achieved via means recited in the attached claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes many example implementations for different aspects introduced herein. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are merely examples, and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for simplicity and clarity, and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various implementations described herein. Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include implementations in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include implementations in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.

Systems and methods (e.g., processes, operations, workflows, etc.) according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be utilized or otherwise implemented in association with an automated well construction system (i.e., a well construction rig) at an oil and gas wellsite, such as for constructing a well (including drilling a wellbore) for extracting hydrocarbons (e.g., oil and/or gas) from a subterranean formation. However, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be utilized or otherwise implemented in association with other automated systems in the oil and gas industry and other industries. For example, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in association with wellsite systems for performing fracturing, cementing, acidizing, chemical injecting, and/or water jet cutting operations, among other examples. One or more aspects of the present disclosure may also be implemented in association with mining sites, building construction sites, and/or other work sites where automated machines or equipment are utilized.

FIG.1is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a well construction system100according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The well construction system100represents an example environment in which one or more aspects of the present disclosure described below may be implemented. The well construction system100may be or comprise a well construction (or drilling) rig and associated well construction equipment. Although the well construction system100is depicted as an onshore implementation, the aspects described below are also applicable or readily adaptable to offshore implementations.

The well construction system100is depicted in relation to a wellbore102formed by rotary and/or directional drilling from a wellsite surface104and extending into a subterranean formation106. The well construction system100comprises or is associated with various well construction equipment (i.e., wellsite equipment), including surface equipment110located at the wellsite surface104and a drill string120suspended within the wellbore102. The surface equipment110may include a mast, a derrick, and/or other support structure112disposed over a rig floor114. The drill string120may be suspended within the wellbore102from the support structure112. The support structure112and the rig floor114are collectively supported over the wellbore102by legs and/or other support structures (not shown).

The drill string120may comprise a bottom-hole assembly (BHA)124and means122for conveying the BHA124within the wellbore102. The conveyance means122may comprise a plurality of interconnected tubulars, such as drill pipe, heavy-weight drill pipe (HWDP), wired drill pipe (WDP), tough logging condition (TLC) pipe, and drill collars, among other examples. The conveyance means122may instead comprise coiled tubing for conveying the BHA124within the wellbore102. A downhole end of the BHA124may include or be coupled to a drill bit126. Rotation of the drill bit126and the weight of the drill string120collectively operate to form the wellbore102. The drill bit126may be rotated from the wellsite surface104and/or via a downhole mud motor184connected with the drill bit126. The BHA124may also include various downhole devices and/or tools180,182.

The support structure112may support a driver, such as a top drive116, operable to connect (perhaps indirectly) with an upper end of the drill string120, and to impart rotary motion117and vertical motion135to the drill string120, including the drill bit126. However, other driver, such as a kelly and rotary table (neither shown), may be utilized instead of or in addition to the top drive116to impart the rotary motion117to the drill string120. The top drive116and the connected drill string120may be suspended from the support structure112via a hoisting system or equipment, which may include a traveling block113, a crown block115, and a drawworks118storing a support cable or line123. The crown block115may be connected to or otherwise supported by the support structure112, and the traveling block113may be coupled with the top drive116. The drawworks118may be mounted on or otherwise supported by the rig floor114. The crown block115and traveling block113comprise pulleys or sheaves around which the support line123is reeved to operatively connect the crown block115, the traveling block113, and the drawworks118(and perhaps an anchor). The drawworks118may thus selectively impart tension to the support line123to lift and lower the top drive116, resulting in the vertical motion135. The drawworks118may comprise a drum, a base, and a prime mover (e.g., an electric motor) (not shown) operable to drive the drum to rotate and reel in the support line123, causing the traveling block113and the top drive116to move upward. The drawworks118may be operable to reel out the support line123via a controlled rotation of the drum, causing the traveling block113and the top drive116to move downward.

The top drive116may comprise a grabber, a swivel (neither shown), elevator links127terminating with an elevator129, and a drive shaft125operatively connected with a prime mover (e.g., an electric motor) (not shown), such as via a gear box or transmission (not shown). The drive shaft125may be selectively coupled with the upper end of the drill string120and the prime mover may be selectively operated to rotate the drive shaft125and the drill string120coupled with the drive shaft125. Thus, during drilling operations, the top drive116, in conjunction with operation of the drawworks118, may advance the drill string120into the formation106to form the wellbore102. The elevator links127and the elevator129of the top drive116may handle tubulars (e.g., drill pipes, drill collars, casing joints, etc.) that are not mechanically coupled to the drive shaft125. For example, when the drill string120is being tripped into or out of the wellbore102, the elevator129may grasp the tubulars of the drill string120such that the tubulars may be raised and/or lowered via the hoisting equipment mechanically coupled to the top drive116. The grabber may include a clamp that clamps onto a tubular when making up and/or breaking out a connection of a tubular with the drive shaft125. The top drive116may have a guide system (not shown), such as rollers that track up and down a guide rail on the support structure112. The guide system may aid in keeping the top drive116aligned with the wellbore102, and in preventing the top drive116from rotating during drilling by transferring reactive torque to the support structure112.

The drill string120may be conveyed within the wellbore102through various fluid control devices disposed at the wellsite surface104on top of the wellbore102and perhaps below the rig floor114. The fluid control devices may be operable to control fluid within the wellbore102. The fluid control devices may include a blowout preventer (BOP) stack130for maintaining well pressure control and comprising a series of pressure barriers (e.g., rams) between the wellbore102and an annular preventer132. The fluid control devices may also include a rotating control device (RCD)138mounted above the annular preventer132. The fluid control devices130,132,138may be mounted on top of a wellhead134. A power unit137(i.e., a BOP control or closing unit) may be operatively connected with one or more of the fluid control devices130,132,138and operable to actuate, drive, operate, or otherwise control one or more of the fluid control devices130,132,138. The power unit137may be or comprise a hydraulic fluid power unit fluidly connected with the fluid control devices130,132,138and selectively operable to hydraulically drive various portions (e.g., rams, valves, seals) of the fluid control devices130,132,138. The power unit137may comprise one or more hydraulic pumps actuated by electric motors and operable to pressurize hydraulic fluid for operating the fluid control devices130,132,138as described herein.

The well construction system100may further include a drilling fluid circulation system or equipment operable to circulate fluids between the surface equipment110and the drill bit126during drilling and other operations. For example, the drilling fluid circulation system may be operable to inject a drilling fluid from the wellsite surface104into the wellbore102via an internal fluid passage121extending longitudinally through the drill string120. The drilling fluid circulation system may comprise a pit, a tank, and/or other fluid container142holding the drilling fluid140(i.e., drilling mud), and one or more mud pump units144(i.e., drilling fluid pumps) operable to move the drilling fluid140from the container142into the fluid passage121of the drill string120via a fluid conduit146extending from the pump units144to the top drive116and an internal passage extending through the top drive116. Each pump unit144may comprise a fluid pump (not shown) operable to pump the drilling fluid140and a prime mover (e.g., an electric motor) (not shown) operable to drive the corresponding fluid pump. The fluid conduit146may comprise one or more of a pump discharge line, a stand pipe, a rotary hose, and a gooseneck connected with a fluid inlet of the top drive116. The pumps144and the container142may be fluidly connected by a fluid conduit148, such as a suction line.

During drilling operations, the drilling fluid may continue to flow downhole through the internal passage121of the drill string120, as indicated inFIG.1by directional arrow131. The drilling fluid may exit the BHA124via ports128in the drill bit126and then circulate uphole through an annular space (“annulus”)108of the wellbore102defined between an exterior of the drill string120and the wall of the wellbore102, such flow being indicated inFIG.1by directional arrows133. In this manner, the drilling fluid lubricates the drill bit126and carries formation cuttings uphole to the wellsite surface104. The returning drilling fluid may exit the annulus108via different fluid control devices during different stages or scenarios of well drilling operations. For example, the drilling fluid may exit the annulus108via a bell nipple139, the RCD138, or a ported adapter136(e.g., a spool, a cross adapter, a wing valve, etc.) located below one or more rams of the BOP stack130.

During normal drilling operations, the drilling fluid may exit the annulus108via the bell nipple139and then be directed toward drilling fluid reconditioning equipment170via a fluid conduit158(e.g., gravity return line) to be cleaned and/or reconditioned, as described below, before being returned to the container142for recirculation. During managed pressure drilling operations, the drilling fluid may exit the annulus108via the RCD138and then be directed into a choke manifold152(e.g., a managed pressure drilling choke manifold) via a fluid conduit150(e.g., a drilling pressure control line). The choke manifold152may include at least one choke and a plurality of fluid valves (neither shown) collectively operable to control the flow through and out of the choke manifold152. Backpressure may be applied to the annulus108by variably restricting the flow of the drilling fluid or other fluids flowing through the choke manifold152. The greater the restriction to flow through the choke manifold152, the greater the backpressure applied to the annulus108. The drilling fluid exiting the choke manifold152may then pass through the drilling fluid reconditioning equipment170before being returned to the container142for recirculation. During well pressure control operations, such as when one or more rams of the BOP stack130is closed, the drilling fluid may exit the annulus108via the ported adapter136and be directed into a choke manifold156(e.g., a rig choke manifold, well control choke manifold) via a fluid conduit154(e.g., rig choke line). The choke manifold156may include at least one choke and a plurality of fluid valves (neither shown) collectively operable to control the flow of the drilling fluid through the choke manifold156. Backpressure may be applied to the annulus108by variably restricting the flow of the drilling fluid (and other fluids) flowing through the choke manifold156. The drilling fluid exiting the choke manifold156may then pass through the drilling fluid reconditioning equipment170before being returned to the container142for recirculation.

Before being returned to the container142, the drilling fluid returning to the wellsite surface104may be cleaned and/or reconditioned via the drilling fluid reconditioning equipment170, which may include one or more of liquid-gas separators171, shale shakers172, and other drilling fluid cleaning and reconditioning equipment173. The liquid-gas separators171may remove formation gases entrained in the drilling fluid discharged from the wellbore102. The shale shakers172may separate and remove solid particles141(e.g., drill cuttings) from the drilling fluid. The drilling fluid reconditioning equipment170may comprise additional equipment173operable to remove additional gas and finer formation cuttings from the drilling fluid and/or modify chemical and/or physical properties or characteristics (e.g., rheology, density, etc.) of the drilling fluid. For example, the additional equipment173may include a degasser, a desander, a desilter, a centrifuge, a mud cleaner, and/or a decanter, among other examples. The drilling fluid reconditioning equipment170may further include chemical containers and mixing equipment collectively operable to mix or otherwise add selected chemicals to the drilling fluid returning from the wellbore102to modify chemical and/or physical properties or characteristics of the drilling fluid being pumped back into the wellbore102. Intermediate tanks/containers (not shown) may be utilized to hold the drilling fluid while the drilling fluid progresses through the various stages or portions171,172,173of the drilling fluid reconditioning equipment170. The cleaned and reconditioned drilling fluid may be transferred to the fluid container142, the solid particles141removed from the drilling fluid may be transferred to a solids container143(e.g., a reserve pit), and the removed gas may be transferred to a flare stack174via a conduit175(e.g., a flare line) to be burned or to a container (not shown) for storage and removal from the wellsite.

The surface equipment110may include a tubular handling system or equipment operable to store, move, connect, and disconnect tubulars (e.g., drill pipes) to assemble and disassemble the conveyance means122of the drill string120during drilling operations. For example, a catwalk161may be utilized to convey tubulars from a ground level, such as along the wellsite surface104, to the rig floor114, permitting the elevator129to grab and lift the tubulars above the wellbore102for connection with previously deployed tubulars. The catwalk161may have a horizontal portion and an inclined portion that extends between the horizontal portion and the rig floor114. The catwalk161may comprise a skate163movable along a groove (not shown) extending longitudinally along the horizontal and inclined portions of the catwalk161. The skate163may be operable to convey (e.g., push) the tubulars along the catwalk161to the rig floor114. The skate163may be driven along the groove by a drive system (not shown), such as a pulley system or a hydraulic system. Additionally, one or more racks (not shown) may adjoin the horizontal portion of the catwalk161. The racks may have a spinner unit for transferring tubulars to the groove of the catwalk161. The tubular handling system may comprise a plurality of actuators collectively operable to move various portions of the tubular handling equipment to perform the methods and operations described herein. The actuators may be or comprise electric motors and/or hydraulic cylinders and rotary actuators. The hydraulic cylinders and rotary actuators may be powered by hydraulic power packs comprising hydraulic pumps actuated by electric motors to pressurize hydraulic fluid.

An iron roughneck165may be positioned on the rig floor114. The iron roughneck165may comprise a torqueing portion167, such as may include a spinner and a torque wrench comprising a lower tong and an upper tong. The torqueing portion167of the iron roughneck165may be moveable toward and at least partially around the drill string120, such as may permit the iron roughneck165to make up and break out connections of the drill string120. The torqueing portion167may also be moveable away from the drill string120, such as may permit the iron roughneck165to move clear of the drill string120during drilling operations. The spinner of the iron roughneck165may be utilized to apply low torque to make up and break out threaded connections between tubulars of the drill string120, and the torque wrench may be utilized to apply a higher torque to tighten and loosen the threaded connections. The iron roughneck165may comprise a plurality of actuators collectively operable to move various portions of the iron roughneck165to perform one or more aspects of the methods and operations described herein. The actuators may be or comprise electric motors.

A set of slips119may be located on the rig floor114, such as may accommodate therethrough the drill string120during tubular make up and break out operations and during the drilling operations. The slips119may be in an open position during drilling operations to permit advancement of the drill string120, and in a closed position to clamp the upper end (e.g., the uppermost tubular) of the drill string120to thereby suspend and prevent advancement of the drill string120within the wellbore102, such as during the make up and break out operations.

During drilling operations, the various well construction equipment of the well construction system100may progress through a plurality of coordinated operations (i.e., operational sequences) to drill or otherwise construct the wellbore102. The operational sequences may change based on a well construction plan, status of the well, status of the subterranean formation, stage of drilling operations (e.g., tripping, drilling, tubular handling, etc.), and type downhole tubulars (e.g., drill pipe) utilized, among other examples.

During drilling operations, the hoisting system lowers the drill string120while the top drive116rotates the drill string120to advance the drill string120downward within the wellbore102and into the formation106. During the advancement of the drill string120, the slips119are in an open position, and the iron roughneck165is moved away or is otherwise clear of the drill string120. When the upper end of the drill string120(i.e., the upper end of the uppermost tubular of the drill string120) connected to the drive shaft125is near the slips119and/or the rig floor114, the top drive116ceases rotating and the slips119close to clamp the upper end of the drill string120. The grabber of the top drive116then clamps the uppermost tubular connected to the drive shaft125, and the drive shaft125rotates in a direction reverse from the drilling rotation to break out the connection between the drive shaft125and the uppermost tubular. The grabber of the top drive116may then release the uppermost tubular.

Multiple tubulars may be loaded on the rack of the catwalk161and individual tubulars may be transferred from the rack to the groove in the catwalk161, such as by the spinner unit. The tubular positioned in the groove may be conveyed along the groove by the skate163until the box end of the tubular projects above the rig floor114. The elevator129of the top drive116then grasps the protruding box end, and the drawworks118may be operated to lift the top drive116, the elevator129, and the new tubular.

The hoisting system then raises the top drive116, the elevator129, and the new tubular until the tubular is aligned with the upper portion of the drill string120clamped by the slips119. The iron roughneck165is moved toward the drill string120, and the lower tong of the torqueing portion167clamps onto the upper end of the drill string120. The spinning system threadedly connects the lower end (i.e., pin end) of the new tubular with the upper end (i.e., box end) of the drill string120. The upper tong then clamps onto the new tubular and rotates with high torque to complete making up the connection with the drill string120. In this manner, the new tubular becomes part of the drill string120. The iron roughneck165then releases and moves clear of the drill string120.

The grabber of the top drive116may then clamp onto the drill string120. The drive shaft125is brought into contact with the upper end of the drill string120(e.g., the box end of the uppermost tubular) and rotated to make up a connection between the drill string120and the drive shaft125. The grabber then releases the drill string120, and the slips119are moved to the open position. The drilling operations may then resume.

The tubular handling equipment may further include a tubular handling manipulator (THM)160disposed in association with a vertical pipe rack162for storing tubulars111(e.g., drill pipes, drill collars, drill pipe stands, casing joints, etc.). The vertical pipe rack162may comprise or support a fingerboard164defining a plurality of slots configured to support or otherwise hold the tubulars111within or above a setback166(e.g., a platform or other area) located adjacent to, along, or below the rig floor114. The fingerboard164may comprise a plurality of fingers (not shown), each associated with a corresponding slot and operable to close around and/or otherwise interpose individual tubulars111to maintain the tubulars111within corresponding slots of the fingerboard164. The vertical pipe rack162may be connected with and supported by the support structure112or other portion of the wellsite system100. The fingerboard164/setback166provide storage (e.g., temporary storage) of tubulars111during various operations, such as during and between tripping out and tripping of the drill string120. The THM160may comprise a plurality of actuators collectively operable to move various portions of the THM160to perform the methods and operations described herein. The actuators may be or comprise electric motors.

The THM160may be operable to transfer the tubulars111between the fingerboard164/setback166and the drill string120(i.e., space above the suspended drill string120). For example, the THM160may include arms168terminating with clamps169, such as may be operable to grasp and/or clamp onto one of the tubulars111. The arms168of the THM160may extend and retract, and/or at least a portion of the THM160may be rotatable and/or movable toward and away from the drill string120, such as may permit the THM160to transfer the tubular111between the fingerboard164/setback166and the drill string120.

To trip out the drill string120, the top drive116is raised, the slips119are closed around the drill string120, and the elevator129is closed around the drill string120. The grabber of the top drive116clamps the upper end of a tubular of the drill string120coupled to the drive shaft125. The drive shaft125then rotates in a direction reverse from the drilling rotation to break out the connection between the drive shaft125and the drill string120. The grabber of the top drive116then releases the tubular of the drill string120, and the drill string120is suspended by (at least in part) the elevator129. The iron roughneck165is moved toward the drill string120. The lower tong clamps onto a lower tubular below a connection of the drill string120, and the upper tong clamps onto an upper tubular above that connection. The upper tong then rotates the upper tubular to provide a high torque to break out the connection between the upper and lower tubulars. The spinning system then rotates the upper tubular to separate the upper and lower tubulars, such that the upper tubular is suspended above the rig floor114by the elevator129. The iron roughneck165then releases the drill string120and moves clear of the drill string120.

The THM160may then move toward the drill string120to grasp the tubular suspended from the elevator129. The elevator129then opens to release the tubular. The THM160then moves away from the drill string120while grasping the tubular with the clamps169, places the tubular in the fingerboard164/setback166, and releases the tubular for storage. This process is repeated until the intended length of drill string120is removed from the wellbore102.

The surface equipment110of the well construction system100may also comprise a control center190from which various portions of the well construction system100, such as the top drive116, the hoisting system, the tubular handling system, the drilling fluid circulation system, the well control system, and the BHA124, among other examples, may be monitored and controlled. The control center190may be located on the rig floor114or other location of the well construction system100. The control center190may comprise a facility191(e.g., a room, a cabin, a trailer, etc.) containing a control workstation197, which may be operated by rig personnel195(e.g., a driller or other human rig operator) to monitor and control various well construction equipment or portions of the well construction system100. The control workstation197may comprise or be communicatively connected with a central controller192(e.g., a processing device, a computer, etc.), such as may be operable to receive, process, and output information to monitor operations of and provide control to one or more portions of the well construction system100. For example, the central controller192may be communicatively connected with the various surface and downhole equipment described herein, and may be operable to receive signals from and transmit signals to such equipment to perform various operations described herein. The central controller192may store executable computer program code, instructions, and/or operational parameters or set-points, including for implementing one or more aspects of methods and operations described herein. The central controller192may be located within and/or outside of the facility191. Although it is possible that the entirety of the central controller192is implemented within one device, it is also contemplated that one or more components or functions of the central controller192may be implemented across multiple devices, some or an entirety of which may be implemented as part of the control center190and/or located within the facility191.

The control workstation197may be operable for entering or otherwise communicating control data (e.g., commands, signals, information, etc.) to the central controller192and other equipment controller by the rig personnel195, and for displaying or otherwise communicating information from the central controller192to the rig personnel195. The control workstation197may comprise a plurality of human-machine interface (HMI) devices, including one or more input devices194(e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchscreen, etc.) and one or more output devices196(e.g., a video monitor, a touchscreen, a printer, audio speakers, etc.). Communication between the central controller192, the input and output devices194,196, and the various well construction equipment may be via wired and/or wireless communication means. However, for clarity and ease of understanding, such communication means are not depicted, and a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such communication means are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Well construction systems within the scope of the present disclosure may include more or fewer components than as described above and depicted inFIG.1. Additionally, various equipment and/or subsystems of the well construction system100shown inFIG.1may include more or fewer components than as described above and depicted inFIG.1. For example, various engines, electric motors, hydraulics, actuators, valves, and/or other components not explicitly described herein may be included in the well construction system100, and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure further provides various implementations of systems and/or methods for controlling one or more portions of the well construction system100.FIG.2is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a drilling rig control system200(hereinafter “rig control system”) for monitoring and controlling various well construction equipment of the well construction system100shown inFIG.1. The rig control system200may comprise one or more features of the well construction system100, including where indicated by the same reference numerals. Accordingly, the following description refers toFIGS.1and2, collectively.

The rig control system200may be in real-time communication with and utilized to monitor and/or control various portions, components, and equipment of the well construction system100described herein. The equipment of the well construction system100may be grouped into several subsystems, each operable to perform a corresponding operation and/or a portion of the well construction operations described herein. The subsystems may include a tubular handling (TH) system211, a fluid processing (FP) system212, a managed pressure drilling (MPD) system213, a drilling fluid circulation (DFC) system214, a drill string rotation system (DSR) system215, a choke pressure control (CPC) system216, a well pressure control (WC) system217, and a power supply (PS) system218.

The TH system211may include the support structure112, a tubular hoisting system (e.g., the drawworks118, the elevator links127, the elevator129, and the slips119), a tubular handling system or equipment (e.g., the catwalk161, the THM160, the setback166, and the iron roughneck165), and/or other tubular handling equipment. Accordingly, the TH system211may perform tubular handling and hoisting operations. The TH system211may also serve as a support platform for tubular rotation equipment and a staging ground for rig operations, such as connection make up and break out operations described above.

The FP system212may include the drilling fluid reconditioning equipment170, the flare stack174, the containers142,143, and/or other equipment. Accordingly, the FP system212may perform fluid cleaning, reconditioning, and mixing operations.

The MPD system213may include the RCD138, the power unit137, the choke manifold152, and/or other equipment. The DFC system214may comprise the pumps144, the drilling fluid container142, the bell nipple139, and/or other equipment collectively operable to pump and circulate the drilling fluid at the wellsite surface and downhole. The DSR system215may include the top drive116and/or the rotary table and kelly. The CPC system216may comprise the choke manifold156, the ported adapter136, and/or other equipment. The WC system217may comprise the BOP stack130, the power unit137, and a BOP control station for controlling the power unit137.

The PS system218may comprise various sources of electrical power operable to power the well construction equipment of the well construction system100, including the well construction equipment of the well construction subsystems211-217. The PS system218may also include various means for transferring and/or distributing electrical power and fuel to the well construction equipment and between various pieces of equipment of the PS system218, including electrical power conductors, other electrical connectors, electrical relays, fluid conductors, fluid connectors, and fluid valves, among other examples. The sources of electrical power may include combustion engine electric generator units, solar electrical generation units, electrical regeneration (or regen) units, an electrical power grid, electrical power storage units (e.g., batteries, capacitors, etc.), and fuel storage devices, among other examples.

Each of the well construction subsystems211-218may further comprise various communication equipment (e.g., modems, network interface cards, etc.) and communication conductors (e.g., cables), communicatively connecting the equipment (e.g., sensors and actuators) of each subsystem211-218with a central controller192and a control workstation197. Although the well construction equipment listed above and shown inFIG.1is associated with certain wellsite subsystems211-218, such associations are merely examples that are not intended to limit or prevent such well construction equipment from being associated with two or more wellsite subsystems211-218and/or different wellsite subsystems211-218.

The rig control system200may include various local controllers221-228, each operable to control various well construction equipment of a corresponding subsystem211-218and/or an individual piece of well construction equipment of a corresponding subsystem211-218. As described above, each well construction subsystem211-218includes various well construction equipment comprising corresponding actuators241-248for performing operations of the well construction system100. Each subsystem211-218may include various sensors231-238operable to generate sensor data (e.g., signals, information, measurements, etc.) indicative of operational status of the well construction equipment of each subsystem211-218. Each local controller221-228may output control data (e.g., commands, signals, information, etc.) to one or more actuators241-248to perform corresponding actions of a piece of equipment or subsystem211-218. Each local controller221-228may receive sensor data generated by one or more sensors231-238indicative of operational status of an actuator or other portion of a piece of equipment or subsystem211-218. Although the local controllers221-228, the sensors231-238, and the actuators241-248are each shown as a single block, it is to be understood that each local controller221-228, sensor231-238, and actuator241-248may be or comprise a plurality of local controllers, sensors, and actuators.

The sensors231-238may include sensors utilized for operation of the various subsystems211-218of the well construction system100. For example, the sensors231-238may include one or more cameras, position sensors, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, pressure sensors, force sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, vibration sensors, electrical current sensors, electrical voltage sensors, resistance sensors, gesture detection sensors or devices, voice actuated or recognition devices or sensors, chemical sensors, exhaust sensors, and/or other examples. The sensor data may include signals, information, and/or measurements indicative of equipment operational status (e.g., on or off, percent load, up or down, set or released, etc.), drilling parameters (e.g., depth, hook load, torque, etc.), auxiliary parameters (e.g., vibration data of a pump), flow rate, temperature, operational speed, position, and pressure, among other examples. The acquired sensor data may include or be associated with a timestamp (e.g., date and/or time) indicative of when the sensor data has been acquired. The sensor data may also or instead be aligned with wellbore depth and/or other drilling parameters.

The local controllers221-228, the sensors231-238, and the actuators241-248may be communicatively connected with the central controller192. For example, the local controllers221-228may be in communication with the sensors231-238and actuators241-248of the corresponding subsystems211-218via local communication networks (e.g., field buses) (not shown) and the central controller192may be in communication with the subsystems211-218via a central communication network209(e.g., a data bus, a field bus, a wide-area-network (WAN), a local-area-network (LAN), etc.). The sensor data generated by the sensors231-238of the subsystems211-218may be made available for use by the central controller192and/or the local controllers221-228. Similarly, control data output by the central controller192and/or the local controllers221-228may be automatically communicated to the various actuators241-248of the subsystems211-218, perhaps pursuant to predetermined programming, such as to facilitate well construction operations and/or other operations described herein. Although the central controller192is shown as a single device (i.e., a discrete hardware component), it is to be understood that the central controller192may be or comprise a plurality of equipment controllers and/or other electronic devices collectively operable to monitor and control operations (i.e., computational processes or methods) of the well construction system. The central controller192may be located within or form a portion of a control center190, although a portion of the central controller192may instead be external to the control center190.

The sensors231-238and actuators241-248may be monitored and/or controlled by corresponding local controllers221-228and/or the central controller192. For example, the central controller192may be operable to receive sensor data from the sensors231-238of the wellsite subsystems211-218in real-time, and to output real-time control data directly to the actuators241-248of the subsystems211-218based on the received sensor data. However, certain operations of the actuators241-248of each subsystem211-218may be controlled by a corresponding local controller221-228, which may control the actuators241-248based on sensor data received from the sensors231-238of the corresponding subsystem211-218and/or based on control data received from the central controller192.

The rig control system200may be a tiered control system, wherein control of the subsystems211-218of the well construction system100may be provided via a first tier of the local controllers221-228and a second tier of the central controller192. The central controller192may facilitate control of one or more of the subsystems211-218at the level of each individual subsystem211-218. For example, in the FP system212, sensor data may be fed into the local controller222, which may respond to control the actuators242. However, for control operations that involve multiple subsystems211-218, the control may be coordinated through the central controller192operable to coordinate control of well construction equipment of two, three, four, or more (or each) of the subsystems211-218. For example, coordinated control operations may include the control of downhole pressure during tripping. The downhole pressure may be affected by the DFC system214(e.g., pump rate), the MPD system213(e.g., position of the choke152), and the TH system211(e.g., tripping speed). Thus, when it is intended to maintain certain downhole pressure during tripping, the central controller192may output control data to two or more of the participating subsystems211-218.

As described above, the central controller192may control various operations of the subsystems211-218via analysis of sensor data from one or more of the wellsite subsystems211-218to facilitate coordinated control between the subsystems211-218. The central controller192may generate control data to coordinate operations of various well construction equipment of the subsystems211-218. The control data may include, for example, commands from rig personnel, such as turn on or turn off a pump, switch on or off a fluid valve, and update a physical property set-point, among other examples. The local controllers221-228may each include a fast control loop that directly obtains sensor data and executes, for example, a control algorithm to generate the control data. The central controller192may include a slow control loop to periodically obtain sensor data and generate the control data.

The central controller192, the local controllers221-228, and/or other controllers or processing devices (referred to hereinafter as “equipment controllers”) of the rig control system200may each or collectively be operable to receive and store machine-readable and executable program code instructions (e.g., computer program code, algorithms, programmed processes or operations, etc.) on a data storage device (e.g., a memory chip) and then execute the program code instructions to run, operate, or perform a control process for monitoring and/or controlling the well construction equipment of the well construction system100.

The central controller192may run (i.e., execute) a control process250(e.g., a coordinated control process or other computer process) and each local controller221-228may run a corresponding control process (e.g., a local control process or other computer process, not shown). Two or more of the local controllers221-228may run their local control processes to collectively coordinate operations between well construction equipment of two or more of the subsystems211-218.

The control process250of the central controller192may operate as a mechanization manager of the rig control system200, coordinating operational sequences of the well construction equipment of the well construction system100. The well construction system100may instead be operated manually by rig personnel (e.g., a driller) via the control workstation197. The control workstation197may be utilized to monitor, configure, control, and/or otherwise operate one or more of the subsystems211-218by the rig personnel. The control workstation197may be communicatively connected with the central controller192and/or the local controllers221-228via the communication network209and operable to receive sensor data from the sensors231-238and transmit control data to the central controller192and/or the local controllers221-228to control the actuators241-248. Accordingly, the control workstation197may be utilized by the rig personnel to monitor and control the actuators241-248and other portions of the subsystems211-218via the central controller192and/or local controllers221-228.

During manual operation, the rig personnel may operate as the mechanization manager of the rig control system200by manually coordinating operations of various well construction equipment, such as to achieve an intended operational status (or drilling state) of the well construction operations, including tripping in or drilling at an intended rate of penetration (ROP). The control process of each local controller221-228may facilitate a lower (e.g., basic) level of control within the rig control system200to operate a corresponding piece of well construction equipment or a plurality of pieces of well construction equipment of a corresponding subsystem211-218. Such control process may facilitate, for example, starting, stopping, and setting or maintaining an operating speed of a piece of well construction equipment. During manual operation of the well construction system100, rig personnel manually controls the individual pieces of well construction equipment to achieve the intended operational status of each piece of well construction equipment.

The control process250of the central controller192may output control data directly to the actuators241-248to control the well construction operations. The control process250may also or instead output control data to the control process of one or more local controllers221-228, wherein each control process of the local controllers221-228may then output control data to the actuators241-248of the corresponding subsystem211-218to control a portion of the well construction operations performed by that subsystem211-218. Thus, the control processes of equipment controllers (e.g., central controller192, local controllers221-228) of the rig control system200individually and collectively perform monitoring and control operations described herein, including monitoring and controlling well construction operations. The program code instructions forming the basis for the control processes described herein may comprise rules (e.g., algorithms) based on the laws of physics for drilling and other well construction operations.

Each control process being run by an equipment controller of the rig control system200may receive and process (i.e., analyze) sensor data from the sensors231-238according to the program code instructions, and generate control data (i.e., control signals or information) to operate or otherwise control the actuators241-248of the well construction equipment. Equipment controllers within the scope of the present disclosure can include, for example, microprocessor-based computers (PCs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial computers (IPCs), soft PLCs, variable frequency drives (VFDs) and/or other controllers or processing devices operable to store and execute program code instructions, receive sensor data, and output control data to cause operation of the well construction equipment based on the program code instructions, sensor data, and/or control data.

The well construction system100may comprise a power manager262(e.g., a processing device, a computer, a controller, etc.) operable to receive and store machine-readable and executable program code instructions on a data storage device and then execute such program code instructions to run, operate, or perform a power management (or control) process operable to monitor and control the PS system218of the well construction system100. The program code instructions forming the basis for the power manager262described herein may comprise or be based on, for example, optimum efficiency performance curves or data of the various pieces of equipment forming the PS system218. The power manager262may operate to monitor and control generation and distribution of electrical power performed by the PS system218. The power manager262may be directly or indirectly communicatively connected with the PS system218and operable to control operations of the PS system218. The power manager262may also be communicatively connected with the central controller192. Therefore, the power manager262may be directly communicatively connected with the PS system218(e.g., via the communication network209) or the power manager262may be indirectly communicatively connected with the PS system218via the central controller192. A direct communicative connection within the scope of the present disclosure may refer to communication of data between devices (e.g., the power manager262and the PS system218) along a communication path that does not process (e.g., analyze) the data. Such direct communication path may contain intermediate communication devices (e.g., connectors, relays, amplifiers, switches, remote input/output devices, etc.) that receive and output the data, but do not process the data. An indirect communicative connection within the scope of the present disclosure may refer to communication of data between devices (e.g., the power manager262and the PS system218) along a communication path containing an intermediate processing device (e.g., a PC, a PLC, an equipment controller, etc.) that receives the data, processes the data, and outputs the processed data.

The power manager262may receive and process (i.e., analyze) sensor data from the sensors238according to the program code instructions to monitor performance of the PS system218, and output control data (i.e., power management control data) to operate or otherwise control the actuators248of the PS system218thereby controlling operations of the PS system218. The power manager262may output the control data directly to the actuators248to control the generation and distribution of electrical power. The power manager262may also or instead output the control data to one or more local controllers228, wherein each of the local controllers228may then output the control data to the actuators248of the PS system218to control a portion of the power generation and distribution operations performed by the PS system218. The power manager262may also or instead output control data to the actuators248and/or one or more local controllers228via the central controller192. The electrical actuators248may comprise one or more of electrical motors, linear actuators, magnetic coils, switches, and relays, among other examples. Also, the power manager262may be operable to exchange (i.e., output and receive) data (control data and/or sensor data) with the central controller192and, thus, collectively operate with the central controller192to control operation of the PS system218. For example, the power manager262may receive control data generated by one or more of the processes (e.g., the control process250) executed by the central controller192and output power management control data based on the power management process and the control data from the central controller192to control operation of the PS system218.

The rig control system200may comprise a data storage device operable to receive and store a well construction plan252(or drilling plan) for drilling and/or otherwise constructing a planned well. The well construction plan252may include well specifications, operational parameters, and other information indicative of the planned well and the well construction equipment of the well construction system100. For example, the well construction plan252may include properties of the subterranean formation through which the planned well is to be drilled and otherwise constructed, the path (e.g., direction, curvature, orientation, etc.) along which the planned well is to be formed through the formation, the depth (e.g., true vertical depth (TVD) and/or measured depth (MD)) of the planned well, operational specifications (e.g., power output, weight, torque capabilities, speed capabilities, dimensions, size, etc.) of the well construction equipment (e.g., top drive, mud pumps144, downhole mud motor184, etc.) that is planned to be used to construct the planned well, and/or specifications (e.g., diameter, length, weight, etc.) of tubulars (e.g., drill pipe) that are planned to be used to construct the planned well. The well construction plan252may include knowledge (e.g., efficiency of various parameters) learned from offset wells that have been drilled. Optimal parameters associated with the offset wells may then be used as the recommended parameters in a current well construction plan252. The knowledge learned from the offset wells, including operation limits, such as maximum WOB, top drive speed (RPM), ROP, and/or tripping speed versus depth, may be applied and used as an operation limit within the well construction plan252.

The well construction plan252may further include well construction operations schedule (e.g., order and/or time of well constriction operations) for a plurality of planned well construction tasks (i.e., well construction objectives) that are intended to be achieved to complete the well construction plan252. Each planned task may comprise a plurality of operational sequences and may be performed by the well construction equipment to construct the planned well. A planned task may be or comprise drilling a predetermined portion or depth of the planned well, completing a predetermined portion or stage of drilling operations, drilling through a predetermined section of the subterranean formation, and performing a predetermined plurality of operational sequences, among other examples. Each operational sequence may comprise a plurality or sequence of mechanical actions and/or other operations performed by various pieces of well construction equipment. Example operational sequences may include operations of one or more pieces of the well construction equipment of the well construction system100described above in association withFIG.1.

The well construction plan252may further include planned operational parameters of the well construction equipment during each planned stage, portion, sequence, task, and/or operation of the well construction operations, such as WOB, RPM, and ROP as a function of wellbore depth. The well construction plan252may further include a planned electrical power demand profile (or schedule) indicative of electrical power demand for performing or otherwise associated with each planned stage, portion, sequence, task, and/or operation of the well construction operations contained in the well construction plan252. Thus, the planned electrical power demand profile may be or comprise a schedule (e.g., sequence or order) of expected electrical power demand levels for predetermined pieces of well construction equipment that are to be met to perform each planned stage, portion, sequence, task, and/or operation of the well construction operations. The planned electrical power demand profile may comprise information indicative of planned generation and/or distribution of electrical power generated by one or more pieces of electrical power generating equipment of the PS system218to the various well construction equipment of the well construction system100, including the well construction equipment of the subsystems211-218, such as to facilitate performance of the well construction operations pursuant to the well construction plan252.

The information forming or otherwise from the well construction plan252may originate or be delivered in a paper form, whereby rig personnel manually input such information into the data storage device containing the well construction plan252. However, the information forming the well construction plan252may originate or be delivered in digital format, such that it can be directly loaded to or saved by the data storage device. The data storage device containing the well construction plan252may be communicatively connected to the central controller192and/or the power manager262such that the central controller192and/or the power manager262can receive and process (or analyze) the well construction plan252. The well construction plan252may be analyzed programmatically by the central controller192and/or the power manager262without human intervention. The data storage device storing the well construction plan252may be directly or indirectly communicatively connected with the central controller192and the power manager262. The data storage device storing the well construction plan252may instead be or form a portion of the central controller192. The central controller192and/or the power manager262may analyze the well construction plan252and generate or output control data to the local controllers221-228or directly to the actuators241-248to control the well construction equipment to cause, facilitate, or otherwise implement one or more aspects of methods and operations described herein.

An equipment controller of the rig control system200for controlling the well construction system100may be operable to automate the well construction equipment to perform well construction operations and change such well construction operations as operational parameters of the well construction operations change and/or when an abnormal event (e.g., state, condition, etc.) is detected during the well construction operations. An equipment controller may be operable to detect an abnormal event based on the sensor data received from the sensors231-238and cause the predetermined operations to be performed or otherwise implemented to stop or mitigate the abnormal event or otherwise in response to the abnormal event, without manual control of the well construction equipment by the rig personnel via the control workstation197. For example, an equipment controller may be operable to make decisions related to selection of actions or sequences of operations that are to be implemented during the well construction operations and/or the manner (e.g., speed, torque, mechanical power, electrical power, etc.) in which such selected operational sequences are to be implemented to stop or mitigate a detected abnormal event. An equipment controller may be further operable to receive and store information that may be analyzed by the control process250to facilitate the equipment controller to detect the abnormal event, and select and implement the operational sequences to stop or mitigate the abnormal event.

The central controller192may be operable to receive and store machine-readable and executable program code instructions on a data storage device and then execute such program code instructions to run, operate, or perform an abnormal event detector254(e.g., an abnormal event detecting computer process), which may be operable to analyze or otherwise process the sensor data received from the sensors231-238and detect an abnormal event (e.g., status, condition, etc.) experienced by or otherwise associated with one or more pieces of well construction equipment, and/or an abnormal event experienced by or otherwise associated with a wellbore (e.g., the wellbore102shown inFIG.1). The abnormal event detector254may be operable to detect the abnormal events based on the sensor data and output abnormal event data indicative of the detected abnormal event. One or more of the local controllers221-228may also execute program code instructions to execute a corresponding abnormal event detector254to detect a local abnormal event. The local controllers221-228may then transmit data indicative of the local abnormal event to the central controller192for analysis. One or more of the processes of the central controller192may then re-plan well construction tasks, operational sequences, and other processes based on the detected abnormal events or otherwise based on the condition of the well and/or the well construction equipment.

For example, an abnormal event may be or comprise an abnormal operational surface event experienced by surface equipment (e.g., the surface equipment110shown inFIG.1) and/or an abnormal operational downhole event experienced by a drill string (e.g., the drill string120shown inFIG.1). An example abnormal operational downhole event may include stick-slip, axial vibrations, lateral vibrations, rotational vibrations, and stuck drill pipe. The abnormal event may instead be or comprise an abnormal downhole fluid event experienced by a downhole fluid, such as wellbore fluid (e.g., drilling fluid, formation fluid, fracturing fluid, etc.) within the wellbore, and/or formation fluid within a subterranean formation (e.g., the subterranean formation106shown inFIG.1) through which the wellbore extends. An example abnormal downhole fluid event may include underpressure of the formation fluid, overpressure of the formation fluid, gains of the wellbore fluid, and losses of the wellbore fluid.

The central controller192may be operable to receive and store machine-readable and executable program code instructions on a data storage device and then execute such program code instructions to run, operate, or perform an operational state detector256(e.g., an operational state detecting computer process), which may be operable to analyze or otherwise process the sensor data received from the sensors231-238and detect a state (e.g., a status, a stage, etc.) of the well construction operations that the well construction system100is performing. The operational state detector256may then output operational state data indicative of the operational state of the well construction system100. Operational states of the well construction system100may comprise, for example, drilling, tripping, circulating, and reaming, among others.

The central controller192may be operable to receive and store machine-readable and executable program code instructions on a data storage device and then execute the program code instructions to run, operate, or perform an operational sequence selector258(e.g., an operational sequence selecting computer process) operable to select and output an operational sequence (e.g., a plurality or series of physical or mechanical operations, actions, or movements) and an electrical power demand profile associated with the selected operational sequence to be performed by the well construction equipment. Thus, an operational sequence selected by the sequence selector258may include or comprise an electrical power demand profile associated with the physical or mechanical operations specified in the selected operational sequence. The operational sequence selector258(or generator) may be operable to receive and analyze or otherwise process various data to select (or generate) the operational sequence. For example, the operational sequence selector258may be operable to receive and analyze the well construction plan252, the sensor data from the sensors231-238, the operational state data from the operational state detector256, and/or the abnormal event data from the abnormal event detector254, and select the (e.g., optimal) operational sequence to be performed by the well construction equipment based on such well construction plan252, sensor data, operational state data, and/or abnormal event data.

The operational sequence selector258may be operable to analyze or otherwise process the well construction plan252and discretize (e.g., break up or segment) the well construction plan252into a plurality of planned tasks or operational sequences that can be implemented (i.e., caused to be performed) by the central controller192. For example, the operational sequence selector258may be operable to analyze or otherwise process the well construction plan252and discretize each planned task (e.g., step) defined in the well construction plan252into one or more discrete operational sequences that can be received and implemented by the central controller192. A planned task may include, for example, drilling from depth A to depth B with the set of operation parameters, performing a survey, or performing a telemetry operation. Thus, the operational sequence selector258may be operable to select an operational sequence and an associated electrical power demand profile to be performed by the well construction equipment to perform a planned task defined in the well construction plan252. The central controller192and/or the power manager262may then receive the selected operational sequence to be performed by the well construction equipment and, based on such selected operational sequence, output control data to cause the well construction equipment to perform the selected operational sequence and, thus, the corresponding planned task. The operational sequence selected and output by the operational sequence selector258based on the well construction plan252may be referred to hereinafter as a planned operational sequence.

The operational sequence selector258may also or instead be operable to analyze or otherwise process the detected abnormal event and select an operational sequence to be performed by the well construction equipment based on such abnormal event to stop or otherwise mitigate the detected abnormal event. The central controller192and/or the power manager262may then receive the selected operational sequence to be performed by the well construction equipment and, based on such selected operational sequence, output control data to cause the well construction equipment to perform the selected operational sequence, thereby mitigating the abnormal downhole event. The central controller192and/or the power manager262may cause the well construction equipment to perform the operational sequence selected based on the detected abnormal event while the planned operational sequence is still being performed. However, the central controller192and/or the power manager262may instead output control data to cause the well construction equipment to stop performing the planned operational sequence, before outputting the control data to cause the well construction equipment to perform the operational sequence selected based on the detected abnormal event. The operational sequence selected and output by the operational sequence selector258based on the detected abnormal event may be referred to hereinafter as a mitigating operational sequence.

The rig control system200may further comprise a data storage device operable to receive and store a database260(e.g., a library) of operational sequences that may be performed by the well construction equipment. Each stored operational sequence may comprise a plurality or series of physical or mechanical operations (e.g., actions, movements, etc.) that may be performed by one or more pieces of the well construction equipment and a corresponding electrical power demand profile associated with each plurality or series of physical or mechanical operations.

Some of the operational sequences (e.g., planned operational sequences) may be performed by corresponding pieces of the well construction equipment to perform a corresponding planned portion of the well construction operations (e.g., to drill a corresponding stage of the planned well). The database260may store operational sequences for performing each planned well construction task of the well construction plan252. The database260may store a plurality of alternate operational sequences associated with (i.e., for performing) a planned well construction task or a procedure (e.g., a portion of a well construction task comprising a plurality of mechanical operations) to be performed by the well construction equipment, such as when a status or certain condition of well construction operations changes. Thus, each well construction task or procedure may be associated with a plurality of different and/or alternate planned operational sequences for performing a planned well construction task or procedure. Accordingly, each planned operational sequence associated with a planned well construction task may comprise a different plurality of actions or movements to be performed by the well construction equipment to perform the planned well construction task or procedure.

Some of the operational sequences (e.g., mitigating operational sequences) may be performed by corresponding pieces of the well construction equipment to stop or otherwise mitigate a detected abnormal event. The database260may store a plurality of alternate operational sequences associated with (i.e., for performing) various types and/or levels of abnormal events that can take place during well construction operations. For each abnormal event, one or more operational sequences may be defined in association with corresponding priority and/or decision making steps, and saved in the database260and/or as part of the operational sequence selector258. The operational sequence selector258may automatically select one or more of the most responsive or optimal operational sequences based on parameters (e.g., type, severity, duration of time, etc.) of the abnormal event. Some abnormal events may be associated with a plurality of different and/or alternate planned operational sequences for performing a planned well construction task or procedure while stopping or otherwise mitigating the detected abnormal event and/or the effects of the detected abnormal event. Some abnormal events may be associated with a plurality of different and/or alternate planned operational sequences that are performed to stop or otherwise mitigate the detected abnormal event after a previously selected planned operational sequence is stopped. Thus, each mitigating operational sequence associated with a different abnormal event may comprise a different plurality of actions or movements to be performed by the well construction equipment to stop or otherwise mitigate the detected abnormal event. Thus, when an abnormal event is detected, the central controller192and/or the power manager262may stop performance of a previously selected planned operational sequence, the operational sequence selector258may select a mitigating operational sequence based on the detected abnormal event, and the central controller192and/or the power manager262may output control data to cause the well construction equipment to perform the selected mitigating operational sequence thereby mitigating the abnormal downhole event without manual control of the well construction equipment by the rig personnel via the control workstation197.

The data storage device containing the database260may be communicatively connected to the central controller192and/or the power manager262such that the central controller192and/or the power manager262can receive and process (or analyze) the database260. The data storage device storing the database260may be stored on a data storage device external from the central controller192and directly or indirectly communicatively connected with the central controller192. The data storage device storing the database260may instead be or form a portion of the central controller192. For example, the database260may be stored on a data storage device (e.g., a memory chip) of the central controller192that is different from the data storage device on which the executable program code instructions for the control process250and/or the operational sequence selector258are stored. The database260may also or instead be stored on the same data storage device that stores the executable program code instructions for the control process250and/or the operational sequence selector258. The database260may be or form a portion of the operational sequence selector258or the operational sequence selector258may have access to the planned and mitigating operational sequences stored in the database260. Therefore, the operational sequence selector258may be operable to select from the database260an operational sequence to be performed by the well construction equipment.

The central controller192and/or the power manager262may be operable to receive a selected operational sequence from the sequence selector258and automatically operate the well construction equipment accordingly to implement the selected operational sequence. For example, if the selected operational sequence is to trip in a stand within a particular tripping speed, with the pump turned off, the central controller192can ensure that the pump is turned off and that the drawworks118is running at an intended speed, and the power manager262can ensure that the PS system218outputs sufficient electrical power to operate the drawworks118and does so at optimum energy efficiency. If the selected operational sequence is to trip in a drill string from depth A to depth B, which may mandate the well construction system100to run multiple stands automatically, the control process can automatically manage and synchronize multiple pieces of well construction equipment, including, tripping, setting slips, breaking connections, picking up a new stand, making connections, releasing slips, and tripping in, without manual control of the well construction equipment by rig personnel via the control workstation197.

The power manager262may be communicatively connected with the PS system218. For example, the power manager262may be directly communicatively connected with each local controller228of the PS system218, such as via the communication network209. The power manager262may instead be indirectly communicatively connected with each local controller228of the PS system218via the central controller192. The power manager262may be designed as part of the well construction system100(or drill rig) before the well construction system100is constructed and installed or otherwise implemented as part of the well construction system100while the well construction system100is being constructed. However, the power manager262may be retrofitted (or added) into a fully constructed and operating well construction system100after the well construction system100is constructed. The power manager262may be configured to communicate with the central controller192and/or the equipment of the PS system218, including with the central controller192and/or the equipment of the PS system218utilizing a communication protocol that is different from the communication protocol utilized by the power manager262. Thus, the power manager262may be installed on or integrated with well construction systems constructed by different manufacturers. The power manager262may be physically installed or installable within the control center190. However, the power manager262may instead be installed or installable at a different location of the well construction system100or at a location remote from the well construction system100. Communication between the power manager262and the central controller192and/or PS system218may be via wired and/or wireless communication means.

The power manager262may be operable to automate selected well construction operations of the well construction rig and, thus, cause the selected well construction operations to be performed without manual control of the well construction equipment by rig personnel (e.g., the driller) via the rig control workstation197. The power manager262may be operable to make decisions related to selection of actions or sequences of operations that are to be implemented during the well construction operations and/or the manner in which such selected operations are to be implemented.

The power manager262may be communicatively connected with an HMI264usable by the rig personnel (e.g., the driller) to monitor and control the power manager262to monitor and control the well construction equipment of the well construction system100. The HMI264may be communicatively connected with the power manager262and operable for entering or otherwise communicating control data to the power manager262by the rig personnel for controlling the power manager262and the PS system218. The HMI264may be further operable for displaying or otherwise communicating sensor data and other information from the power manager262to the rig personnel, thereby permitting the rig personnel to monitor the power manager262and the PS system218. For example, the HMI264may be operable to display to the rig personnel the current operational status of the well construction equipment of the PS system218. The HMI264may be or comprise a control workstation, a terminal, a computer, or other device comprising one or more input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchscreen, etc.) and one or more output devices (e.g., a video monitor, a touchscreen, a printer, audio speakers, etc.). The HMI264may be physically installable in association with the control workstation197of the well construction system100, such as may permit the rig personnel using the control workstation197to also use the HMI264. However, the HMI264may instead be disposed at a different location of the well construction system100or at a location remote from the well construction system100. Communication between the HMI264and the power manager262may be via wired and/or wireless communication means.

On most drilling rigs, there are two electrical buses (or conductors) where electrical power is managed, a direct current (DC) electrical power bus and an alternating current (AC) electrical power bus. Electrical power equipment (i.e., electrical power sources) available at a drilling rig may be managed independently directly through the AC electrical power bus. The present disclosure is directed to a power manager (or power management controller) operable to manage various electrical power equipment of a PS system electrically connected to the main or primary AC electrical power bus of a well construction system. The power manager may be a PC, a PLC or equivalent (e.g. a dedicated control system (DCS), a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), etc.), or a combination of the aforementioned devices.

Execution of desired output(s) to achieve optimal AC power management (or control) by the power manager may be accomplished using various inputs, such as feedback devices, sensors, equipment, and data and/or information from data sources. Such inputs may be connected or interfaced directly or indirectly via hardwire, fiber optic, and/or Wi-Fi to: one or more controller math, power, or equivalent processing modules; mathematical, power, and statistical analysis algorithms, programs, or subroutines nested within a controller; and/or commercially available power analysis programs (e.g. including but not limited to PSIM, MS Excel, E-Tap, etc.) nested within one or more controllers and/or other algorithms, programs, or modules suitable for the analysis of data. Calculation results that identify optimal control will generate appropriate control outputs, which may be managed via the power manager to electrical power and/or other energy sources of a well construction system at a wellsite, which may include, for example, engine/generator units (e.g., diesel, hydrogen mix diesel, natural gas or diesel/natural gas blend (DGB/DGE), etc.), gas turbines, an electrical power grid (e.g., hi-line power), electrical energy storage via battery, capacitors, ultra-capacitors, or equivalent energy storage devices, solar-generated electrical power, regenerative electrical power, and thermal generated electrical energy.

FIGS.3-9are schematic views of example implementations of well construction systems301-307according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The well construction systems301-307may be example implementations of and comprise one or more features and/or modes of operation of the well construction system100shown inFIG.1. For example, each well construction system301-307comprises one or more of a power manager310, a central controller312, and a PS system314, each being an example implementation of and comprising one or more features and/or modes of operation of the power manager262, the central controller192, and the PS system218, respectively, shown inFIGS.1and2. Accordingly, the following description refers toFIGS.1-9, collectively.

The well construction system301is located at a wellsite308and comprises well construction equipment316(e.g., the equipment subsystems211-217shown inFIG.2) operable to perform well construction operations to construct (e.g., drill) a well102. The PS system314may be or comprise a plurality of electrical power supply equipment components320-325(hereinafter “power equipment”) operable to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment316to permit the well construction equipment316to perform well construction operations described herein and/or otherwise within the scope of the present disclosure.

The power equipment320-325of the PS system314comprises a plurality of electrical power sources, including one or more engine/electrical generator units320(hereinafter “generator units”), an electrical power grid321, one or more electrical energy storage units322(hereinafter “storage units”), one or more electrical power regeneration units323(hereinafter “regen units”), one or more solar-to-electrical power units324(hereinafter “solar power units”), and/or other electrical power sources325. The power equipment320-325may be electrically connected to the well construction equipment316via an electrical power bus318(hereinafter “bus”) to facilitate transmission of electrical power to the well construction equipment316to thereby permit the well construction equipment316to perform the well construction operations. The bus318may be or comprise a well construction system power grid or an electrical power supply line (e.g., 600 volt/60 Hertz main line or bus) electrically connected to an electrical output of each piece of the power equipment320-325.

The well construction system301further comprises a plurality of operational data sources328operable to output operational data indicative of or otherwise associated with various operational aspects of the well construction system301and/or well construction operations performed by the well construction equipment316. The power manager310is communicatively connected with the operational data sources328and the power equipment320-325of the PS system314, such that the power manager310is operable to receive and process (or analyze) the operational data and output power control data based on the operational data. The power control data may control the power equipment320-325to thereby control the electrical power being supplied by the power equipment320-325to the well construction equipment316via the bus318during the well construction operations.

The operational data sources328may be or comprise data storage devices350-355storing various operational data generated at or by the well construction system301and/or operational data generated for use by the power manager310. The data storage devices350-355may each be or comprise a volatile memory device and/or a tangible, non-transitory data storage medium. One or more of the data storage devices350-355may be located at the wellsite308. For example, one or more of the data storage devices350-355may be located within the control center190and/or form a portion of the rig control system200described above and shown inFIG.2. However, one or more of the data storage devices350-355may instead be located remote from the wellsite308. Although the data storage devices350-355are shown as separate and discrete devices, it is to be understood that the data storage devices350-355may be separate partitions of the same data storage device, separate virtual locations (e.g., folders) of the same data storage device, or otherwise implemented as part of the same data storage device. The data storage devices350-355may be communicatively connected with the power manager310via communication conductors (or network)356configured to communicate the stored operational data to the power manager310. The conductors356may be or comprise a portion of the communication network209shown inFIG.2.

The operational data stored on the data storage device350may be or comprise emissions sensor data indicative of characteristics of emissions discharged by the generator units320. The operational data stored on the data storage devices351,352, may be or comprise real-time and historical well construction equipment sensor data indicative of real-time and historical operational parameters of the well construction equipment316. The operational data stored on the data storage device353may be or comprise a well construction plan for drilling and/or otherwise constructing a planned well, and may include well specifications, operational parameters, and other information indicative of the planned well and the well construction equipment of the well construction system301. The well construction plan stored on the data storage device353may be or comprise the well construction plan252described above and shown inFIG.2. The data storage device354may store energy cost data indicative of the costs of various raw sources of energy used by the power equipment320-325to generate or otherwise output electrical power. For example, the energy cost data may include current and/or forecasted costs of fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, hydrogen, etc.) for operating the generator units320and/or current and/or forecasted cost of electrical power supplied by an electrical utility company via the electrical power grid321. The data storage device355may store other data and/or provide access to cloud computing services (or cloud-based analytics) that can receive data generated by or otherwise from the well construction system100, process such data, and output operational data for use by the power manager310. The data storage device355may thus be or form a portion of a remote server operable to execute service provider tools and/or other remote applications operable to output operational data for use by the power manager310.

The operational data sources328may further comprise well construction equipment sensors317associated with the well construction equipment316. The operational data output by the well construction equipment sensors317may be or comprise real-time well construction equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the well construction equipment316. The well construction equipment sensor data may be stored on the data storage device351in real-time and be transmitted to the power manager310in real-time via the conductors356while the well construction equipment sensor data is stored on the data storage device351. Historical well construction equipment sensor data from historical (i.e., previous) well construction operations performed by the well construction system301at the wellsite308or from historical well construction operations performed by the well construction system301at a different wellsite may be stored on the data storage device352. The historical well construction equipment sensor data may be transmitted to or received by the power manager310via the conductors356. The power manager310may receive and process the operational data from the data storage devices350-355and then output control data to various power equipment320-325to control the power equipment320-325based on the operational data, including to control generation and distribution of electrical power to the bus318by the power equipment320-325. For example, the power manager310may control generation and distribution of electrical power to the bus318by the power equipment320-325based on the most efficient sources of power available, taking into consideration directives to reduce total fuel consumption, reduce wear and tear on the power equipment320-325, and reduce emissions into the local environment.

The well construction equipment sensors317may include sensors utilized for operation of the various subsystems211-217of the well construction system100and may be or comprise the sensors231-237, as described above and shown inFIG.2. For example, the well construction equipment sensors317may include cameras, position sensors, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, pressure sensors, force sensors, temperature sensors, flow rate sensors, vibration sensors, electrical current sensors, electrical voltage sensors, resistance sensors, gesture detection sensors or devices, voice actuated or recognition devices or sensors, chemical sensors, exhaust sensors, and/or other examples. The well construction equipment sensor data may include signals, information, and/or measurements indicative of equipment operational status (e.g., on or off, percent load, up or down, set or released, etc.), drilling parameters (e.g., depth, hook load, torque, etc.), auxiliary parameters (e.g., vibration data of a pump), flow rate, temperature, operational speed, position, and pressure, among other examples. The acquired well construction equipment sensor data may include or be associated with a timestamp (e.g., date and/or time) indicative of when the sensor data was acquired. The well construction equipment sensor data may also or instead be aligned with a depth or other drilling parameter.

The operational data sources328may further comprise one or more electrical power bus sensors319associated with the bus318. The operational data output by the electrical power bus sensor319may be or comprise electrical power bus sensor data indicative of properties of the electrical power transmitted through the bus318. The electrical power bus sensor319may be electrically connected to or along the bus318or otherwise between the bus318and the well construction equipment316. The electrical power bus sensor319may be or comprise one or more kilowatt/kilovolt-amperes reactive (kW/kVAR) transducers. The electrical power bus sensor319may output electrical power bus sensor data indicative of various electrical properties (e.g., voltage, current, real and reactive electrical power, total electrical power demand, etc.) of the electrical power supplied to the bus318by the power equipment320-325and/or electrical power demand via the bus318by the well construction equipment316. The electrical power bus sensor319may be communicatively connected with the power manager310to receive and process the electrical power bus sensor data and, thus, monitor or measure the electrical properties of the electrical power made available by the power equipment320-325to the well construction equipment316based on the electrical power bus sensor data and other data. The power manager310may then output control data to various power equipment320-325to control the power equipment320-325based on the electrical power bus sensor data, including to control generation and distribution of electrical power to the bus318by the power equipment320-325.

The operational data sources328may also comprise power equipment sensors340-345associated with the power equipment320-325. The power equipment sensors340-345may be or comprise the sensors238described above and shown inFIG.2. The power equipment sensors340-345may be or comprise, for example, power monitoring devices (e.g., power quality meters, power analyzers, PLC power analyzer modules, kW/kVAR transducers, current transformers (CTs), potential transformers (PTs), etc.). The operational data output by the power equipment sensors340-345may be or comprise power equipment sensor data (e.g., feedback data) indicative of operational status of the power equipment320-325. The power manager310may receive and process the power equipment sensor data from the power equipment sensors340-345to permit the power manager310to monitor operational status of the power equipment320-325. The power manager310may then output power equipment control data (e.g., control commands) to the power equipment320-325to permit the power manager310to control the power equipment320-325based on the power equipment sensor data. The power manager310may be communicatively connected with the power equipment320-325(and the power equipment sensors340-345) via communication conductors (or network)326. The conductors326may be or comprise a portion of the communication network209.

The power equipment of the PS system314may comprise, for example, two, three, four, five, six, or more generator units320. Each generator unit320may comprise a combustion engine (e.g., a diesel engine, a diesel/natural gas mixture engine, a gas turbine, etc.) mechanically connected with and configured to rotate or otherwise actuate an electrical generator to output electrical power to the bus318. Each generator unit320may further comprise a local controller330(e.g., one or more PCs, PLCs, DCSs, or combination thereof) comprising various electrical controllers and actuators (e.g., speed controller, voltage controller, electrical connectors, switches, circuit breakers, and/or relays) for controlling operational parameters of the generator unit320. Each generator unit320may also comprise one or more sensors340for monitoring operational status of the generator unit320. Each generator unit320may be communicatively connected with the power manager310to output control data to control operation of each generator unit320, including to control operating status (e.g., on/off status) of each generator unit320and/or to control the amount of electrical power that is output by each generator unit320to the bus318or otherwise made available to the well construction equipment316via the bus318.

The power manager310may receive various sensor data (i.e., feedback data) from the generator unit sensors340, analyze such sensor data, and output control data to the generator units320to control operation of the generator units320based on the received sensor data and other data. The sensor data output by the sensors340of each generator unit320to the power manager310may comprise data indicative of, for example, current operating status of the engine and/or the electrical generator, current fault status, current operating speed of the engine and/or the electrical generator, current throttle position of the engine, current engine load (e.g., load percentage with respect to maximum engine load), current electrical power generated, current engine power output, current electrical voltage generated, current electrical current generated, current fuel (e.g., diesel fuel or natural gas) consumption rate (e.g., flow rate) of the engine, and current temperature of the engine and/or the electrical generator. The local controller330and the sensors340may be communicatively connected with the power manager310via the conductors326. The power manager310may be operable to monitor operational status of the engines, analyze sensor data from the sensors340, and output control data to the generator units320to control operation of the generator units320based in part on the received sensor data. The control data output by the power manager310to each generator unit320may comprise data indicative of, for example, intended operating status of the engine and/or the electrical generator, intended operating speed of the engine and/or the electrical generator, intended throttle position of the engine, intended engine load, intended electrical power generated, intended engine power output, intended electrical voltage generated, intended electrical current generated, intended fuel consumption rate of the engine, and intended blackout limits.

The sensors340may include one or more exhaust sensors (e.g., sniffers) operatively connected with or along an exhaust port of each generator unit320. The exhaust sensors may be operable to output emissions sensor data (e.g., sensor signals or measurements) indicative of various quantitative and qualitative properties of the exhaust output by the engine of each generator unit320. The emissions sensor data output by the exhaust sensors may comprise data indicative of, for example, quantity of particulate material (PM), quantity of carbon monoxide (CO), quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2), quantity of nitric oxide (NO), and quantity of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) (collectively referred to hereinafter as “exhaust emissions”). The emissions sensor data may be recorded to the data storage device350, which may be communicatively connected with the power manager310via the communication conductors356. However, the data storage device350may be communicatively connected with the power manager310via a separate communication conductor357extending between and directly connecting just the data storage device350and the power manager310.

The electrical power grid321(also referred to as an electrical hi-line) may be or comprise an electrical power distribution unit or station located at the wellsite104or at a distance from the wellsite104and electrically connected with the bus318. The electrical power grid321may comprise an electrical power transformer (e.g., a step-down transformer) operable to step down voltage supplied to the electrical power grid321. The electrical power grid321may comprise an electrical connector (e.g., an electrical switch and/or relay) operable to connect the electrical power transformer (or other portion of the electrical power grid321) to the bus318. The electrical power grid321may further comprise a local controller331comprising various electrical controllers and actuators (e.g., electrical connectors, switches, circuit breakers, and/or relays) for controlling operational parameters of the electrical power grid321. The electrical power grid321may also comprise one or more sensors341for monitoring operational status of the electrical power grid321. The electrical power grid321may be communicatively connected with the power manager310to output control data to control operation of the electrical power grid321, including to control operating status (e.g., on/off status, electrical connection status, etc.) of the electrical power grid321and/or to control the amount of electrical power that is output by electrical power grid321to the bus318or otherwise made available to the well construction equipment316via the bus318. The power manager310may receive various sensor data (i.e., feedback data) from the electrical power grid sensors341, analyze such sensor data, and output control data to the electrical power grid321to control operation of the electrical power grid321based on the received sensor data and other data.

The storage unit322may be operable to selectively receive and store electrical power generated by the generator units320, the regen units323, and the solar power units324and/or supplied by the electrical power grid321, and then selectively output the stored electrical power to the various electrical actuators of the well construction equipment316. The storage unit322may comprise a plurality of electrical storage devices (e.g., batteries, capacitors) connected in series and in parallel, and collectively operable to store sufficient amount of electrical power to operate predetermined one or more of the well construction equipment316for a predetermined period of time. The storage unit322may be operable to store, for example, between about 500 kilowatt-hours and 1.0 megawatt-hour of electrical power. The storage unit322may be operable to output the stored electrical energy at maximum rates ranging, for example, between about 1.0 megawatt and about 1.5 megawatts. The storage unit322may further comprise a bi-directional inverter operable to change the alternating current (AC) supplied by the generator units320and the electrical power grid321to direct current (DC) power for storage by the electrical storage devices, and change the DC power stored by the electrical storage devices to AC power for use by the well construction equipment316. The storage unit322may further comprise a local controller332comprising various electrical controllers and actuators (e.g., electrical connectors, switches, circuit breakers, and/or relays) for controlling operational parameters of the storage unit322. The storage unit322may also comprise one or more sensors342for monitoring operational status of the storage unit322. The electrical energy storage unit322may be communicatively connected with the power manager310, such as may permit the power manager310to receive sensor data and output control data to control operation of the storage unit322, including to control operating status (e.g., on/off status, charge/discharge, rate of charge/discharge) of each storage unit322and/or to control the amount of electrical power that is output to the bus318or otherwise made available to the wellsite equipment via the bus318.

The power manager310may receive various sensor data (i.e., feedback data) from the sensors342of the storage unit322, analyze such sensor data, and output control data to the storage unit322to control operation of the storage unit322based on the received sensor data and other data. The sensor data output by the sensors342of the storage unit322to the power manager310may comprise data indicative of, for example, current operating status, current fault status, current battery health status, current status of electrical connection with the bus318, current state of battery charge (e.g., current battery charge percentage with respect to maximum battery capacity), current battery efficiency, current power output (e.g., real and reactive power) to the bus318, current AC and DC electrical voltage, current AC and DC electrical current, current AC electrical frequency, quantity of charge cycles, current peak load shaving, current load applied to the engine of the generator units320, current temperature of the battery and/or the inverter. The control data output by the power manager310to the storage unit322may comprise data indicative of, for example, intended operating status, intended status of electrical connection with the bus318, intended battery charge, intended battery efficiency, intended power output to the bus318, intended AC and DC electrical voltage, intended AC and DC electrical current, intended AC electrical frequency, intended quantity of charge cycles, intended peak load shaving, and intended load to be applied to the engine of the generator units320.

The storage unit322may be selectively electrically connected to the bus318by the power manager310, to thereby selectively permit the power manager310to receive and store the electrical power output to the bus318by the other power equipment320,321,323-325. The storage unit322may be electrically connected to the generator units320in parallel, such that the storage unit322operates or appears as a load to the generator units320when the storage unit322is storing electrical power output by the generator units320. Utilization of the storage unit322as a load facilitates a more efficient operation of the engines (e.g., low engine load results in higher fuel consumption and emissions) of the generator units320. Thus, if one or more of the generator units320operate at low efficiency, the storage unit322can be operated to a “charge” state to store the electrical energy output by the generator units320, thereby causing a higher load demand on the generator units320that will result in lower fuel consumption and emissions by the engines of the generator units320. The storage unit322may also be selectively operated by the power manager310to output the stored electrical energy at a selected rate to the well construction equipment316via the bus318to provide electrical power to operate the well construction equipment316.

The power equipment of the PS system314may comprise, for example, two, three, four, five, six, or more electrical regen units323, whether co-located or distributed throughout the well construction system301. Each regen unit323may be or comprise an electrical motor/generator unit implemented as an actuator of a piece of well construction equipment316. An example regen unit323may be a motor/generator operable to actuate the drawworks118(shown inFIG.1) for lifting the drill string120and individual tubulars111. During well construction operations, the regen unit323may generate electrical power when the drawworks118is used to lower the drill string120and individual tubulars111and the gravitational weight of the drill string120and individual tubulars111rotates the regen unit323to generate electrical power. The electrical power generated by the regen units323implemented as part of the well construction equipment316may be fed to the bus318and used by other well construction equipment316or stored in the storage unit322. Each regen unit323may further comprise a local controller333comprising various electrical controllers and actuators (e.g., speed controller, voltage controller, electrical connectors, switches, circuit breakers, and/or relays) for controlling operational parameters of the regen unit323. Each regen unit323may also comprise one or more sensors343for monitoring operational status of the regen unit323. Each regen unit323may be communicatively connected with the power manager310, such as may permit the power manager310to receive sensor data and output control data to control operation of each regen unit323, including to control operating status (e.g., on/off status) of each regen unit323and/or to control the amount of electrical power that is output by each regen unit323to the bus318or otherwise made available to the well construction equipment316via the bus318.

The power equipment of the PS system314may comprise, for example, two, three, four, five, six, or more solar power units324. Each solar power unit324may comprise one or more solar panels and an electrical inverter operable to change the DC power generated by the solar panels to AC power for use by the well construction equipment316. Each solar power unit324may further comprise a local controller334comprising various electrical controllers and actuators (e.g., speed controller, voltage controller, electrical connectors, switches, circuit breakers, and/or relays) for controlling operational parameters of the solar power unit324. Each solar power unit324may also comprise one or more sensors344for monitoring operational status of the solar power unit324. Each solar power unit324may be communicatively connected with the power manager310, such as may permit the power manager310to receive sensor data and output control data to control operation of each solar power unit324, including to control operating status (e.g., on/off status) of each solar power unit324and/or to control the amount of electrical power that is output by each solar power unit324to the power bus318or otherwise made available to the well construction equipment316via the bus318.

The power equipment of the PS system314may also comprise other power sources325, such as a hydrogen gas source connected with the generator units320. Each power source325may further comprise a local controller335comprising various electrical controllers and actuators (e.g., speed controller, voltage controller, electrical connectors, switches, circuit breakers, and/or relays) for controlling operational parameters of the power source325. Each power source325may also comprise one or more sensors345for monitoring operational status of the power source325. Each power source325may be communicatively connected with the power manager310, such as may permit the power manager310to receive sensor data and output control data to control operation of each power source325, including to control operating status (e.g., on/off status) of each power source325and/or to control the amount of electrical power or other source of energy (e.g., hydrogen) that is output by each power source325to the bus318or otherwise made available to the well construction equipment316via the bus318.

The power manager310may be communicatively connected with an HMI311usable by the rig personnel (e.g., the driller) to monitor and control the power manager310to thereby monitor and control the power equipment320-325of the PS system314. The HMI311may be communicatively connected with the power manager310and operable for entering or otherwise communicating control data to the power manager310by the rig personnel for controlling the power manager310and the power equipment320-325. The HMI311may be further operable for displaying or otherwise communicating sensor data and other information from the power manager310to the rig personnel, thereby permitting the rig personnel to monitor the power manager310and the power equipment320-325. For example, the HMI311may be operable to display to the rig personnel the current operational status of the power equipment320-325. The HMI311may be or comprise a control workstation, a terminal, a computer, or other device comprising one or more input devices (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchscreen, etc.) and one or more output devices (e.g., a video monitor, a touchscreen, a printer, audio speakers, etc.). The HMI311may be located in association with the control workstation197shown inFIGS.1and2, such as may permit the rig personnel using the control workstation197to also use the HMI311. However, the HMI311may instead be disposed at a different location of the well construction system301or at a location remote from the well construction system301. Communication between the HMI311and the power manager310may be via wired and/or wireless communication means.

The power manager310may be communicatively connected with the PS system314. For example, the power manager310may be directly communicatively connected with each local controller330-335of the power equipment320-325. The power manager310may instead be indirectly communicatively connected with each local controller330-335via a central controller312(shown inFIGS.4-7). The power manager262and the HMI311may be designed as part of the well construction system301(or drill rig) before the well construction system301is constructed and installed or otherwise implemented as part of the well construction system301while the well construction system301is being constructed. However, the power manager310and the HMI311may be retrofitted (or added) into a fully constructed and operating well construction system301after the well construction system301is constructed. The power manager310may be communicatively connected with or configured for communicative connection with the conductors326,356,357(e.g., the communication network209) to communicatively connect the power manager310to the power equipment320-325and the operational data sources328. The power manager310may be configured to communicate with and/or control the power equipment320-325and the operational data sources328, including the power equipment320-325and the operational data sources328that utilize a communication protocol that is different from the communication protocol utilized by the power manager310. Thus, the power manager310may be installed on or integrated with well construction rigs constructed by different manufacturers. The power manager310may be physically installed or installable within the control center190. However, the power manager310may instead be installed or installable at a different location of the well construction system301or at a location remote from the well construction system301.

The power manager310may be operable to automate selected operations of the power equipment320-325and, thus, cause the selected operations to be performed without manual control of the power equipment320-325by the rig personnel (e.g., driller). The power manager310may be operable to receive and store machine-readable and executable program code instructions on a data storage device and then execute such program code instructions to run, operate, or perform one or more control processes for controlling the power equipment320-325to cause the power equipment320-325to operate in an optimal manner. The power manager310may comprise a data storage device operable to receive and/or store operational data output by the operational data sources328to facilitate the methods, processes, and operations described herein. The power manager310may then output power control data to the power equipment320-325based on the operational data to control the electrical power being supplied by the power equipment320-325to the well construction equipment316via the bus318during the well construction operations. For example, the power manager310may be operable to make decisions related to selection of actions to be performed by the power equipment320-325to cause the power equipment320-325to operate in an optimal manner, such as with respect to fuel efficiency, rate of pollutant emissions, equipment operational life, and cost.

As shown inFIG.3, the power manager310of the well construction system301may be interfaced directly with the local controllers330-335of each of the power equipment320-325and the operational data sources328via direct communication interface (e.g., hardwired, wireless, server or cloud, net or web based data sources, etc.) or hardwire signals (e.g., analog and digital type). The power manager310may receive (or pull) the operational data and output power control data (or commands) directly to the power equipment320-325to cause the power equipment320-325to perform intended operations in an optimal manner.

FIG.4is a schematic view of an example implementation of a well construction system302according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The well construction system302may comprise one or more features and/or modes of operation of the well construction system301shown inFIG.3, including where indicated by the same reference numerals. Accordingly, the following description refers toFIGS.1-4, collectively.

The well construction system302may comprise a central controller312communicatively connected with the well construction equipment316and the power manager310. The central controller312may comprise a processor and a memory storing a computer program code that, when executed by the processor of the central controller312may cause the central controller312to output well construction control data (or commands) to the well construction equipment316to cause the well construction equipment316to perform the well construction operations described herein. The central controller312may be communicatively connected directly with the operational data sources328and the power equipment320-325. As the power manager310is communicatively connected with the central controller312, the power manager310may therefore be indirectly communicatively connected with the operational data sources328and the power equipment320-325via the central controller312. However, the data storage device350containing the emissions data may be directly communicatively connected with the power manager310via the separate communication conductor357. Thus, the power manager310of the well construction system301may be interfaced directly with the central controller312via direct communication interface or hardwire signals, and indirectly with the local controllers330-335of each of the power equipment320-325and the operational data sources328(except for the data storage device350) via the central controller312. The power manager310may receive (or pull) the operational data and output power control data indirectly via the central controller312to the power equipment320-325to cause the power equipment320-325to perform intended operations in an optimal manner. If the central controller312comprises a plurality of controllers or utilizes server based data acquisition capacities, the power manager310may interface with any single or plurality of existing rig control, monitoring, and/or monitoring services. For example, if the well construction system302has existing contract with independent company to gather data, information from a third party can be obtained from the third party directly or through a communication network or services of the well construction system302.

FIG.5is a schematic view of an example implementation of a well construction system303according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The well construction system303may comprise one or more features and/or modes of operation of the well construction systems301,302shown inFIGS.3and4, respectively, including where indicated by the same reference numerals. Accordingly, the following description refers toFIGS.1-5, collectively.

The central controller312may be communicatively connected directly with the operational data sources328and the power equipment320-325. The power manager310may be communicatively connected with the conductor326and, thus, communicatively connected directly with the power equipment320-325. As the power manager310is communicatively connected with the central controller312, the power manager310may therefore be communicatively connected with the operational data sources328indirectly via the central controller312. However, the data storage device350containing the emissions data may be communicatively connected directly with the power manager310via the separate communication conductor357. Thus, the power manager310of the well construction system301may be interfaced directly with the central controller312via direct communication interface or hardwire signals, directly with the local controllers330-335and the sensors340-345of each of the power equipment320-325to facilitate an efficient rapid response, and indirectly with the operational data sources328(except for the data storage device350and the sensors340-345) via the central controller312. The power manager310may receive (or pull) the operational data indirectly via the central controller312and output power control data directly to the power equipment320-325to cause the power equipment320-325to perform intended operations in an optimal manner.

FIG.6is a schematic view of an example implementation of a well construction system304according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The well construction system304may comprise one or more features and/or modes of operation of the well construction systems301-303shown inFIGS.3-5, respectively, including where indicated by the same reference numerals. Accordingly, the following description refers toFIGS.1-6, collectively.

The central controller312may be communicatively connected directly with the operational data sources328and the power equipment320-325. The power manager310may be communicatively connected with the central controller312and, thus, communicatively connected indirectly with the operational data sources328. However, the data storage device350containing the emissions data may be communicatively connected directly with the power manager310via the separate communication conductor357. The power manager310may be communicatively connected with the conductor326via one or more power manager remote input/output devices (RIO)313and, thus, communicatively connected directly with the power equipment320-325. The separate communication conductor357may be communicatively connected to the RIO device313instead of the power manager310to communicatively connect the data storage device350to the power manager310. Thus, the power manager310of the well construction system301may be interfaced directly with the central controller312via direct communication interface or hardwire signals, directly with the local controllers330-335and the sensors340-345of each of the power equipment320-325via the RIO device313to facilitate an efficient rapid response, and indirectly with the operational data sources328(except for the data storage device350and the sensors340-345) via the central controller312. The power manager310may receive (or pull) the operational data indirectly via the central controller312and output power control data directly to the power equipment320-325to cause the power equipment320-325to perform intended operations in an optimal manner.

FIG.7is a schematic view of an example implementation of a well construction system305according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The well construction system305may comprise one or more features and/or modes of operation of the well construction systems301-304shown inFIGS.3-6, respectively, including where indicated by the same reference numerals. Accordingly, the following description refers toFIGS.1-7, collectively.

The central controller312may be communicatively connected directly with the operational data sources328. The power manager310may be communicatively connected with the central controller312and, thus, communicatively connected indirectly with the operational data sources328. However, the data storage device350containing the emissions data may be communicatively connected directly with the power manager310via the separate communication conductor357. The power manager310may be communicatively connected with the conductor326via the RIO device313. The separate communication conductor357may be communicatively connected to the RIO device313instead of to the power manager310to also directly communicatively connect the data storage device350to the power manager310. Each of the power equipment320-325may not comprise or be communicatively connected to a local controller. Each of the power equipment320-325may be communicatively connected to the conductor326via RIO devices360-371. The RIO devices360-365may communicate control data output by the power manager310to the power equipment320-325and the RIO devices366-371may communicate operational status data (i.e., feedback data) output by the sensors340-345of the power equipment320-325to the power manager310. The power manager310may therefore be communicatively connected directly with the power equipment320-325and the sensors340-345via the RIO device313and the RIO devices360-371. Thus, the power manager310of the well construction system301may be interfaced directly with the central controller312via direct communication interface or hardwire signals, directly with each of the power equipment320-325via the RIO device313and the RIO devices360-371to facilitate an efficient rapid response, and indirectly with the operational data sources328(except for the data storage device350and the sensors340-345) via the central controller312. The power manager310may receive (or pull) the operational data indirectly via the central controller312and output power control data directly to the power equipment320-325to cause the power equipment320-325to perform intended operations in an optimal manner.

FIG.8is a schematic view of an example implementation of a well construction system306according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The well construction system306may comprise one or more features and/or modes of operation of the well construction systems301-305shown inFIGS.3-7, respectively, including where indicated by the same reference numerals. Accordingly, the following description refers toFIGS.1-8, collectively.

The power manager310may be communicatively connected directly with the operational data sources328and the power equipment320-325. The power manager310may be communicatively connected with the conductor326via the RIO device313. Each of the power equipment320-325may be communicatively connected to the conductor326via one or more RIO devices360-371. The power manager310may therefore be communicatively connected directly with the power equipment320-325via the RIO device313and the RIO devices360-371. Thus, the power manager310of the well construction system301may be interfaced directly with the operational data sources328and directly with each of the power equipment320-325via the RIO device313and the RIO devices360-371to facilitate an efficient rapid response. The power manager310may directly receive (or pull) the operational data and output power control data directly to the power equipment320-325to cause the power equipment320-325to perform intended operations in an optimal manner.

FIG.9is a schematic view of an example implementation of a well construction system307according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The well construction system307may comprise one or more features and/or modes of operation of the well construction systems301-306shown inFIGS.3-8, respectively, including where indicated by the same reference numerals. Accordingly, the following description refers toFIGS.1-9, collectively.

The power manager310may be communicatively connected directly with the operational data sources328and the power equipment320-325. The power manager310may be directly communicatively connected with the conductor326. The power manager310may therefore be communicatively connected directly with the power equipment320-325via the RIO devices360-371. Thus, the power manager310of the well construction system301may be interfaced directly with the operational data sources328and directly with each of the power equipment320-325via the RIO devices360-371to facilitate an efficient rapid response. The power manager310may directly receive (or pull) the operational data and output power control data directly to the power equipment320-325to cause the power equipment320-325to perform intended operations in an optimal manner.

FIG.10is a schematic view of at least a portion of an example implementation of a processing device400(or system) according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The processing device400may be or form at least a portion of one or more equipment controllers and/or other electronic devices shown in one or more of theFIGS.1-9. For example, the processing device400may be or form at least a portion of one or more of the central controller192,312, the power manager262,310, the local controllers221-228,330-335, and the HMI264,311. Accordingly, the following description refers toFIGS.1-10, collectively.

The processing device400may be or comprise, for example, one or more processors, controllers, special-purpose computing devices, PCs (e.g., desktop, laptop, and/or tablet computers), personal digital assistants, smartphones, IPCs, PLCs, servers, internet appliances, and/or other types of computing devices. The processing device400may be or form at least a portion of the rig control system200, including the central controller192, the power manager310, the local controllers221-228, and the control workstation197. Although it is possible that the entirety of the processing device400is implemented within one device, it is also contemplated that one or more components or functions of the processing device400may be implemented across multiple devices, some or an entirety of which may be at the wellsite and/or remote from the wellsite.

The processing device400may comprise a processor412, such as a general-purpose programmable processor. The processor412may comprise a local memory414, and may execute machine-readable and executable program code instructions432(i.e., computer program code) present in the local memory414and/or other memory device. The processor412may be, comprise, or be implemented by one or more processors of various types suitable to the local application environment, and may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Examples of the processor412include one or more INTEL microprocessors, microcontrollers from the ARM and/or PICO families of microcontrollers, embedded soft/hard processors in one or more FPGAs.

The processor412may execute, among other things, the program code instructions432and/or other instructions and/or programs to implement the example methods and/or operations described herein. For example, the program code instructions432, when executed by the processor412of the processing device400, may cause the processor412to receive and process (e.g., compare) sensor data (e.g., sensor measurements). The program code instructions432, when executed by the processor412of the processing device400, may also or instead output control data (i.e., control commands) to cause one or more portions or pieces of well construction equipment (including power equipment) of a well construction system to perform the example methods and/or operations described herein.

The processor412may be in communication with a main memory416, such as may include a volatile memory418and a non-volatile memory420, perhaps via a bus422and/or other communication means. The volatile memory418may be, comprise, or be implemented by random-access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), RAMBUS DRAM (RDRAM), and/or other types of RAM devices. The non-volatile memory420may be, comprise, or be implemented by read-only memory, flash memory, and/or other types of memory devices. One or more memory controllers (not shown) may control access to the volatile memory418and/or non-volatile memory420.

The processing device400may also comprise an interface circuit424, which is in communication with the processor412, such as via the bus422. The interface circuit424may be, comprise, or be implemented by various types of standard interfaces, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), a third generation input/output (3GIO) interface, a wireless interface, a cellular interface, and/or a satellite interface, among others. The interface circuit424may comprise a graphics driver card. The interface circuit424may comprise a communication device, such as a modem or network interface card to facilitate exchange of data with external computing devices via a network (e.g., Ethernet connection, digital subscriber line (DSL), telephone line, coaxial cable, cellular telephone system, satellite, etc.).

The processing device400may be in communication with various sensors, video cameras, actuators, processing devices, equipment controllers, and other devices of the well construction system via the interface circuit424. The interface circuit424can facilitate communications between the processing device400and one or more devices by utilizing one or more communication protocols, such as an Ethernet-based network protocol (such as ProfiNET, OPC, OPC/UA, Modbus TCP/IP, EtherCAT, UDP multicast, Siemens S7 communication, or the like), a proprietary communication protocol, and/or other communication protocol.

One or more input devices426may also be connected to the interface circuit424. The input devices426may permit rig personnel to enter the program code instructions432, which may be or comprise control data, operational parameters, operational set-points, a well construction plan, and/or a database of operational sequences. The program code instructions432may further comprise modeling or predictive routines, equations, algorithms, processes, applications, and/or other programs operable to perform example methods and/or operations described herein. The input devices426may be, comprise, or be implemented by a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchscreen, a track-pad, a trackball, an isopoint, and/or a voice recognition system, among other examples. One or more output devices428may also be connected to the interface circuit424. The output devices428may permit visualization or other sensory perception of various data, such as sensor data, status data, and/or other example data. The output devices428may be, comprise, or be implemented by video output devices (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a touchscreen, etc.), printers, and/or speakers, among other examples. The one or more input devices426and the one or more output devices428connected to the interface circuit424may, at least in part, facilitate the HMIs described herein.

The processing device400may comprise a mass storage device430for storing data and program code instructions432. The mass storage device430may be connected to the processor412, such as via the bus422. The mass storage device430may be or comprise a tangible, non-transitory storage medium, such as a floppy disk drive, a hard disk drive, a compact disk (CD) drive, and/or digital versatile disk (DVD) drive, among other examples. The processing device400may be communicatively connected with an external storage medium434via the interface circuit424. The external storage medium434may be or comprise a removable storage medium (e.g., a CD or DVD), such as may be operable to store data and program code instructions432.

As described above, the program code instructions432may be stored in the mass storage device430, the main memory416, the local memory414, and/or the removable storage medium434. Thus, the processing device400may be implemented in accordance with hardware (perhaps implemented in one or more chips including an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC), or may be implemented as software or firmware for execution by the processor412. In the case of firmware or software, the implementation may be provided as a computer program product including a non-transitory, computer-readable medium or storage structure embodying computer program code instructions432(i.e., software or firmware) thereon for execution by the processor412. The program code instructions432may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor412, may perform and/or cause performance of example methods, processes, and/or operations described herein.

The present disclosure is further directed to methods (e.g., operations and/or processes) for monitoring and controlling individual and collective operation of the power equipment320-325at a wellsite308to optimize the individual and collective operation of such power equipment320-325to thereby optimize well construction and/or other operations at the wellsite308. The methods may be performed by utilizing (or otherwise in conjunction with) at least a portion of one or more implementations of one or more instances of the apparatus shown in one or more ofFIGS.1-10, and/or otherwise within the scope of the present disclosure. The methods may be caused to be performed, at least partially, by a controller (e.g., the control device400, the power manager262,310, etc.) executing computer program code according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is also directed to a non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising computer program code that, when executed by the controller, may cause such controller to perform the example methods described herein. The methods may also or instead be caused to be performed, at least partially, by rig personnel utilizing one or more instances of the apparatus shown in one or more ofFIGS.1-10, and/or otherwise within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description of example methods refer to apparatus shown in one or more ofFIGS.1-10. However, the methods may also be performed in conjunction with implementations of apparatus other than those depicted inFIGS.1-10that are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

As described above, the efficiency of generator units increases while load on its engine increases. For example, fuel efficiency of generator units (e.g., diesel fuel generating units) may be optimal at engine loads ranging between, for example, about 50% and about 100%. However, during well construction operations, the generator units collectively output electrical power to match electrical power demand of the well construction equipment, regardless of efficiency. Thus, during stages of well construction operations demanding relatively low levels of electrical power, the generator units collectively operate at low efficiencies. Efficiency of the generator units is also relatively low during generator warm-up periods, which may take several minutes. Furthermore, while operating at a low efficiency rate or before a proper warm-up, the generator units discharge exhaust emissions and unburnt fuel at higher rates. However, during stages of well construction operations utilizing relatively high levels of electrical power, one or more additional generator units may be turned on to provide additional electrical power without permitting the additional generator units to properly warm up.

During well construction operations, electrical power demand changes frequently and significantly during different stages of the well construction operations. For example, electrical power demand may be relatively high during actual drilling, when the top drive116rotates the drill string120and the mud pumps144are circulating drilling fluid into the wellbore102via the drill string120. Such electrical power demand may increase as the total or true vertical depth of the wellbore102increases. Electrical power demand may be relatively low during make-up operations, when the iron roughneck165is operating and the top drive116is not rotating the drill string120and the mud pumps144are not circulating the drilling fluid. The electrical power demand may suddenly increase to relatively high levels during tripping operations, when the drawworks118lifts the drill string120upward. Electrical power demand may be relatively low during break out operations, when the iron roughneck165is operating to disconnect each subsequent tubular joint and the drawworks118is not lifting the drill string120upward. Electrical power demand may progressively decrease during tripping operations while the total length of the drill string120decreases after each tubular joint is disconnected from the drill string120. Electrical power demand changes significantly during transitions between actual drilling operations and make-up operations, and during transitions between tripping operations and break out operations. For example, during a spudding stage of the well construction operations, electrical power demand may range between about 0.4-0.6 megawatts. During connection (e.g., make-up or break out) operations, electrical power demand may range between about 0.3-0.7 megawatts. During tripping operations, electrical power demand may range between about 0.3-1.5 megawatts. During actual drilling operations, electrical power demand may range between about 2.0-3.0 megawatts.

Accordingly, one or more aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for monitoring and controlling collective operations of the power equipment320-325of the PS system314at the wellsite104to optimize collective operation of such power equipment320-325to optimize well construction and/or other operations at the wellsite104. Operation of the power equipment320-325may be managed (i.e., controlled) by the power manager262shown inFIG.2or by the power manager310shown inFIGS.3-9, so as to provide electric power to the well construction equipment316to perform the well construction and other wellsite operations, while increasing efficiency of the power equipment320-325and reducing the use of nonrenewable energy sources (e.g., diesel fuel, natural gas, and other fossil fuels), exhaust emissions, and operating and maintenance costs. The following paragraphs describe several examples of monitoring and controlling of the power equipment320-325and/or the well construction equipment316by the power manager310according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The power manager310may be operable to monitor and control collective operations of the power equipment320-325to optimize collective operation of the power equipment320-325.

The power manager310may be operable to monitor and control operations (e.g., start/stop and engine load percentage) of the generator units320based on measured load demand by the well construction equipment316and electrical power that is available from the power equipment320-325. For example, during times (e.g., stages or periods) of lower peak electrical power demand (e.g., below about 1.0 megawatt) during which the well construction operations utilize relatively low levels of electrical power, the power manager310may turn off one or more of the generator units320, thereby causing the remaining generator units320to meet the electrical power demand and, thus, operate at higher efficiencies.

During times of lower average electrical power demand by the well construction equipment316, the power manager310may also or instead maintain each generator unit320as operational or turn off fewer generator units320while simultaneously establishing an electrical connection between one or more of the operating generator units320and the storage unit322to charge the storage unit322while the generator units320continue to provide electrical power to the well construction equipment316. The charging of the storage unit322increases the load on each operating generator unit320, thereby causing each operating generator unit320to operate at a high efficiency. Operating each generator unit320at higher efficiency reduces the amount of fuel consumed by each generator unit320per unit of electrical power produced. When the storage unit322becomes charged to a predetermined level (e.g., between about 65% and about 100%) before the time of lower average electrical power demand by the well construction equipment316is over, then the power manager310may turn off one or more of the generator units320, such as may permit the operating generator units320to continue to operate at high efficiency. However, when the storage unit322becomes charged to a predetermined level while the average electrical power demand by the well construction equipment316is relatively low (e.g., below about 400 kilowatts), then the power manager310may turn off each of the generator units320and cause the storage unit322, the regen unit323, and the solar power unit324to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment316. For example, during drill string tripping operations, the average electrical power demand may be about 460 kilowatts and the peak intermittent electrical power demand may be about 1.5 megawatts. During such drill string tripping operations, the power manager310may operate the storage unit322and just one generator unit320and/or one or more of the regen unit323and the solar power unit324collectively capable of generating about 1.0 megawatt to collectively supply electrical power to the well construction equipment316(e.g., the drawworks118) to facilitate the drill string tripping operations. That is, the power manager310may cause the generator unit320and the storage unit322to collectively supply electrical power to the well construction equipment316when the drill string120is being lifted. However, during break out operations, the power manager310may cause some of the electrical power from the generator unit320to supply electrical power to other well construction equipment316(e.g., the iron roughneck165and other auxiliary devices) and some of the electrical power to be stored by the storage unit322, thereby retaining a high load on the generator unit320while continually charging and discharging the storage unit322. The power manager310may turn on one or more of the generator units320, the regen units323, and solar power units324when the storage unit322becomes discharged or when the average electrical power demand by the well construction equipment316increases.

The power manager310may also or instead be operable to monitor and control operations of the power equipment320-325based on the well construction plan252uploaded or saved to the data storage device353or otherwise made accessible to the power manager310. As described above, the well construction plan252may comprise a planned drilling profile and other information indicative of upcoming (i.e., near future) operations (e.g., events) to be performed by the well construction equipment316. The well construction plan252may also comprise a planned electrical power demand profile indicative of electrical power demand levels for performing or otherwise associated with each planned stage, portion, sequence, task, and/or operation of the well construction operations. The drilling plan252may also comprise information indicative of electrical power output (or supply) capabilities of each of the power equipment320-325. The power manager310may instead be operable to monitor and control operations of the power equipment320-325based on an operational sequence selected from the sequence database260by the sequence selector258based on a detected abnormal event or operational state of the well construction system100.

The power manager310may receive and analyze the well construction plan252to ensure that the storage unit322is optimally charged to facilitate optimal distribution and utilization of electrical energy output by the energy storage unit322, the generator units320, the electrical power grid321, the regen unit323, and the solar power unit324. For example, the power manager310may be operable to turn on or turn off one or more of the generator units320and/or charge the storage unit322based on information indicative of upcoming operations contained in the drilling plan252. During times of lower average electrical power demand, the power manager310may cause one or more of the generator units320to output electrical power and cause the storage unit322to receive and store the electrical power. The charging of the storage unit322increases the load on the operating generator units320, thereby causing the operating generator units320to operate at higher efficiency. Such operations of the generator units320and the storage unit322may be caused by the power manager310based on the drilling plan252. For example, when the power manager310determines that a time period (or stage) of lower power demand (e.g., average or intermittent) is coming up in the near future, then the power manager310may turn off a generator unit320or increase load on the generator unit320via the storage unit322at a substantially exact time at which the time of lower power demand starts, because such time is indicated in the drilling plan252. When the power manager310determines that a time period of lower power demand is coming up in the near future, then the power manager310may turn off most or each generator unit320and turn on or maintain operation of the storage unit322, the regen unit323, and/or the solar power unit324at a substantially exact time at which the time of lower power demand starts based on the drilling plan252. Conversely, when the power manager310determines that a time period of higher power demand (e.g., average or intermittent) is coming up in the near future, then the power manager310may turn on a generator unit320a predetermined amount of time (e.g., a few minutes) before the period of higher power demand starts, thus permitting that generator unit320to properly warm-up. The starting time of the period of higher power demand is known because such time is indicated in the drilling plan252.

Furthermore, when the power manager310determines that a period of higher power demand (e.g., average or intermittent) is coming up in the near future, then the power manager310may cause the storage unit322to stop charging and output electrical power to the bus318at a substantially exact time the period of higher power demand starts. Also, when the power manager310determines that a time period of intermittent higher power demand, but relatively low average power demand (e.g., the drill string tripping operations), is coming up in the near future, the power manager310may cause the storage unit322to store electrical power to meet such electrical power demand. For example, the power manager310may cause the storage unit322to increase the electrical load of the currently operating generator units320or the power manager may turn on an additional generator unit320, the regen unit323, and/or the solar power unit324, whereby electrical power generated in excess of current electrical power demand can stored by the storage unit322for use during the time period of intermittent high power demand. When the high power demand period is over, the power manager310may operate or utilize the energy storage unit322as a load to help maintain a more steady-state power load demand on the generator units320. The power manager310may be further operable to optimize electrical power limit process (i.e., anti-blackout process) and/or provide advance warning for or otherwise determine when electrical load demand will exceed electrical power that is available from the power equipment320-325, based on the drilling plan252.

The power manager310may also or instead cause the storage unit322output more electrical power to the bus318when the generator units320that are about to experience and/or are experiencing a high transient load (i.e., heavy block load or unload) based on the drilling plan252. A high transient load can cause the engine of the generator unit320to significantly increase power output to accelerate the electrical generator of the generator unit320to ramp up electrical power output, such as based on sensor data from the electrical power bus sensor319. During such high transient load, fuel is injected into the engine and burned at relatively high rates, resulting in relatively high output rates of exhaust emissions and unburnt fuel. During such high transient load, the engine and various other mechanical components (e.g., gears, shafts, belts) of a generator unit320experience high rates of wear caused by high levels and/or sudden changes in torque, backlash, and impacts experienced during high rates of acceleration of the engine. High rates of engine acceleration can also result in overshoot of engine speed and electrical power output, requiring the engine to slow down to a steady-state speed associated with the intended electrical power output, which causes further engine wear and efficiency. Likewise, during high transient unloading of the generator unit320, the engine power output is suddenly decreased (e.g., by reducing fuel flow) to decelerate the engine, thereby permitting the speed of the generator unit to decrease. However, when the electrical power output of the generator unit320reaches its intended level, the engine again accelerates at a high rate to maintain a steady-state speed and the associated electrical power output. Such repetitive heavy loading and unloading of the generator units320causes high rates of mechanical wear to the generator units320.

Therefore, during a high transient load, the power manager310may cause the storage unit322to output more electrical power to the bus318, such that the generator units320experience a gradual increase in load (i.e., a soft load). The power manager310may cause the storage unit322to output more electrical power to the bus318before or substantially at the same time as the generator units320that are experiencing the high transient load, based on the drilling plan252. Outputting more electrical power into the bus318by the storage unit322reduces the rate of load increase (i.e., soft loading) to the generator units320, causing the generator units320to ramp up output of electrical power slowly, thereby burning less fuel and reducing output rates of exhaust emissions and unburnt fuel. Soft loading the generator units320prevents or inhibits high acceleration rates and overshooting the intended speed and electrical power production of the generator units320, thereby reducing rates of mechanical wear of the generator units320.

The power manager310may be operable to monitor and control operations of the generator units320based further on sensor data output by the exhaust sensors340indicative of properties of the exhaust emissions output by the engine of each generator unit320. For example, when the power manager310determines that higher quantities or proportions of particulate material and/or gases are present in the engine exhaust, the power manager310may turn off the generator unit320or increase load on the generator unit320via the storage unit322.

The power manager310may be operable to monitor operations of the generator units320and control (e.g., adjust) operation of a hydrogen source325to optimize operations of the generator units320by selectively injecting hydrogen into the engines of the generator units320. The benefits of introduction of hydrogen into the engines is weighted against the effects of hydrogen embrittlement, which is a loss of ductility and reduction of load bearing capability of metal due to the absorption of hydrogen atoms or molecules by the metal. Therefore, the power manager310may cause the hydrogen source325to inject hydrogen into the engines of the generator units320on a limited basis, such as when hydrogen substantially improves efficiency and/or reduces exhaust emissions.

The power manager310may monitor power output by the engines of the generator units320and change the flow rate of hydrogen into the engines based on the measured power output and/or fuel efficiency. The power manager310may maintain the flow rate of hydrogen at a level resulting in the highest or otherwise optimal power output (e.g., when more engine torque is needed) and/or at a level resulting in the highest or otherwise optimal fuel efficiency (e.g., when steady-state electrical power output is attained). The power manager310may also or instead cause the hydrogen source325to inject hydrogen into the engine of one or more of the generator units320that are about to experience a high transient load based on information in the well construction plan252indicative of upcoming operations. Injecting hydrogen into the engine that is experiencing a high transient load improves burning of the fuel and/or reduces the flow rate of fuel into the engine and, thus, reduces output rates of exhaust emissions and unburnt fuel.

The power manager310may be operable to monitor and control operation of the hydrogen source325based further on sensor data output by the exhaust sensors340. For example, the power manager310may monitor levels of exhaust emissions within the exhaust of the engines and change the flow rate of hydrogen into the engines based on the measured levels of exhaust emissions. When the power manager310determines that higher quantities or proportions of exhaust emissions are present in the engine exhaust, the power manager310may increase the flow rate of hydrogen into the engines to enhance combustion and, thus, reduce output of the exhaust emissions. The power manager310may maintain the flow rate of hydrogen at a level resulting in minimal output of the exhaust emissions.

The power manager310may be further operable to output control data to the electrical power grid321to electrically connect the electrical power grid321to the bus318to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment316and/or to supply electrical power to the storage unit322to be stored for later use. The power manager310may determine whether to direct the electrical power from the electrical power grid321to the bus318for use by the well construction equipment316and/or for storage by the storage unit322based on the power grid data stored on the data storage device354. As described above, the power grid data may comprise current cost (i.e., price) of the electrical power supplied by the electrical utility company to or via the electrical power grid321. Thus, when the cost of electrical power from the electrical power grid321is less than the cost of operating the generator units320(e.g., fuel and maintenance costs), the regen unit323, the solar power unit324, and/or the hydrogen source325, then the power manager310may direct the electrical power from the electrical power grid321to the bus318for use by the well construction equipment316. The power manager310may also cause the storage unit322to receive electrical power from the electrical power grid321via the bus318and store the electrical power for later use. However, when the cost of electrical power from the electrical power grid321is higher than the cost of operating the generator units320, the regen unit323, the solar power unit324, and/or the hydrogen source325, such as during peak electrical demand hours, then the power manager310may disconnect the electrical power grid321from the bus318and operate the generator units320, the regen unit323, the solar power unit324, and/or the storage unit322as the sources of electrical power. Furthermore, when the power equipment320,322-325collectively output more electrical power than the well construction equipment316demands and/or that can be stored on the storage unit322and the cost of producing electrical power by the power equipment320,322-325is less than the cost of the electrical power supplied by the electrical utility company, the power manager310may cause the power equipment320,322-325to push, feed, or otherwise transmit the electrical power to the power grid of the electrical utility company via the power grid321. Also, if the well construction system is scheduled to be stacked or moved, the power manager310may cause the power equipment320,322-325to push, feed, or otherwise transmit the electrical power stored on the storage unit322to other energy storage unit (or facility) or to the power grid of the electrical utility company.

The power manager310may be further operable to direct the electrical power from the electrical power grid321to the bus318for use by the well construction equipment316when the generator units320and the storage unit322are not collectively operable to supply sufficient electrical power to the well construction equipment316to perform the well construction operations, regardless of cost of electrical power from the electrical power grid321. Such scenario may be caused by an unforeseen or otherwise unplanned event, such as an unforeseen drilling event requiring additional flow rate of drilling fluid or fast withdraw of the drill string120from the wellbore102. Such scenario may also or instead be caused by an unforeseen breakdown in one or more of the generator units320, the storage unit322, the regen unit323, and/or the solar power unit324, requiring such piece of equipment to be taken offline for maintenance.

The power manager310may also or instead determine whether to direct electrical power from the electrical power grid321to power the well construction equipment316and/or to the storage unit322for storage based on the current amount of exhaust emissions discharged by the engines of the generator units320. Thus, when the generator units320are producing high quantities of exhaust emissions, then the power manager310may direct the electrical power from the electrical power grid321to the bus318for use by the well construction equipment316and/or for storage by the storage unit322.

The power manager310may be further operable to change, adjust, or otherwise control operation of the well construction equipment316when electrical power demand of the well construction equipment316exceeds available power from the power equipment320-325. Such operation, which may be referred to as an anti-blackout protection, is configured to prevent overload of the bus318or other electric circuitry of the well construction system. Such scenario may happen, for example, when sufficient electrical power is not available from the electrical power grid321and an unplanned event takes place at the wellsite. An unplanned event may include, for example, an unforeseen drilling event requiring additional flow rate of drilling fluid or fast withdraw of the drill string120from the wellbore102. An unplanned event may also include an unforeseen breakdown in one or more of the generator units320, the electrical power grid321, the storage unit322, the regen unit323, and/or the solar power unit324, requiring such piece of equipment to be taken offline for maintenance. In response to such electrical power demand, the power manager310may slow down or otherwise adjust operations of selected pieces of the well construction equipment316, such as the drawworks118, the top drive116, the pumps144, and various pipe handling equipment collectively operable to move tubulars during the well construction operations. The power manager310may also or instead turn off predetermined operations of the well construction system100, such as well construction equipment316not essential to performing the well construction operations. The power manager310may control operations of the well construction equipment316directly or via the control process250.

The storage unit322may also be used temporarily to provide electrical energy to the well construction equipment316when the other power equipment320,321,323-325is not operational (e.g., not yet online), fails, or is otherwise not available. For example, the storage unit322can facilitate a faster move of the well construction system100to another wellsite104or another well at the wellsite104by operating the storage unit322as the primary source of electrical power at the new wellsite104or well, while the generator units320and/or connection with the electrical power grid321are still in the process of being electrically connected or transported to the new location. Moving the well construction system100includes draining fuel tanks of the generator units320before the fuel tanks can be transported. The fuel tanks are then refilled at the new location. Such steps slow down the process of moving the generator units320between locations and getting the generator units320online at the new location. Thus, the power manager310may cause the storage unit322to be fully charged before the well construction system100is taken offline, disassembled, and moved to the new location. The power manager310may be aware of an impending move of the well construction system100based on the well construction plan252, which may contain the date and/or time of the impending move. To implement the move, the storage unit322may be moved first and electrically connected to the bus318before the generator units320and the electrical power grid321provide electrical power. The storage unit322may permit basic functions of the well construction system100to be started before the generator units320are installed at the new location and the electrical power grid321is electrically connected to the bus318. Such method may facilitate a faster rig up/rig down times.

In view of the entirety of present disclosure, including the figures and the claims, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure introduces a well construction system comprising: (A) well construction equipment operable to perform well construction operations to drill a well; (B) power equipment electrically connected to the well construction equipment via an electrical power bus, wherein the power equipment is operable to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus to permit the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations; (C) a plurality of operational data sources operable to output operational data, wherein the operational data sources comprise: (i) well construction equipment sensors associated with the well construction equipment, wherein the operational data comprises well construction equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the well construction equipment; (ii) power equipment sensors associated with the power equipment, wherein the operational data comprises power equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the power equipment; and (iii) an electrical power bus sensor associated with the electrical power bus, wherein the operational data comprises electrical power bus sensor data indicative of electrical power transmitted through the electrical power bus; and (D) a power manager communicatively connected with the operational data sources and the power equipment, wherein the power manager comprises a processor and a memory storing a computer program code that, when executed by the processor, causes the power manager to: (i) receive the operational data; and (ii) output power control data to the power equipment to control the electrical power being supplied by the power equipment to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus during the well construction operations based on the operational data.

The well construction system may further comprise a central controller communicatively connected with the well construction equipment and the power manager. The central controller may comprise a processor and a memory storing a computer program code that, when executed by the processor of the central controller, causes the central controller to output well construction control data to the well construction equipment to cause the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations. The central controller may be communicatively connected with the operational data sources and the power equipment, and the power manager may be communicatively connected with the operational data sources and the power equipment via the central controller. The central controller may be communicatively connected with the operational data sources and the power equipment, and the power manager may be communicatively connected with the operational data sources via the central controller. The central controller may be communicatively connected with the operational data sources, and the central controller may be communicatively connected with the power equipment via the power manager.

The operational data sources may further comprise a data storage device storing the operational data, and the operational data may comprise a well construction plan indicative of a plurality of planned tasks to be performed by the well construction equipment as part of the well construction operations. The well construction plan may be indicative of a planned electrical power demand of the well construction equipment for performing the well construction operations. The well construction plan may comprise at least one of: properties of a subterranean formation through which the well is to be constructed; a planned path along which the well is to be constructed through the subterranean formation; a planned depth of the well; specifications of the well construction equipment to be used to perform the well construction operations; and specifications of tubulars to be used to perform the well construction operations.

The power equipment may comprise an electrical power grid, the operational data sources may further comprise a data storage device storing the operational data, and the operational data may comprise energy cost data indicative of cost of the electrical power supplied by the electrical power grid to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus.

The present disclosure also introduces a well construction system comprising: (A) well construction equipment operable to perform well construction operations to drill a well; (B) power equipment electrically connected to the well construction equipment via an electrical power bus, wherein the power equipment is operable to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus to permit the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations; (C) a plurality of operational data sources operable to output operational data, wherein the operational data sources comprise: (i) well construction equipment sensors associated with the well construction equipment, wherein the operational data comprises well construction equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the well construction equipment; (ii) power equipment sensors associated with the power equipment, wherein the operational data comprises power equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the power equipment; and (iii) an electrical power bus sensor associated with the electrical power bus, wherein the operational data comprises electrical power bus sensor data indicative of electrical power transmitted through the electrical power bus; (D) a central controller communicatively connected with the well construction equipment, the operational data sources, and the power equipment, wherein the central controller comprises a first processor and a first memory storing a first computer program code that, when executed by the first processor, causes the central controller to output well construction control data to the well construction equipment to cause the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations; and (E) a power manager communicatively connected with the central controller and the power equipment, wherein the power manager is communicatively connected with the operational data sources via the central controller, and wherein the power manager comprises a second processor and a second memory storing a second computer program code that, when executed by the second processor, causes the power manager to: (i) receive the operational data; and (ii) output power control data to the power equipment to control the electrical power being supplied by the power equipment to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus during the well construction operations based on the operational data.

The power manager may be communicatively connected with the power equipment via the central controller.

The central controller may be communicatively connected with the power equipment via the power manager.

The operational data sources may further comprise a data storage device storing the operational data, and the operational data may comprise a well construction plan indicative of a plurality of planned tasks to be performed by the well construction equipment as part of the well construction operations.

The present disclosure also introduces an apparatus comprising a power manager installable in association with a well construction rig, wherein the well construction rig comprises: (A) well construction equipment operable to perform well construction operations to drill a well; (B) power equipment electrically connected to the well construction equipment via an electrical power bus, wherein the power equipment is operable to supply electrical power to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus to permit the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations; and (C) a plurality of operational data sources operable to output operational data, wherein the operational data sources comprise: (i) well construction equipment sensors associated with the well construction equipment, wherein the operational data comprises well construction equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the well construction equipment; (ii) power equipment sensors associated with the power equipment, wherein the operational data comprises power equipment sensor data indicative of operational status of the power equipment; and (iii) an electrical power bus sensor associated with the electrical power bus, wherein the operational data comprises electrical power bus sensor data indicative of electrical power transmitted through the electrical power bus. The power manager is communicatively connectable with the operational data sources and the power equipment. The power manager comprises a processor and a memory storing a computer program code that, when executed by the processor, causes the power manager to: receive the operational data; and output power control data to the power equipment to control the electrical power being supplied by the power equipment to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus during the well construction operations based on the operational data.

The well construction rig may further comprise a central controller communicatively connected with the well construction equipment. The central controller may comprise a processor and a memory storing a computer program code that, when executed by the processor of the central controller, causes the central controller to output well construction control data to the well construction equipment to cause the well construction equipment to perform the well construction operations. The power manager may also be communicatively connectable with the central controller. The central controller may be communicatively connected with the operational data sources and the power equipment, and the power manager may be communicatively connectable with the operational data sources and the power equipment via the central controller. The central controller may be communicatively connected with the operational data sources and the power equipment, and the power manager may be communicatively connectable with the operational data sources via the central controller. The central controller may be communicatively connected with the operational data sources, and the power manager may be operable to communicatively connect the central controller indirectly with the power equipment.

The operational data sources may further comprise a data storage device storing the operational data, and the operational data may comprise a well construction plan indicative of a plurality of planned tasks to be performed by the well construction equipment as part of the well construction operations.

The power equipment may comprise an electrical power grid, the operational data sources may further comprise a data storage device storing the operational data, and the operational data may comprise energy cost data indicative of cost of the electrical power supplied by the electrical power grid to the well construction equipment via the electrical power bus.

The Abstract at the end of this disclosure is provided to permit the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.