Patent ID: 12188340

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures (“FIGS”). It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim. Likewise, reference to “the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of inventive subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered to be an element or limitation of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first”, “second” and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, coupled to the other element or layer, or interleaving elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no interleaving elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. Like elements in the various figures will be referenced with like numbers for consistency. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments and/or features. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the art, that some embodiments may be practiced without many of these details, and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. As used herein, the terms “above” and “below”, “up” and “down”. “upper” and “lower”, “upwardly” and “downwardly”, and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point are used in this description to more clearly describe certain embodiments.

To acquaint the reader with hydrocarbon recovery operations, a sample process of drilling a wellbore will be discussed with reference toFIG.1. After such drilling description, computer control equipment used in control operations for hydraulic fracturing as well as potential drilling operations will be discussed with reference toFIG.2. The well drilled in reference toFIG.1may then be hydraulically fractured with equipment illustrated with equipment fromFIGS.3through10. A method for hydraulically fracturing a geological formation with an energy storage system is described in reference toFIG.8. Referring toFIG.1, a drilling rig10is illustrated. The purpose of the drilling rig10is to recover hydrocarbons located beneath the surface11. Different stratum14may be encountered during the creation of a wellbore12. InFIG.1, a single stratum14layer is provided. As will be understood, multiple layers of stratum14may be encountered. In embodiments, the stratum14may be horizontal layers. In other embodiments, the stratum14may be vertically configured. In still further embodiments, the stratum14may have both horizontal and vertical layers. Stratum14beneath the surface11may be varied in composition, and may include sand, clay, silt, rock and/or combinations of these. In typical types of wellbore construction, the wellbore12is drilled into a shale deposit that contains trapped hydrocarbons. Through the process of hydraulic fracturing, hydrocarbons trapped within the shale deposit may be freed and recovered within the wellbore12.

As conditions may vary within the wellbore12, extending from portions of the wellbore12in shale, while other portions of the wellbore12being in sand, for example, operators, therefore, need to assess the composition of the stratum14in order to maximize penetration of a drill bit16that will be used in the drilling process. The wellbore12is formed within the stratum14by a drill bit16that is urged into the stratum14through pressure from a drill string18. In embodiments, the drill string18is rotated such that the connected drill bit16is also rotated causing portions (“cuttings”) of the stratum14to be loosened at the bottom of the wellbore12. Differing types of drill bits16may be used to penetrate different types of stratum14. The types of stratum14encountered, therefore, is an important characteristic for operators. The types of drill bits16may vary widely. In some embodiments polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) drill bits may be used. In other embodiments, roller cone bits, diamond impregnated or hammer bits may be used. In embodiments, during the drilling process, vibration may be placed upon the drill bit16to aid in the breaking of stratum14that are encountered by the drill bit16. Such vibration may increase the overall rate of penetration (“ROP”), increasing the efficiency of the drilling operations.

Operators may add portions of drill string pipe17to form a drill string18, thereby elongating the effective reach of the operators into the progressively increasing wellbore12. As illustrated inFIG.1, the drill string18may extend into the stratum14in a vertical orientation. In other embodiments, the drill string18and the wellbore12may deviate from a vertical orientation. In some embodiments, the wellbore12may be drilled in certain sections in a horizontal direction, parallel with the surface11. In drilling shale deposits, for example, such deposits are generally formed in a horizontal configuration, such that a single wellbore may travel horizontally along the vein of deposits creating a long “pay zone” or area where hydrocarbons may be recovered.

Drilling fluids may be used to transport cuttings from the downhole environment to the uphole environment. To this end, pumps may be used to transport fluids to and from the wellbore. These fluids may include water and specialty chemicals to aid in the formation of the wellbore. Other additives, such as defoamers, corrosion inhibitors, alkalinity control, bactericides, emulsifiers, wetting agents, filtration reducers, flocculants, foaming agents, lubricants, pipe-freeing agents, scale inhibitors, scavengers, surfactants, temperature stabilizers, scale inhibitors, thinners, dispersants, tracers, viscosifiers, and wetting agents may be added.

The drilling fluids may be stored in a tank or a pit30located at the drill site. The pit30may have a recirculation line31that connects the pit30to a shaker32that is configured to process the drilling fluid after progressing from the downhole environment.

Drilling fluid from the pit30is pumped by a mud pump59that is connected to a swivel69. The drill string18is suspended by a drive78from a derrick99. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive78may be a unit that sits atop the drill string18and is known in the industry as a “top drive”. The top drive is configured to provide the rotational motion of the drill string18and attached drill bit16. Although the drill string18is illustrated as being rotated by a top drive78, other configurations are possible. A rotary drive located at or near the surface11may be used by operators to provide the rotational force. Power for the rotary drive or the top drive may be provided by diesel generators.

Drilling fluid is provided to the drill string18through a swivel69suspended by the derrick99. The drilling fluid exits the drill string18at the drill bit16and has several functions in the drilling process. The drilling fluid is used to cool the drill bit16and remove the cuttings generated by the drill bit16. The drilling fluid with the loosened cuttings enter the annular area outside of the drill string18and travel up the wellbore12to a shaker32. The drilling fluid provides further information on the stratum14being encountered and may be tested with a viscometer, for example, to determine formation properties. Such formation properties allow engineers the ability to determine if drilling should proceed or terminate.

The shaker32is configured to separate the cuttings from the drilling fluid. The cuttings, after separation, may be analyzed by operators to determine if the stratum14currently being penetrated has hydrocarbons stored within the stratum14level that is currently being penetrated by the drill bit16. The drilling fluid is then recirculated to the pit30through the recirculation line31. The shaker32separates the cuttings from the drilling fluid by providing an acceleration of the fluid on to a screening surface. As will be understood, the shaker32may provide a linear or cylindrical acceleration for the materials being processed through the shaker32. In embodiments, the shaker32may be configured with one running speed. In other embodiments, the shaker32may be configured with multiple operating speeds. In embodiments, the shaker32may operate at multiple operating speeds.

After drilling of the wellbore, the cased wellbore must be “completed” to allow hydrocarbons to enter the wellbore from hydraulic fracturing described inFIGS.3through8. Completion operations entail sending a gun or shaped charge down the wellbore to a position where hydrocarbons are expected to be present. The gun or shaped charge is detonated, thereby creating a hole in the cased wellbore. With the cased wellbore now “open” to the geological stratum, hydraulic fracturing may commence.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide for hydraulic fracturing of geological formations through use of electrical equipment. Specifically, aspects of the disclosure allow for connection of the electrical equipment to a utility service. Other aspects of the disclosure allow for connection to a microgrid, wherein the microgrid provides electrical service to a specific area around or near a website. Such configurations are different than stand alone configurations of diesel generators used in conventional apparatus.

Aspects of the entire hydraulic fracturing system may provide other sources of energy input as well. In embodiments, electrical production through the use of solar cells can be used to power various pieces of equipment for the hydraulic fracturing system or may charge individual cells or racks of cells of an energy storage system, described later.

In embodiments, a high pressure fluid is pumped to each of the wells312,314,316, (SeeFIG.3) wherein the high-pressure fluid exits the holes created during the completion process. This high-pressure fluid causes cracks to form in the surrounding formation. Materials with the fluid, proppants, prevent the cracks from closing. The cracks in the hydrocarbon bearing stratum allow hydrocarbons trapped within the stratum to escape and enter the lower pressure wellbore once the hydraulic fracturing fluid is removed. The result is that a constant stream of hydrocarbons travels up the wellbore to be collected by operators of the hydraulic fracturing equipment. The hydrocarbons may be in a form of a liquid, a gas or a combination of both. The hydrocarbons are gathered, according to their respective type and processed as needed for industry.

Referring toFIG.3, a first embodiment of a system300for hydraulic fracturing of geological formations with an energy storage system is illustrated. The system300is configured to receive electrical power from a utility power source302. The utility power source302may be a high voltage line, for example, or a power feed from a sub-station. In the case of a high voltage line, typical example of such lines would include 13,800 V capacity. Other lines may be used, including 69,000 for “sub transmission” lines, or 345,000 V, when properly stepped down in voltage. As illustrated, electrical switchgear304is provided to allow for flexibility of connection to the utility power source302. Power received may be stored in an energy storage system306,308. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3, a redundant energy storage system is illustrated to allow for single failure proof design. In embodiments, more than two energy storage systems may be used, as illustrated inFIG.4. The energy storage systems306,308may be configured to both store and send electrical energy. During the process of sending electrical energy, as illustrated inFIG.3, electrical energy is sent to the electric switchgear304, which appropriately converts the electrical energy to the appropriate voltage and current needed to run the individual pieces of the system300. These pieces, parts of the electric hydraulic fracturing equipment310has a fluid connection318that connects the electric hydraulic fracturing equipment310to wells312,314,316. Although shown as three wells312,314,316, other configurations are possible, including a single well. Referring toFIG.4, as with the first example embodiment, any number of wells412,414,416may be serviced with the electric hydraulic fracturing equipment410. As a result, the interconnection to three (3) wells412,414,416is merely one example of the possible interconnections. As will be understood, the number of energy storage systems406,407,408may be varied. More or less energy storage systems406,407,408may be used.

In one embodiment, some components of the system may be housed in a trailer. In embodiments, the trailer may be a single drop trailer to allow for easy transport to a well site. In one embodiment, the trailer may have a heavy-duty 25,000 lb rated axel rating. In embodiments, an air ride suspension may be used.

Referring toFIG.5, a rack system500used for storing batteries502is illustrated. The rack system500is configured to structurally support the batteries502such that the batteries502may be moved as a unit. Structural loading, such as lifting or transportation acceleration and deceleration may be provided for. In the illustrated embodiment, the rack500system allows for operators to access each battery502within the rack system500. The rack system500has open sides504to allow for air flow to cool the batteries. The bottom rack portion506is provided such that the batteries502are elevated from the floor in case of a liquid being present in the environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the batteries502are provided in a configuration of two (2) columns and five (5) rows.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the height of the rack system500may be 2360 mm (7.74 feet). The depth of the rack system500may be 805 mm (2.64 feet) and the length of the rack system500may be 1140 mm (3.74 feet). In embodiments, ten (10) sections illustrated inFIG.5may be linked together. In embodiments, a total of 360 batteries502may be stored. The rack system500may be configured from type 6061 aluminum to allow for rigid structural support, lightness of weight and corrosion resistance. In a loaded configuration, the weight of the rack system500and associated batteries502may be 1944 kg (4,285 pounds).

In one embodiment, a battery management system is provided. The battery management system provides for remote monitoring and troubleshooting of the overall system. In embodiments, a computerized system is provided to perform monitoring and remediation steps. To this end, the computer system may provide for remote software updates. Aspects of the computer system may be shown inFIG.2. Other aspects of the battery management system provide for cell balancing to allow for a uniform charge and voltage provided by the batteries. The battery management system is also configured with sensors, such as temperature sensors. The temperature sensors may be configured such that temperature readings are sent to the computer system. Data may be obtained, analyzed and stored by the computer system. Other sensors may be provided, including the capability to monitor, analyze and record individual cell voltages, state of charge and state of health. The battery management system may also be configured to provide error reporting on a cell, pack or system basis. The battery management system is further configured to provide real time current, voltage and capacity monitoring and reporting capability. Aspects of the battery management system may be configured with a system to determine contactor failure. Further aspects of the battery management system provide for a high voltage interlock loop monitoring capability.

Referring toFIG.6, an electrical schematic of an interconnected battery system, power feed line and selected portions of the hydraulic fracturing system with one example embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. A battery system602is connected to a 1000 volt DC line604. The 1000 volt DC line604is connected to a 13,600 volt alternating current line610, which may be a transmission line to a utility line. A 3.6 MVA transformer609is positioned between an active front end/inverter607and the 13,600 volt alternating current line610to allow for electrical energy transformation between direct current and alternating current.

Further referring toFIG.6, a second inverter606is provided between the 1000 volt direct current line604and a 480 volt alternating current line608that is connected to various components of the hydraulic fracturing system. Such connections may be, for example, controlling sand equipment used for proppants used downhole, emergency response operations and refrigeration units used in various locations.

Further referring toFIG.6, a third connection to the 1000 volt direct current line604allows for general purpose power618and electric vehicle charging616. To this end, a third inverter612followed by a split-phase inverter614are positioned between the electric vehicle charging portion616and the general purpose 120 volt alternating current connection618. As will be understood, charging for two electric vehicles616are provided with 240 volt single phase 50 amp capabilities.

In embodiments, a solar collection system may be used to assist with hydraulic fracturing activities. The solar cell collection system may have a nominal bus voltage of approximately 966 volts (direct current). Output current may be 3000 amperes. For an entire solar collection system, the installed energy may be 2.9 MWh. Batteries used with the solar collection system may be protected by a battery thermal management system. In one embodiment, a liquid cooled system is used. In another embodiment, an air-cooled system may be used. In embodiments, the battery chemistry may be Lithium NMC type batteries.

The energy storage system illustrated inFIG.3andFIG.4, is described in more detail. The energy storage system (406,407,408) is provided as a battery storage system. The battery storage system is housed by the battery rack500and is configured to provide energy to hydraulic fracturing equipment on demand. The battery storage system is provided with several features to enable the safe provision of energy. In embodiments, the battery storage system is provided with a system to prevent thermal runaway from occurring. The thermal runaway system is configured to not only prevent thermal runaway between cells, but also as a system as a whole.

The battery storage system is provided with a fire prevention system. Fire prevention is provided by choosing high quality battery cells as well as providing insulation between cells. Battery cells used, in embodiments, are thermally and vibration tested. In some embodiments, battery cells are shock tested. Acceleration levels for shock testing may be up to, for example, 150 g. In further embodiments, an external short circuit test is performed on cells. One such external short circuit test may provide for shorting the cells with a resistance of less than 0.1 ohms for at least one hour.

Other tests for battery cells may also be accomplished. In embodiments, an impact/crush test may be performed on cells. For example, a crush force in excess of 10 kN may be exerted on to the exterior of the cell. Other safety tests may include a capability to withstand overcharge. For example, a charge rate may be exerted upon the cell at twice the manufacturer's recommended maximum rate. In embodiments, a forced discharge test conducted on cells may also be performed. In one embodiment, the forced discharge test may be performed at a maximum discharge current rate as rated by a cell manufacturer.

At a module level, in order to prevent fire propagation, construction provides for cell spacing to limit heat transfer. In some embodiments, intra-cell thermal insulation is used to block heat transfer. In some embodiments, a thermal management system interface is created to remove heat from the system.

In embodiments, the thermal management system is provided to keep cells within a specific temperature range. To this end, the thermal management system is capable of cooling and heating the battery cells.

Referring toFIG.7, a sample electric charging station700used in conjunction with the electric vehicle charging portion616described inFIG.6is illustrated. The electric charging station700may be used to charge electric vehicles for various purposes. As an example, electrical energy may be obtained from a utility, as previously described.

The electrical energy may be stored within an energy storage system, as described in relation toFIG.3orFIG.4, as non-limiting embodiments. The electric charging station700may have a dual-port702,704pedestal configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the input to the electric charging station700may be 208 or 240 Volts alternating current. Output current may be 16 amperes, 30 amperes or 40 amperes. The output current may be selectable through a user interface706. The user interface706may be a touchscreen display. In embodiments, the touchscreen may be color.

Output charging power may also be selectable by a user. Non-limiting example embodiments may include 3.3 kW, 7.2 kW and 9.6 kW power output levels. An output charging cable708may be provided. In one embodiment, the output charging cable708may be 18 feet long. Other lengths may be used.

The electric charging station700may also have a ground fault detection system to prevent accidental discharge of electricity.

Referring toFIG.8, a method800for hydraulically fracturing a geological stratum is illustrated. The method800may include, at802providing an electrically operated hydraulic fracturing system at a wellbore. At804, the method continues as connecting hydraulic fracturing equipment to a utility-based power grid. At806, the method continues to provide obtaining electrical energy from the utility-based power grid. At808, the method provides with transforming the obtained electrical energy for use by hydraulic fracturing equipment. At810, the method continues with performing fracturing operations of a geological formation by hydraulic fracturing equipment.

Referring toFIG.9, method steps for individual step806are illustrated. At806, the method recites obtaining electrical energy from the utility-based power grid. Steps902through912further define that the electrical energy obtained may be stored, at902, in an energy storage system, as described in relation toFIG.3orFIG.4, as non-limiting embodiments. In embodiments, electrical energy may be generated through a solar cell system, at904. At906, the electrical energy generated through the solar cell system may be transformed and then stored within the electrical energy system. As will be understood, production of electrical energy through the solar cell system is optional. At908, a signal for provision of electrical energy is generated by a user who wishes to use hydraulic fracturing equipment. At910, the signal is received at a control system for the energy storage system. At912, upon validation of the signal, electrical energy is supplied by the energy storage system to equipment used to transform the electrical energy, as specified at step808.

Referring toFIG.10, a system1000used for electric hydraulic fracturing with a utility interconnect is described. The system1000has at least one sand source1002that houses sand materials for hydraulic fracturing. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three sand sources1002. The sand sources1002may be tanks, for example, that house sand and prevent unforeseen hydration. A granular moving system1003conducts sand from the sand sources1002to a blender1004. The granular moving system1003may be, for example, a conveyor system. The blender1004is also connected to a water source1006. The blender1004is configured to mix granular materials from the sand sources1002with water1006such that a proper mixture is created for pumping downhole. The water source1006may be connected to a well1012and/or a utility water source1014. After the blender1004, the combination of water and sand is provided to an electric pump1008, which provides sufficient motive force to the water/sand combination to fracture a geological feature/stratum in the well312. An energy storage system306,308stores and provides electrical energy obtained from a utility line302transferred through a switchgear trailer1008. The switchgear trailer1008allows for transformation of electrical energy to the desired electrical power characteristics for the blender1004, electric pump1008, sand moving system1003and associated control equipment. An electric vehicle charging system1020is also connected to the switchgear trailer1008allowing electric vehicles a recharging capability. A solar array1010is also provided to allow for charging of the energy storage system306,308,

Referring toFIG.2, a computing apparatus used in the control of equipment of embodiments of the disclosure, as described above, is shown. InFIG.2, a processor200is provided to perform computational analysis for instructions provided. The instruction provided, code, may be written to achieve the desired goal and the processor may access the instructions. In other embodiments, the instructions may be provided directly to the processor200.

In other embodiments, other components may be substituted for generalized processors. These specifically designed components, known as application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”) are specially designed to perform the desired task. As such, the ASIC's generally have a smaller footprint than generalized computer processors. The ASIC's, when used in embodiments of the disclosure, may use field programmable gate array technology, that allows a user to make variations in computing, as necessary. Thus, the methods described herein are not specifically held to a precise embodiment, rather alterations of the programming may be achieved through these configurations.

In embodiments, when equipped with a processor200, the processor200may have arithmetic logic unit (“ALU”)202, a floating point unit (“FPU”)204, registers206and a single or multiple layer cache208, The arithmetic logic unit202may perform arithmetic functions as well as logic functions. The floating point unit204may be math coprocessor or numeric coprocessor to manipulate numbers more efficiently and quickly than other types of circuits. The registers206are configured to store data that will be used by the processor200during calculations and supply operands to the arithmetic logic unit202and store the result of operations. The single or multiple layer caches208are provided as a storehouse for data to help in calculation speed by preventing the processor200from continually accessing random access memory (“RAM”)214.

Aspects of the disclosure provide for the use of a single processor200. Other embodiments of the disclosure allow the use of more than a single processor. Such configurations may be called a multi-core processor where different functions are conducted by different processors to aid in calculation speed. In embodiments, when different processors are used, calculations may be performed simultaneously by different processors, a process known as parallel processing.

The processor200may be located on a motherboard210. The motherboard210is a printed circuit board that incorporates the processor200as well as other components helpful in processing, such as memory modules (“DIMMS”)212, random access memory214, read only memory215, non-volatile memory chips216, a clock generator218that keeps components in synchronization, as well as connectors for connecting other components to the motherboard210, The motherboard210may have different sizes according to the needs of the computer architect. To this end, the different sizes, known as form factors, may vary from sizes from a cellular telephone size to a desktop personal computer size. The motherboard210may also provide other services to aid in functioning of the processor200, such as cooling capacity, Cooling capacity may include a thermometer220and a temperature-controlled fan222that conveys cooling air over the motherboard210to reduce temperature.

Data stored for execution by the processor200may be stored in several locations, including the random access memory214, read only memory215, flash memory224, computer hard disk drives226, compact disks228, floppy disks230and solid state drives232. For booting purposes, data may be stored in an integrated chip called an EEPROM, that is accessed during start-up of the processor200. The data, known as a Basic Input/Output System (“BIOS”), contains, in some example embodiments, an operating system that controls both internal and peripheral components. A Read Only Memory215is provided for booting purposes when the motherboard210is used in a computer, for example.

Different components may be added to the motherboard or may be connected to the motherboard to enhance processing. Examples of such connections of peripheral components may be video input/output sockets, storage configurations (such as hard disks, solid state disks, or access to cloud based storage), printer communication ports, enhanced video processors, additional random access memory and network cards.

The processor and motherboard may be provided in a discrete form factor, such as personal computer, cellular telephone, tablet, personal digital assistant or other component. The processor and motherboard may be connected to other such similar computing arrangement in networked form Data may be exchanged between different sections of the network to enhance desired outputs. The network may be a public computing network or may be a secured network where only authorized users or devices may be allowed access.

As will be understood, method steps for completion may be stored in the random access memory, read only memory, flash memory, computer hard disk drives, compact disks, floppy disks and solid state drives.

Different input/output devices may be used in conjunction with the motherboard and processor. Input of data may be through a keyboard, voice, Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) device, mouse, pen, stylus, Firewire, video camera, light pen, joystick, trackball, scanner, bar code reader and touch screen. Output devices may include monitors, printers, headphones, plotters, televisions, speakers and projectors.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an apparatus and method of operation of the apparatus that do not have the environmental concerns present in conventional diesel hydraulic fracturing operations.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an apparatus and method that are easier to operate than conventional apparatus, described above, thereby eliminating the need for specially trained individuals.

Embodiments of the disclosure reduce economic costs associated with hydraulic fracturing operations that are present with conventional tools and methods of operation.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a hydraulic fracturing system that eliminates the necessity of different sizes of diesel engines that operators must have in stock so that the operator has the necessary equipment to perform needed work.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a hydraulic fracturing system that is more robust than diesel engine systems and that does not have the failure rate of such crude mechanical systems Embodiments of the disclosure provide a hydraulic fracturing system that is more easily maintained, during all times of the day, and that may be operated in varying weather conditions, without failure.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a hydraulic fracturing system that uses less personnel than conventional hydraulic fracturing systems, thereby driving economic costs downward.

In one example embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise at least one energy storage system. The apparatus may also comprise at least one switchgear assembly configured to be attached to a utility electrical line, at least one switchgear assembly connected to the at least one energy storage system. The apparatus may further comprise at least one sand source configured to house a granular material. The apparatus may further comprise a blender configured to mix the at least one granular material with water from a water source, the blender further configured to send the at least one granular material with water to an electric pump, the blender connected to the at least one switchgear assembly. The apparatus may also comprise an electric pump configured to pump the at least one granular material with water to a wellbore, the electric pump connected to the at least one switchgear assembly.

In another example embodiment, the apparatus may be configured wherein the at least one switchgear assembly is configured on a trailer.

In another example embodiment, the apparatus may be configured wherein the at least one energy storage system is two energy storage systems.

In another example embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a granular moving system configured to move granular material to the blender, the granular moving system connected to the at least one switchgear assembly.

In another example embodiment, the apparatus may be configured wherein the granular moving system is configured as a conveyor.

In another example embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise at least one solar array connected to the at least one switchgear assembly.

In another example embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise an electric vehicle charging station connected to the at least one switchgear.

In another example embodiment, the apparatus may be configured wherein the at least one energy storage system is configured with a battery system.

In another example embodiment, the apparatus may further comprise a battery management system connected to the battery system, the battery management system configured to manage at least one property of the battery system.

In another example embodiment, a method of conducting an electric hydraulic fracturing operation. The method may comprise providing an electrically operated hydraulic fracturing system. The method may also comprise connecting the hydraulic fracturing system to a utility based power grid. The method may also comprise obtaining electricity from the utility based power grid. The method may also comprise performing hydraulic fracturing operations with the hydraulic fracturing system.

In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise transforming the obtained electricity from the utility based power grid prior to performing the hydraulic fracturing operation.

In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise storing the electricity in an energy storage system, prior to performing the hydraulic fracturing operations.

In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise generating electricity through a solar cell system prior to performing the hydraulic fracturing operations.

In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise transforming the electricity generated by the solar cell system prior to storing the electricity in the energy storage system.

In another example embodiment, a method of conducting an electric hydraulic fracturing operation, is disclosed. The method comprises providing an electrically operated hydraulic fracturing system. The method further comprises connecting the electrically operated hydraulic fracturing system to a micro-power grid. The method further comprise obtaining electricity from the micro-power grid. The method further comprise performing hydraulic fracturing operations with the electrically hydraulic fracturing system.

In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise transforming the obtained electricity from the micro-power grid prior to performing the hydraulic fracturing operation.

In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise storing the electricity in an energy storage system, prior to performing the hydraulic fracturing operations.

In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise generating electricity through a solar cell system prior to performing the hydraulic fracturing operations.

In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise transforming the electricity generated by the solar cell system prior to storing the electricity in the energy storage system.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

While embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments are envisioned that do not depart from the inventive scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present claims or any subsequent claims shall not be unduly limited by the description of the embodiments described herein.