Patent ID: 8624419

Claim:
A system configured for generating electrical power at a downhole position of a production well by way of electromagnetic induction through oscillating linear translation driven by the flow of a fluid being transported by the production well, the system comprising: a power generation apparatus configured to be disposed in the downhole position along a production pipe of the production well, the production pipe being configured to transport a fluid to and/or from the Earth's surface, the power generation apparatus comprising: a conductive coil disposed along a length of the production pipe such that the conductive coil encircles the production pipe, the conductive coil being in a fixed position relative to the production pipe, the conductive coil being configured to be electrically coupled to an electrical load and/or a power storage apparatus, the electrical load and/or the power storage apparatus being disposed at a downhole position of the production well; a linear translation apparatus disposed radially inward from the conductive coil, the linear translation apparatus being configured to move linearly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the production pipe and within the conducting coil; a fluid motion capture apparatus affixed to the linear translation apparatus, the fluid motion capture apparatus being configured to harness mechanical energy from fluid flowing within the production pipe to effectuate linear motion of the linear translation apparatus; and one or more magnets affixed to the linear translation apparatus, the one or more magnets configured to cause electrical power to be generated in the conductive coil by way of electromagnetic induction responsive to the one or more magnets passing by the conductive coil when the linear translation apparatus is in motion.