If the concept proves out for Venus conditions, it will work for cryogenic and hard vacuum environments.
Earth/Commercial/Science Applications High pressure and high temperature motors are needed in the oil and gas exploration industry. As the oil and gas operators increasingly explore territories with high temperature and high pressure, they are facing many challenges in downhole drilling and enhanced oil recovery systems, such as steam, flood or steam injection. High temperature motors are used for many downhole tool applications, including Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs). Schlumberger, a world leader in ESPs for 80 years, supplies high temperature ESP systems with motor insulation rating at 300C . The High Temperature Bell Motor could allow the industry operate at greater depths and higher temperature. The Department of Energy has been seeking high temperature tools including high temperature motor for its Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). The EGS are engineered reservoirs created to produce energy from geothermal resources that are otherwise not economical due to lack of water and/or permeability. High Temperature Bell Motor will enable the EGS technology to access the earth's vast resource located at depth. Other potential application include precision munitions and weapons control , high altitude balloon maneuvering , and glass and metal work in extreme temperature furnaces.
More »