WO2017015004A1

WO2017015004A1 - Energy harvesting in wellbore applications

Info

Publication number: WO2017015004A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/041951
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vladimir HERNANDEZ SOLIS; Remy PANARIELLO; Francis Dupouy; Oleg Zhdaneev
Original assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation; Schlumberger Canada Limited; Services Petroliers Schlumberger; Schlumberger Technology B.V.
Priority date: 2015-07-21
Filing date: 2016-07-13
Publication date: 2017-01-26

Abstract

Energy harvesting devices can be deployed in a wellbore to transform external energy in the wellbore to electric power for consumption by electric devices disposed in the wellbore. A method includes deploying an energy harvesting device downhole in a wellbore, transforming, with the energy harvesting device, external energy in the wellbore to electric power and supplying the electric power from the energy harvesting device to an electric device disposed in the wellbore.

Description

ENERGY HARVESTING IN WELLBORE APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. It should be understood that the statements in this section of this document are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

Wells are generally drilled into the ground to recover natural deposits of hydrocarbons and other desirable materials trapped in geological formations in the Earth's crust. A well is typically drilled using a drill bit attached to the lower end of a drill string. The well is drilled so it penetrates the subsurface formations containing the trapped materials for recovery of the trapped materials. The bottom end of the drill string conventionally includes a bottom-hole assembly that has sensors, control mechanisms, and associated circuitry and electronics. As the drill bit is advanced through the formation, drilling fluid (e.g., drilling mud) is pumped from the surface through the drill string to the drill bit. The drilling fluid exits the drill bit and returns to the surface. The drilling fluid cools and lubricates the drill bit and carries the drill cuttings back to the surface. Electrical power is typically used to operate the sensors, circuitry and electronics in the bottom-hole assembly. Electrical power is conventionally provided by batteries in the bottom-hole assembly. Drawbacks to batteries include maintaining a charge in the batteries. Electrical power has also been conventionally provided by pipe internal mud flow, which may be directed through a turbine with an alternator. Drawbacks to the turbine include location of the turbine in the center of the mud flow, which will not allow downhole tools to pass the turbine.

SUMMARY

Energy harvesting devices are disclosed that can be deployed in a wellbore to transform external energy in the wellbore to electric power for consumption by electric devices disposed in the wellbore. A method includes deploying an energy harvesting device downhole in a wellbore, transforming, with the energy harvesting device, external energy in the wellbore to electric power and supplying the electric power from the energy harvesting device to an electric device disposed in the wellbore.

In accordance to aspects of the disclosure the energy harvesting device may include one or more metamaterial cells, which may be deployed with or on a tubular string such as casing lining the wellbore or a tool string disposed in the wellbore. An energy harvesting device in accordance to aspects of the disclosure includes a pump connected in a hydraulic circuit and operated in response to the external energy to circulate a motive fluid in the hydraulic fluid. An electric power generation device operationally connected to the hydraulic circuit may produce the electric power in response to the circulating motive fluid. In accordance to an embodiment the pump has a channel in communication with the hydraulic circuit and oriented in a first direction between opposing first and second panels, the first panel having a first mass and the second panel having a second mass different from the first mass and the first and second panels reciprocating along an axis parallel to the first direction in response to the external energy. The oscillating panels circulating the motive fluid in the hydraulic circuit. In an embodiment, the energy harvesting device includes a first pump connected in the hydraulic circuit and having a channel oriented in a first direction, a second pump connected in the hydraulic circuit and having a channel oriented in a second direction different from the first direction, such that each of the pumps circulate the motive fluid in along the direction of its respective channel in response to the external energy source. An energy harvesting device in accordance to aspects of the disclosure includes a torsion spring rotationally connected to an electric power generation device and a mass operationally connected to the torsion spring via a pivot axle to load the torsion spring in response to oscillation of the mass. In another example an energy harvesting device includes a torsion spring rotationally connected to an electric power generation device, a first mass operationally connected to the torsion spring via a first pivot axle oriented in a first direction to load the torsion spring in response to oscillation of the first mass and a second mass operationally connected to the torsion spring via second pivot axle oriented in a second direction different from the first direction to load the torsion spring in response to oscillation of the second mass.

Another example of an energy harvesting device includes a thermoelectric generator having a first side in thermal connection to a heat source and a second side in thermal connection to a heat sink, the thermoelectric generator converting the different in temperature between the heat source and the heat sink into the electric power.

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 key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

Figure 1 illustrates a wellbore incorporating an energy harvesting device according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a wellbore incorporating an energy harvesting device according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate energy harvesting devices incorporating a metamaterial cell according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate downhole or wellbore energy harvesting devices utilizing a flapping pump according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates a downhole or wellbore energy harvesting device that is spring loaded according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a downhole or wellbore energy harvesting device that utilizes a thermoelectric generator to convert heat differentials into an electrical output according to one or more aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

As used herein, the terms connect, connection, connected, in connection with, and connecting may be used to mean in direct connection with or in connection with via one or more elements. Similarly, the terms couple, coupling, coupled, coupled together, and coupled with may be used to mean directly coupled together or coupled together via one or more elements. Terms such as up, down, top and bottom and other like terms indicating relative positions to a given point or element are may be utilized to more clearly describe some elements. Commonly, these terms relate to a reference point such as the surface from which drilling operations are initiated.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a wellbore 22 in which embodiments of the energy harvesting device, generally denoted by the numeral 50, may be utilized. Figure 1 illustrates a drilling system, generally denoted by the numeral 10, disposed in wellbore 22. As will be understood by those skilled in the art with benefit of this disclosure, utilization of the energy harvesting device is not limited to use in a directional drilling system. The energy harvesting devices and systems may be utilized, without limitation, within a tool string (e.g., drill string, tubing string, production string) or within a completion (e.g., casing, screen, liner). The illustrated drilling system 10 includes a rig 12 located at a surface 14 and a tool string 16 suspended from rig 12. It will be recognized by one skilled in the art with benefit of this disclosure that the energy harvesting device 50 (i.e., tool) may be conveyed in the wellbore on joint pipe strings, coil tubing, wirelines and slick line. A drill bit 18 is disposed with a bottom hole assembly ("BHA") 20 and deployed on drill string 16 to drill (i.e., propagate) wellbore 22 (i.e., borehole) into formation 24. In Figure 1 the drilling system is arranged as a directional drilling system.

The depicted BHA 20 includes one or more stabilizers 26, a measurement-while-drilling ("MWD") module or sub 28, a logging-while-drilling ("LWD") module or sub 30, and a steering device 32 (e.g., bias unit, RSS device, steering actuator, pistons, pads), and a power generation module or sub 34. A power storage device 46, e.g., battery, may be disposed downhole and is illustrated in Figure 1 located at the power generation module 34. The energy harvesting device 50 may be utilized for example in the power generation module 34 and/or at other locations within the wellbore, such as in a tool string (e.g., drilling string, test string, production string, wireline) or completion. Energy harvesting device 50 may be located within a tool, e.g., a MWD module, or located as a separate module an in operational connection to an electrical powered device.

The illustrated drilling system 10 includes a downhole steering control system 36, e.g. an attitude hold controller or control unit, disposed with BHA 20 and operationally connected with steering device 32 to maintain drill bit 18 and BHA 20 on a desired drill attitude to propagate borehole 22 along the desired path (i.e., target attitude). Depicted downhole steering control system 36 includes a downhole processor 38 and direction and inclination ("D&I") sensors 40, for example, accelerometers and magnetometers. Downhole steering control system 36 may be a closed-loop system that interfaces directly with BHA 20 sensors, i.e., D&I sensors 40, MWD sub 28 sensors, and steering device 32 to control the drill attitude. Downhole steering control system 36 may be, for example, a unit configured as a roll stabilized or a strap down control unit. Although embodiments are described primarily with reference to rotary steerable systems, it is recognized that embodiments may be utilized with non-RSS directional drilling tools. The drilling system 10 includes drilling fluid or mud 44 that can be circulated from surface 14 through the axial bore of drill string 16 and returned to surface 14 through the annulus between drill string 16 and formation 24. The tool's attitude (e.g., drill attitude) is generally identified as the axis of BHA 20.

Attitude commands may be inputted (i.e., transmitted) from a directional driller or trajectory controller generally identified as the surface controller 42 (e.g., processor) in the illustrated embodiment. Signals, such as the demand attitude commands, may be transmitted for example via mud pulse telemetry, wired pipe, acoustic telemetry, and wireless transmissions. Accordingly, upon directional inputs from surface controller 42, downhole steering control system 36 controls the propagation of borehole 22 for example by operating steering device 32 to steer the drill bit and to create a deviation, dogleg or curve in the borehole along the desired trajectory. In particular, steering device 32 is actuated to drive the drill bit to a set point. The steering device or bias unit may be referred to as the main actuation portion of the directional drilling tool and may be categorized as a push-the-bit, point-the-bit, or hybrid device.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a wellbore 22 in which embodiments of energy harvesting device 50 may be incorporated. All or a portion of the wellbore 22 may be completed with casing 23. In this example a tool string 16, e.g., completion, production string, workover string, drilling string is disposed in wellbore 22. Energy harvesting system 50 (i.e., tool) is illustrated incorporated in tool string 16 and in this example is in electrical connection with a battery 46 and an electrical device 48 (e.g., sensor, transmitter, receiver, processor, valve, actuator, etc.). Energy harvesting device 50 may be incorporated into the casing 23. Fluid 52 is illustrated by the arrows flowing in tool string. For example, a fluid 52 such as drilling fluid, work-over, fracturing fluid, or other injection fluid flowing down the tool string 16 or a production fluid flowing up the tool string 16. As will be understood by those skilled in the art with benefit of this disclosure, the energy harvesting device 50 may be incorporated within the side wall of a tubular member (e.g., collar) forming the tool string 16. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate examples of energy harvesting devices generally denoted 50 and specifically identified with the numeral 50a, that incorporate one or more metamaterial cells 54. For example, the illustrated energy harvesting device 50a has an array of electrically connected metamaterial cells 54 composed by composite material suitable for a downhole environment, and connected with a circuit board 56. For example, the metamaterial cells 54 may be constructed of a composite material such as, and without limitations, fiberglass, carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, ceramic matrix, and copper. The material may be a compatible with a high temperature environment. The shape of the cells 54 can take various shapes, such as and without limitation, a simple polygon (Figure 3). The cell 54 may be rigid or flexible to be mounted on cylindrical or different shape objects. In Figure 4 the cells 54 are mounted for example on a surface or skin (e.g., external surface) of a tubular 59 for example to be incorporated into tool string 16 or into the casing 23 (Figure 2). For example, the cells may be rigidly fixed for example by bolting, welding, bonding, etc. In some embodiments the metamaterial cells 54 may be applied as a coating. The energy harvesting device 50 may be deployed downhole in the wellbore, for example on a moving element such as tool string 16 or a fixed element such as casing 23 (Figure 2). In the case of vibration energy 58 harvesting, the device 50 can be rigidly fixed to elements exposed to the vibration (external shells, pipe, collars, drill bit, etc.) to avoid energy damping and maximize efficiency. The energy harvesting device may be partially or totally enclosed in a pressure housing.

In use the energy harvesting device 50a is exposed to external wave signals 58, such as acoustic, electro-magnetic, and vibration waves due to operational cycles and the downhole environment, such as tripping pipe into or out of the wellbore, fluid flow, pumps, drilling, perforating, rotating, and (mud pulse, pressure, flow, electrical) signals from the surface. The metamaterial cells 54 harvest and transform this received energy 58 into an electrical signal, that is received and treated by the circuit board 56 to control voltage, overcurrent, or to manage external power supply (e.g., an MWD turbine). This signal could then supply electrical devices 48 such as battery charging systems, battery heating systems, sensors, electronic boards, processors, and valves. An example of a method of use is now described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. An energy harvesting device 50, i.e., device 50a, is connected with downhole batteries 46 and a downhole electrical device 48. In this example, the downhole battery includes two batteries. At the surface of the wellbore the two batteries are fully charged and the tool string 16 is tripped into the wellbore 22. The electrical device 48 is drawing current from the first battery 46. When the capacity of the first battery 46 goes below a certain capacity threshold the circuit board 56 switches to supply the electrical power from the second battery to the electrical device 48.

The metamaterial cells 54 produce some electrical current in response to movement of the tool string 16 and other vibrations and energy (i.e., energy waves 58) in the wellbore. The circuit board 56 sends the current to charge the first battery. When the first battery 46 is charged to satisfaction, the circuit board can isolate the charged first battery. When the charge of the second battery goes below a desired capacity threshold the circuit board switches the circuit for the electrical device to draw power from the first battery and for the metamaterial cells 54 to charge the first battery.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate embodiments of a downhole or wellbore energy harvesting device, generally denoted by the numeral 50 and specifically identified with the numeral 50b, utilizing a flapping pump. Energy harvesting device 50b is configured to be incorporated into a downhole tool, e.g., tool string 16. Device 50b comprises a hydraulic circuit having one or more flapping pumps to transform vibrations 58 into forced fluid flow to drive a hydraulic motor (e.g., turbine) connected to a power generation device (e.g., dynamo). Energy harvesting device 50, 50b includes a hydraulic circuit 60 having a flapper pump

62, hydraulic motor 64, power generator or generation device 66, a motive fluid 68 and a supply reservoir 70. The depicted hydraulic circuit 60 is a closed circuit. With reference to Figure 5, flapping pump 62 has opposing saw-toothed panels 61, 63 forming a channel 65 therebetween. A mass is connected to each of the saw-toothed panels. For example a mass 83 is connected to panel 61 and a second mass 85, different from mass 83, is connected to panel 63. The flapper pump 62 moves fluid 68 using vibration 58 instead of for example a rotor. Asymmetric saw-toothed panels 61, 63 are placed with their teeth 67 facing each other across channel 65. The channel can rapidly open and close. Fluid rushes into the channel as the channel expands and the fluid is forced out as the channel contracts. The repeated vibration of the pump moves the fluid through the channel as the asymmetry of the teeth makes it easier for the fluid to move with the teeth.

When the device vibrates a relative motion between the panels 61, 63 is induced due to the different inertias of masses 83 and 85. This motion creates a fluid depression the draws motive fluid 68 from the supply reservoir 70 and circulates the motive fluid 68 through the circuit 60. The hydraulic motor 64 is operated by the circulating motive fluid to drive the power generation device 66, which produces an electric current, e.g., a DC current.

Figure 6 illustrates an energy harvesting device 50, 50b utilizing multiple flapper pumps 62 that are oriented to convert vertical and horizontal vibrations (i.e., movement) 58 into electrical power. For example, some of the pumps in the hydraulic circuit 60 have the channel 68 oriented in a first direction such that the panels and respective masses 83, 85 move back and forth in the first direction and some of the pumps are positioned with their channel oriented in a second direction such that the panels and respective masses move back and forth in the second direction. For example, with additional reference to Figures 1 and 2, the flapper pump 62 that is oriented in a first direction, for example the pump 62 in Figure 6 with the channel extending horizontally, may harvest radial shock and vibrations to the tool string 16 carrying the device 50 and the other flapper pumps 62, with the channels oriented vertically, will harvest axial shocks and vibrations to the tool string. The masses connected to each flapper pump can be chosen according to the solicitation mode and system stiffness to optimize vibration amplitude and frequency. The mass may be parts to which the flapper pump is attached (e.g., collar, pressure housing, bracket, etc.).

The flapper pumps 62 draw motive fluid 68 from the supply reservoir 70 for example in a parallel configuration. The high pressure motive fluid that is discharged from the flapper pumps 62 may be directed to a pressurized reservoir 72. The output from the pressurized reservoir 72 can be controlled by a flow controller 74 (e.g., flow limiter) to regulate the device output. A relief valve 76 can be connected with the pressurized reservoir 72. Flow of fluid 68 from reservoir 72, for example through flow controller 74, drives the hydraulic motor 64 and the power generation device 66. Accordingly, the energy harvesting device 50, 50b of Figure 6 harvests downhole movements/vibrations 58 in more than one direction. Figure 7 illustrates a spring-loaded energy harvesting device 50, 50c (i.e., tool). Energy harvesting device 50c is illustrated disposed in a pressure housing 78, which may be for example a sidewall of a tubular connected within a tool string 16 (Figures 1, 2). In brief the energy harvesting device 50c includes a mechanism of oscillating weights (i.e. masses), gears, and springs, that transform random movement 58 (e.g., of tool string 16) into rotation to drive a power generation device 66 that produces electrical power that can be communicated to an electrical device 48, including for example a battery 46. The illustrated energy harvesting device 50c includes one or more oscillating weights 80, identified individually 80a, 80b, etc., that oscillate relative to a respective pivot axle 82, identified individually 82a, 82b, etc., in response to movement of the energy harvesting device 50c in the wellbore (see, Figures 1 and 2). The pivot axles 82a, 82b may be oriented in different directions from one another up to harvest movement (i.e., vibrations 58) in different directions, i.e. axial, radial, and spinning motion. By means of gear transmission and free wheels, a wheel module 84 (e.g., more than one wheel) rotates in a single direction in response to the oscillating weights 80. The rotation of wheel module 84 is transferred via shaft 86 to a torsion spring 88 thereby loading torsion spring 88. The energy from the oscillating weights 80 is stored in the torsion spring 88 when a spring cage or housing 90 is not rotating or rotation is restricted. A manual loading module 92 is illustrated connected to the torsion spring 88 via wheel module 84 to manually load the torsion spring 88 for example prior to running the tool into the wellbore. A braking element 94 is connected with the spring housing 90 to stop or limit rotation of the housing and thus the energy delivered from the torsional spring 88. The braking element 94 may be for example a rotation speed limiter, a torque limiter or a remotely controlled on/off actuator. Rotation of the spring housing 90 is transmitted through a gear module 96 to a terminal wheel 98 and shaft 100 which drives the power generation device 66 to produce electrical power which can be communicated to an electrical device 48 and/or a power storage device 46.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate thermoelectric energy harvesting devices 50, 50d (i.e. tool) in accordance to one or more aspects of the disclosure. Energy harvesting device 50d is a thermoelectric device arranged as a thermoelectric generator that converts temperature (i.e., electromagnetic waves 58) differences into electricity (i.e., the Seebeck effect). Thermoelectricity arises in a circuit in which two dissimilar conductors or semiconductors 102, 104 (e.g., a p-type and n-type material) are joined together at one end via a first electrical conductor 106 (e.g., metal) at their ends (i.e., thermocouple). Some non-limiting examples of thermoelectric materials 102, 104 include bismuth, lead telluride, clathrates, magnesium, silicides, skutterudite, oxide, alloys, nanomaterials, sodium-cobaltate, tetrahedrite. The thermoelectric materials 102, 104 should have a high Seebeck coefficient to maximize output voltage per degree of temperature difference, a high electrical conductivity and a low thermal conductivity. In addition to harvesting energy the thermo electric generator also serve as a cooling device. For example, as the thermoelectric generator "pumps" heat out from a hot point, the generator may also cool the heat point. For example, if the hot point is an electronic cartridge the thermoelectric generator may act to both convert the heat to electricity and cool the electronic device. Figure 8 illustrates a single thermocouple 105 and Figure 9 illustrates multiple thermocouples interconnected in series to increase the voltage capability and in parallel to increase the current capacity. An array of thermocouples is referred to as a thermopile. The thermoelectric energy harvesting device 50d or thermoelectric generator may convert heat energy into electrical energy with a power output of 1,000 watts or more. The thermocouples 105 are illustrated enclosed in a housing 108 formed of an electrical insulator. The thermoelectric generator 50d comprises electrical conductors 110 to connect to electrical device 48.

In use the opposite ends 112, 114 of the thermocouples are operationally connected respectively to a heat source, or hot point 116 and a cold point or cold sink 118. With additional reference to Figure 1, the hot point may be, without limitation, electronics (e.g., electronic cartridge), any mechanical part of the drill string, BHA, the well ambient temperature (i.e. formation fluid), or in some instances the circulating drilling fluid. The heat source 116 may be formed for example by a hot fluid reservoir enclosed with the drill string or tool string. The hot fluid reservoir may be filled at the surface with hot fluid (liquid, gas) and the hot fluid may be heated for example by an external heating system, powered by rechargeable batteries or mud flow turbine. The hot heat source may be provided for example by a physical element insider the drill bit and or close the drill bit. Drilling friction produces high temperatures. The heat source 118 may be friction pads connected with drill string. The pads may be composed of a high-friction coefficient material, and would create local temperature elevation when the drill string (e.g., BHA) is moving up or down in the well (trip-in, trip-out, drilling phases) or when it is rotating (drilling phase). In some instances internal components, such as electronics and downhole batteries, may serve as the heat source and the thermoelectric generator utilizing the heat produce due to electrical losses. In accordance to one or more embodiments, the heat source 116 may be supplied by decay of a radioactive source.

The cold point or heat sink 118 may be any mechanical part of the drill string, BHA, the well ambient temperature (formation fluid), or the circulating drilling fluid coming from the surface. The circulating drilling fluid is often colder than the ambient well temperature. A cold fluid reservoir could be enclosed inside the BHA or drill string and utilized as a heat sink 118. Initially filled with cold fluid (liquid or gas; i.e. liquid nitrogen) at the surface, it can be used as a cold point while the hot point temperature remain higher. Then this fluid reservoir temperature can be maintained lower by an external chilling system, powered by rechargeable batteries, mud flow turbine, and mud flow.

Utilization in a wellbore environment may also include a thermal connector 120 to conduct heat to and from the heat source 116 and the heat sink 118. For example the thermal connector may be a mechanical element, such as a metal component of a drill string such as tubing, or a metal component of a tool string (e.g., tubing conveyed or non-tubing conveyed) such as a collar, wire, or a pin. The thermal connector 120 may be a dedicated element constructed for example of a thermally conductive material such as, and without limitation, diamond, silver, copper, gold, or brass. The thermal connector 120 may be a fluid column, liquid or gas, to create a heat bridge between the thermoelectric generator 50d and the heat source 116 or heat sink 118. The conductor fluid may be circulating or static. In accordance to some embodiments the thermal connector may be heat pipes.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, features shown in individual embodiments referred to above may be used together in combinations other than those which have been shown and described specifically. Accordingly, any such modification is intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. In the claims, means- plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not just structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words 'means for' together with an associated function.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A well system, comprising:

an electric device disposed in a wellbore; and

an energy harvesting device in connection with the electric device and adapted to transform external energy in the wellbore to electric power.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the external energy comprises one or more of vibrations and electromagnetic waves.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the electric device is a battery, a heating system, a cooling system, a sensor, a transmitter, a receiver, or a transceiver.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises one or more metamaterial cells.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises one or more metamaterial cells attached to a tubular string that is disposed in the wellbore.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises:

a hydraulic circuit comprising a motive fluid;

a pump connected in the hydraulic circuit, the pump operated in response to the external energy to circulate the motive fluid; and

an electric power generation device operationally connected to the hydraulic circuit to produce the electric power in response to the circulating motive fluid.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the hydraulic circuit is a closed circuit.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the pump comprises a channel oriented in a first direction between opposing first and second panels, the first panel having a first mass and the second panel having a second mass different from the first mass, wherein the first and second panels reciprocate along an axis parallel to the first direction in response to the external energy.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises:

a hydraulic circuit comprising a motive fluid; a first pump connected in the hydraulic circuit and operated in response to the external energy to circulate the motive fluid, the first pump having a channel oriented in a first direction; a second pump connected in the hydraulic circuit and operated in response to the external energy to circulate the motive fluid, the second pump having a channel oriented in a second direction different from the first direction; and

10. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the channels is formed between a first panel having a first mass and a second panel having a second mass different from the first mass, wherein the first and second panels reciprocate along an axis parallel to the channel in response to the external energy.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises:

a torsion spring rotationally connected to an electric power generation device; and a mass operationally connected to the torsion spring via a pivot axle to load the torsion spring in response to oscillation of the mass.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises:

a torsion spring rotationally connected to an electric power generation device;

a first mass operationally connected to the torsion spring via a first pivot axle oriented in a first direction to load the torsion spring in response to oscillation of the first mass; and

a second mass operationally connected to the torsion spring via second pivot axle oriented in a second direction different from the first direction to load the torsion spring in response to oscillation of the second mass.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the energy harvesting devices comprises a brake to selectively apply rotation of the torsion spring to the electric power generation device.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises a

thermoelectric generator having a first side in thermal connection to a heat source and a second side in thermal connection to a heat sink, the thermoelectric generator converting a difference in temperature between the heat source and the heat sink into the electric power.

15. A method, comprising:

deploying an energy harvesting device downhole in a wellbore;

transforming, with the energy harvesting device, external energy in the wellbore to electric power; and

supplying the electric power from the energy harvesting device to an electric device disposed in the wellbore.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises one or more metamaterial cells.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the transforming is performed by an electric power generation in response to a circulating motive fluid in a hydraulic circuit, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises:

a pump having a channel in communication with the hydraulic circuit, the channel oriented in a direction between a first panel having a first mass and a second panel having a second mass different from the first mass, the first and second panels reciprocating along an axis parallel to the direction of the channel in response to the external energy thereby circulating the motive fluid.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the transforming is performed by an electric power generation in response to a circulating motive fluid in a hydraulic circuit, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises:

a first pump connected in the hydraulic circuit and having a channel oriented in a first direction between a first panel having a first mass and a second panel having a second mass different from the first mass;

a second pump connected in the hydraulic circuit and having a channel oriented in a second direction between a first panel having a first mass and a second panel having a second mass different from the first mass; and

the first and second panels reciprocating along an axis parallel to the direction of the channel in response to the external energy thereby circulating the motive fluid.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises:

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the energy harvesting device comprises:

a torsion spring rotationally connected to an electric power generation device;