Optimization of Interval Pumping System for Oil Wells Under New Energy Self-Consumption Scenarios

Abstract Intermittent production can significantly enhance system efficiency and reduce lifting power consumption in low-production oil wells located in low-permeability reservoirs. The original determination of pumping shut-in duration of intermittent pumping oil well was mainly based on experience, which led to the inappropriate setting of shut-in time, affecting the economic benefits of oil wells. The determination of intermittent pumping well shut-in period is based on the principle of peak cutting and valley filling. The participation of photovoltaic(PV) power generation in energy supply changes the peak and valley of electricity price. If the oil well runs according to the original system, the photovoltaic power output will exceed and the power will be abandoned during the peak period. This study proposes an optimization methodology tailored for interval pumping systems under new energy self-consumption scenarios, integrating PV power generation. Liquid level recovery tests during shutdown periods were conducted to analyze recovery patterns and identify optimal shutdown durations based on the recovery speed "inflection point". Real-time electricity price curves, incorporating both PV generation and grid consumption, facilitated the determination of rational shutdown periods aligned with electricity pricing dynamics. Implemented in Block X of the Jilin Oilfield, the study found that traditional shutdown periods of 8 to 10 hours were suboptimal. Following on-site fluid level recovery tests, shut-in periods of 4 to 6 hours were identified, corresponding to a recovery rate showing an "inflection point," thus determining a reasonable shut-in duration. Previously scheduled shutdown periods were from 9:00 to 11:30 and 15:30 to 19:00. Considering PV generation, the peak electricity pricing period from 16:00 to 21:00 was identified as the optimal shut-in period. Comparative analysis pre- and post-optimization demonstrated a reduction in abandonment rates from 7.2% to 0% and a 12% decrease in lifting electricity costs. The study highlights the effectiveness of optimizing shutdown durations based on liquid level recovery characteristics and aligning them with PV power generation, effectively mitigating surplus electricity and abandonment issues. This approach underscores its adaptability for low-yield interval pumping wells in evolving energy consumption landscapes.