Upgrading Well Testing Data Acquisition to Solar-Powered Technology: A Step Towards Renewable Energy Sources

Abstract This paper presents the design, implementation, and validation of a solar-powered upgrade to conventional lithium battery-based data acquisition systems (DAS) used in oilfield well testing. The upgrade was driven by the need to reduce operational costs, improve system reliability, and align with environmental sustainability goals. The methodology included detailed power profiling of existing systems, selection and integration of high-efficiency solar panels, charge controllers, and lithium-ion battery storage, followed by deployment across five field locations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Key results showed 100% operational uptime, a 95% reduction in lithium battery usage, and over 60% cost savings across a projected three-year lifecycle. The solar-powered system demonstrated excellent performance in high-temperature (>50°C) and dusty environments, with only minor efficiency degradation due to dust accumulation. These findings highlight the viability and benefits of solar integration for remote well testing applications, contributing to ESG compliance and operational efficiency.