At a PetroChina oilfield on the Loess Plateau, drilling operations are powered by SINEE’s EM880 Series Frequency Converter Cabinets

—ensuring efficient motor performance and setting new benchmarks for drilling rig power standards.

Conventional oilfield rigs have long relied on diesel engines, where mechanical power from fuel combustion must pass through multiple transmission stages. This process results in significant energy loss, leaving overall conversion efficiency at just 30–40%. In addition, load fluctuations cause unstable power output, driving up operating costs and creating potential safety risks.

In this oilfield application, the  'oil-to-electric' transition adopts three-phase electric motors as the primary power source. With stable grid supply, electrical energy is directly converted into mechanical output. At the core is SINEE's EM880 Series Frequency Converter Cabinets, which raises energy conversion efficiency to 85–90%—cutting energy waste by nearly 60% per well. Shifting from diesel combustion to electric drive not only reduces carbon emissions but also transforms cost reduction and efficiency gains.

How can traditional rig mechanical drive systems be integrated with electric drives? SINEE solution—using a hydraulic torque reducer for flexible coupling. This design serves as a  'bridge' between electric drives and conventional equipment.

By transmitting torque through hydraulic oil, the coupling continuously adjusts oil flow as the EM880 Series VFD Cabinet precisely controls motor speed, preventing rigid impacts between the motor and rig components. For instance, during rig start-up, the coupling allows torque to rise gradually, avoiding deformation or breakage of the drill string caused by sudden load. Data shows that compared to direct diesel drive, this electric-drive transmission system can extend equipment life by 2–3 times, significantly reducing maintenance frequency and downtime costs—enabling legacy rigs to continue performing reliably in the electric-drive era.

The SINEE EM880 Series VFD Cabinets utilize vector control technology to achieve millisecond-level precision in motor speed regulation. Whether drilling through loose sand or solid rock, the system quickly adapts to the optimal speed, ensuring both efficiency and safety. Compared with diesel engine mechanical control, the EM880’s response time is drastically reduced, giving rigs greater flexibility in handling geological variations and effectively minimizing issues such as stuck or deviated wells. This provides a stable and reliable power solution for deep and ultra-deep drilling operations.

From 2,100 meters to 2,482 meters, each breakthrough per well stands as a testament to SINEE’s technological strength. Drilling operations at this oilfield continue, with the next target set at 4,000 meters. SINEE will keep delivering high-efficiency, reliable, and energy-saving solutions to support more Oil-to-electric transition projects across the oilfield sector.

Looking ahead, SINEE will remain focused on technological innovation in the energy industry, providing superior products and solutions to help oilfields achieve a greener, smarter, and more efficient future