Conveyor-Guided Power Cable Installation Without Tunnel Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of long underground power cables, such as those exceeding 2 km, is challenging due to the need for multiple joints, increased installation time, safety issues, and difficulties in managing the weight and deployment of high-voltage cables, particularly in tunnels where direct burial is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A method and equipment utilizing a conveyor belt outside the tunnel to position holders at predetermined intervals, which engage and connect to trolleys that support the cable, allowing for seamless deployment without joints, and a rail system within the tunnel to guide the cable to its destination, facilitated by a pulling mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If multiple joints are used to deploy cables longer than the drum capacity, then the cable can be installed in the tunnel, but the installation time increases and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The cable deployment system is segmented into multiple trolleys that can be connected in series, allowing the cable to be supported in sections rather than requiring multiple joints. Each trolley acts as an independent support unit that can be deployed sequentially along the tunnel.
Solution Approach 2:
Trolleys serve as intermediary devices between the cable and the tunnel infrastructure. These trolleys carry the cable through the tunnel without requiring direct contact or joints with the tunnel structure, enabling continuous cable deployment over long distances.
2Length of moving object
If multiple joints are used to extend cable length, then the cable can reach the required distance, but safety issues and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cable support function into multiple independent trolley units rather than creating joints in the cable itself. This segmentation maintains cable integrity while distributing the support load across multiple points.
Solution Approach 2:
Trolleys act as intermediary support elements that eliminate the need for cable joints. The trolleys bear the mechanical load and provide support without compromising the continuous integrity of the cable.
3Ease of operation
If conventional trolley connection methods are used, then the cable can be supported in the tunnel, but the connection process is lengthy and trolley spacing becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is pre-attached to the first trolley outside the tunnel before deployment begins. This preliminary action establishes the initial connection point, allowing subsequent trolleys to be quickly attached in a standardized sequence without complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for dynamic adjustment of trolley positioning during deployment. Trolleys can be attached at regular intervals as the cable is pulled through the tunnel, maintaining uniform spacing while enabling rapid connection through a standardized process.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and Equipment for Installing a Power Cable in a Deployment Site The present disclosure relates to a method for installing a single power cable span in a deployment site comprising a rail for supporting the single cable span by trolleys, the method comprising the steps of providing a conveyor belt outside of the deployment site, the conveyor belt having a plurality of locations set at a predetermined distance one from the other along a longitudinal movement direction of the conveyor belt and moving integrally with the latter; repeating the following steps until the single cable span reaches a predetermined position while the conveyor belt is moving, positioning a first part of a holder at one of the locations; while advancing the single cable span, laying a portion thereof on said first part of the holder positioned at the location moving with the conveyor belt; connecting a second part of the holder to the first one to lock the cable span portion in between; while the cable span portion locked by the holder is leaving the conveyor belt, removing the first part of the holder from the location moving with the conveyor belt. According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an equipment for the installation of a single power cable span in a deployment site.