Tunnel Power Cable Installation Using Rail-Guided Trolleys
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of long high voltage power cables in tunnels is challenging due to the need for multiple joints, which increases costs, installation time, and safety risks, and requires handling heavy cables that are difficult to manage and deploy without causing disruptions or affecting existing underground services.
Innovation Solution
A method and equipment involving a rail system with trolleys and a pulling rope to deploy a single long power cable span within a tunnel, where the cable is clamped by trolleys sliding along the rail, eliminating the need for intermediate pulling aids and joints, and allowing for easy installation and potential future cable substitution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If multiple cable joints are used to install cables in tunnels, then the cable can be deployed in sections that fit through the tunnel, but the installation cost, time, and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable installation process is segmented into multiple pulling operations using sequential trolleys, where each trolley pulls the cable a predetermined distance before being replaced by the next trolley in the sequence, enabling deployment of cables longer than the tunnel length without intermediate joints
Solution Approach 2:
Trolleys serve as intermediary devices that transfer pulling force from the cable to the rail system, enabling the cable to be pulled through the tunnel in controlled segments without requiring intermediate joints or complex pulling mechanisms inside the tunnel
2Length of moving object
If multiple cable joints are used to install cables in tunnels, then the cable can be deployed in sections, but the installation cost and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is deployed as a single continuous span without intermediate joints by using sequential trolley pulling operations, eliminating weak points where faults could occur while maintaining the ability to handle cables of any length through structured分段 pulling
Solution Approach 2:
The rail-based trolley system acts as a reliable intermediary that provides controlled, predictable pulling force throughout the cable deployment process, reducing safety risks associated with uncontrolled cable handling and intermediate jointing operations
3Reliability
If heavy high voltage cables are deployed in long spans, then fewer joints are needed, but the cable becomes difficult to manage and pull through the tunnel
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling operation is segmented into multiple controlled stages using sequential trolleys, where each trolley manages a manageable portion of the total cable length, making it feasible to handle heavy high voltage cables in long spans without intermediate joints
Solution Approach 2:
The rail-based trolley system serves as a mechanical intermediary that distributes the pulling force across multiple stations, reducing the manual handling burden and enabling deployment of heavy cables that would otherwise be difficult to manage
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cable installation methods are used, then existing underground services may be affected, but tunnel installation is required to avoid disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The rail-based trolley system acts as an intermediary infrastructure that enables cable installation through the tunnel without direct contact or disruption to existing underground services, as the rails are installed independently and the pulling operation occurs within the tunnel void
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment describes a method for installing a single power cable span in a tunnel having an entrance and an exit. The method includes positioning a head portion of the single power cable span near the entrance and laying the single power cable span in the tunnel past the exit. The laying of the single power cable span comprises repeating a plurality of sub-steps until the head portion reaches an endpoint outside the tunnel. The plurality of sub-steps includes connecting a trolley at the entrance in a slidable manner on a rail longitudinally extending along the tunnel between the entrance and the exit, joining the trolley to a pulling rope and to the single power cable span, and moving the trolley along the rail by pulling the pulling rope by a predetermined length. Another embodiment relates to an equipment for installing a single cable span in a tunnel.