Electric Cable End Preparation System
TECHNOLOGY
Medium Voltage Electric Cable End Preparation System
ULC Technologies and Con Edison Company of New York have developed a machine that automates the preparation of medium voltage cables for termination, enabling more reliable and resilient connections within the power grid while improving the safety of utility workers.
This machine will allow operators to improve the repeatability and consistency of critical connections within the electric grid by automating cable end preparation and minimize their exposure to high voltages.
Key Benefits
Enhanced Operator Safety
Prioritize safety and mitigate risk by relocating operators away from potentially hazardous situations, especially when working with medium voltage lines, drastically reducing the potential for operator errors.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Tackle time-consuming tasks that otherwise demand considerable manual effort from human operators, significantly improving efficiency, while ensuring a more streamlined workflow.
Repeatability and Consistency
The machine’s precision and repeatability across each step of the operation consistently deliver high-quality results, enhancing the overall reliability of the process by eliminating human bias.
Cost-Effective Operation
Automation reduces the need for labor-intensive procedures, saving both time and money. Additionally, the reduction in human errors minimize the risk of costly repair or replacement of damaged equipment
Time-Sensitive Responsiveness
Efficiency and rapid execution are invaluable during emergencies and maintenance work, ensuring that power outages are minimized and utility services can be restored promptly.
Compact Machine Size
The Cable Splicing Machine is designed to be installed in a crowded manhole and was developed to avoid interference with other cables and structures in the vault.
Cable Splicing Machine Functions
How It Works
The Cable Splicing Machine is secured onto the middle of an uncut cable in the field and uses electrical actuators to provide precise coordinated motion along the axial and circumferential directions, including continuous 360-degree operation. The machine’s tool plate consists of numerous tools capable of stripping back each layer of the cable to a desired dimension using precision tool depth controls. Future developments will aim to expand the types of splicing operations that the machine will be capable of performing.
Shorting
A precision drill ensures a robust connection between the cable’s conductor and the grounding straps. This connection is essential for minimizing potential hazards.
Cutting
Autonomously cut the cable to the required length. This is the initial step in readying the cable end for end prep and seamless integration into the splice or end cap assembly.
Jacket Removal
Carefully strip away the cable’s outer protective layer, revealing the underlying components. This step is pivotal for accessing the cable’s core and is autonomously executed by the machine.
Insulation Removal
Remove the insulating material from the end of the cable. This crucial operation exposes the cable’s core, providing a clean point of connection for a successful splice.
Semicon Removal
A proprietary technique for the removal of the layer surrounding the insulation achieves the complete and clean removal of the outer semiconductor layer ensuring optimal cable integrity.
Prepped for Splicing and Termination
Now that each layer of the cable has been stripped back to the desired dimension, it is ready for splicing or termination. Future developments of the Cable Splicing Machine will aim to expand the types of operations the machine will perform.
Have a question?
Connect with our engineering team to learn more about the Cable Splicing Machine or to discuss bespoke cable end preparation solutions.
Project Partners
Con Edison
Con Edison of New York provides electric service to approximately 3.5 million customers and gas service to approximately 1.1 million customers in New York City and Westchester County. The company also provides steam service in parts of Manhattan.
ULC Technologies
ULC Technologies works with leading utility and energy companies to develop and deploy robotic systems, inspection systems, machine learning and technology that helps reduce public disruption, minimizes environmental impact and improves safety.
“Worker safety is paramount. The technology used in this tool will enable our workers to splice high-voltage cables, efficiently, uniformly, and most importantly more safely. When you reduce the risk of performing thousands of splices each year and improve their accuracy and efficiency, it benefits workers, grid reliability, cost-effectiveness, and value. That’s a win, win, win for Con Edison, its workers, customers, and the industry.”
Your Partner in Innovation
Join us in revolutionizing cable splicing and underground vault operations by deploying and testing our cutting-edge machine in the field.
Reach out to us today and be part of the future of safer, more efficient utility services. Together, we can make a substantial impact on the industry’s operational excellence.
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