Modeling and Computational Simulation of Cable Pulling Winch Machine

Abstract

Underground cable laying is the process of laying electrical or telecommunication cables underground. It is the replacement of overhead cable laying. Even though it is expensive, it is mostly practiced in developed countries because of its many advantages as it can transmit power across densely populated or areas where land is costly or environmentally or aesthetically sensitive. This paper focuses on developing a mathematical model for simulating and analyzing the cable pulling winch machine which is used in the underground cable laying process. The machine is modeled in MATLAB Simulink by creating a custom block library. The library developed for testing the cable pulling winch machine is based on the available data from the manufacturer. Using the MATLAB Simulink model, the winch machine is tested for its performance using different types of pumps to arrive at the optimum. This model can also be used in the future for analyzing other components in the machine and to incorporate control systems for superior control and performance of the machine.