Collaborative project MIBOKA - Minimally invasive and soil-protecting cable plough technology for bundled parallel laying of ultra-high voltage underground cables. Subproject: Multi-cable plough with precise measuring technique for highly accurate parallel laying of underground cables. Final report

Within the collaborative project MIBOKA, a novel laying process for ultra-high voltage underground cables was developed and validated. The method is characterized by high laying performance, reduced costs and low soil impact. The project approach is based on parallel laying of underground cables using a multiple cable plow. Three cable pipes are plowed in simultaneously in the case of AC lines and two in the case of DC lines. The sub-project of Föckersperger Maschinen GmbH as the project coordinator was dedicated to all mechanical engineering aspects of the new cable plow technology. Starting from a simple triple plow design, extensive enhancements were made and tested in local field trials. During the course of the work, the requirements for the positional accuracy and position of the cable pipes were achieved for a triple bundle. This was confirmed in a line-dependent field test with the associated partner TenneT. With an attached line tape plow, the required positional accuracy of the warning tape and protective layer was also achieved. While simultaneous placement of bedding material proved to be impractical, additional vibration and water injection was used to achieve improved soil compaction around the cable pipe. After completion of the project and upon reaching market maturity, the novel cable plow technology can be marketed to grid operators and other customers in Germany and abroad and thus contribute decisively to the expansion of the distribution grid infrastructure in the course of the energy transition.