How Sustainable is Cable Blowing?
Cable blowing is efficient for installing cables into ducts. However, energy consumption of blowing is higher than for pulling, caused by the air flowing much faster than the cable. That’s why big air compressors are required to blow optical cables, while much larger power cables are pulled with battery powered E-winches. It is found that energy consumption of blowing can be reduced considerably when air pressure is controlled to the need, making it comparable to pulling or better. Battery-operated compressors or gas bottles can then be used for cable blowing. Tests are done with a blowing machine with automated pressure control.
W. Griffioen, G. Martel, T. Martin, R. Lobstein, M. van Moppes
