SEOUL -- South Korea's major power cable maker Taihan Cable & Solution has embarked on a groundbreaking project to replace New York's outdated power grid using an innovative cable-laying technique. This new method requires minimal space and equipment, making it particularly suitable for construction sites in bustling urban areas.
In October 2023, Taihan secured a contract for the replacement of aging power cables linking New York's power grid with the John F. Kennedy International Airport. This construction project poses significant challenges due to its location amidst the busy streets of the Big Apple, notorious for heavy traffic congestion.
Taihan has implemented the "Traverse Guide Puller" technique at its extra high voltage (EHV) power cable installation sites in New York. Unlike traditional methods that require heavy equipment and occupy three street lanes, Taihan's technique requires only two lanes, minimizing traffic disruption and construction time.
According to a Taihan official, the Traverse Guide Puller system enables the smooth unloading of massive cable rolls in any direction, eliminating the need for cumbersome equipment such as cranes and scaffolding. This innovative approach significantly streamlines the cable replacement process and reduces construction-related disruptions.
Taihan emphasized that the copmpany intends to leverage this convenient cable-laying technique to gain a competitive edge in the US power cable market and secure additional contracts in other American cities. With approximately half of the US underground power grids exceeding 40 years in age and requiring replacement, Taihan sees vast opportunities for growth and expansion.
Currently, Taihan holds patents for the Traverse Guide Puller technique in the U.S., Australia, and South Korea, with a patent application pending in Singapore. Since October 2023, the South Korean power cable manufacturer has secured contracts worth a total of $32 million in the U.S., encompassing the replacement of old power grids with EHV cables, mid-to-low voltage cables, and aerial lines.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
