Description:METHOD OF STRINGING CONDUCTOR ACROSS TRANSMISSION TOWERS USING AERIAL VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a field of overhead electrical transmission and, in particular, relates to a method for stringing conductors across transmission towers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Over the years, overhead power transmission systems have been widely used for transmission of electrical energy across long distances. In general, these overhead power transmission systems include conductors stringed on transmission towers, poles and other electrical and mechanical apparatus. Conventionally, these conductors are stringed across the transmission towers by utilizing manual labor and/or manned helicopters. The selection of manual labor or manned helicopter for installation operations is based on scale of operations, budget and terrain of installation area. In conventional methods, a pilot wire is initially laid between the transmission towers by use of manual labor and/or manned helicopters. The technician manually carries the pilot ropes from top to bottom of transmission towers. In addition, the technician covers the separation between towers with pilot ropes and again climbs back on the subsequent transmission towers with the same pilot rope in hand. Thereafter, the pilot wire is pulled using winch machines and cable tensioners with substantially constant tension. Further, the conductors are attached to the pilot ropes and pulled across the transmission towers by utilizing heavy winch machines. These conventional methods for stringing the conductors depend on topology and intervening terrains between the transmission towers. Presently, the time required by these conventional methods varies in a range of about 1 hour to 6 hours per tower.

[0003] These conventional methods of stringing the conductors between the transmission towers have certain drawbacks. These conventional methods are extremely time-consuming with labor intensive activities. In addition, these conventional methods involve large manual interventions during stringing of the conductors between the transmission towers. Moreover, these conventional methods have inherent safety issues and environmental concerns in stringing the conductors across the intervening terrains. Also, these conventional methods encounter ‘right of way’ challenges in stringing the conductors across the intervening terrains having cultivated fields, built up area, valleys, rivers and other natural obstacles.

[0004] In light of the above stated discussion, there is a need for a method and system that overcomes the above stated disadvantages.
OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method for remotely operated and assisted deployment of a conductor on transmission towers.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to use aerial vehicles for laying pre-pilot ropes and pilot ropes across the transmission towers.
[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide provisions for iteratively performing the process of laying pre-pilot and pilot ropes across the transmission towers.
[0008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to reduce time for laying the conductor across the transmission towers.
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to reduce dependency on manual labor used for manually carrying pre-pilot ropes, pilot ropes and conductors across the transmission towers.
[0010] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a cost effective solution for fast deployment of the conductor across the transmission towers in rocky, mountain or hilly terrains.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to facilitate portability of carrying installation equipment for deployment of pre-pilot ropes, pilot ropes and conductors.
SUMMARY
[0012] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of stringing a conductor across a plurality of transmission towers using an aerial vehicle. The method includes a step of flying the aerial vehicle carrying a first end of a first pilot rope to a first transmission tower of the plurality of transmission towers. Further, the method includes another step of movably attaching the first pilot rope to a first dynamic latch system of the first transmission tower. In addition, the method includes yet another step of flying the aerial vehicle to a destination transmission tower of the plurality of transmission towers. Furthermore, the method includes yet another step of movably attaching the first pilot rope to a second dynamic latch system of the destination transmission tower. Also, the method includes yet another step of navigating the aerial vehicle to ground level. Further, the method includes yet another step of pulling the first end of the first pilot rope using a winch on the ground level. In addition, the method includes yet another step of immovably clamping the conductor between the first transmission tower and the destination transmission tower. Further, a second end of the first pilot rope is connected to a first end of a second pilot rope. In addition, a second end of the second pilot rope is connected to a first end of the conductor. Also, the first end of the first pilot rope is connected to the winch. The first end of the first pilot rope is pulled till the second pilot rope is laid across the first transmission tower and the destination transmission tower reaching a second geographical position proximate to a location of the winch. Further, the first end of the second pilot rope is pulled till the conductor is laid across the first transmission tower and the destination transmission tower. Furthermore, the first pilot rope has a first pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of about 2 millimeters to 3 millimeters. The second pilot rope has a second pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of about 4 millimeters to 18 millimeters. The conductor has a pre-defined weight in a range of about 1600 kilograms per kilometer to 2200 kilograms per kilometer. Also, the conductor has a pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of about 29 millimeters to about 32 millimeters. In addition, the conductor has a pre-defined breaking load in a range of about 130 kilonewtons to 160 kilonewtons.
STATEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0013] The present disclosure relates to a method of stringing a conductor across a plurality of transmission towers using an aerial vehicle. The method includes a step of flying the aerial vehicle carrying a first end of a first pilot rope to a first transmission tower of the plurality of transmission towers. Further, the method includes another step of movably attaching the first pilot rope to a first dynamic latch system of the first transmission tower. In addition, the method includes yet another step of flying the aerial vehicle to a destination transmission tower of the plurality of transmission towers. Furthermore, the method includes yet another step of movably attaching the first pilot rope to a second dynamic latch system of the destination transmission tower. Also, the method includes yet another step of navigating the aerial vehicle to ground level. Further, the method includes yet another step of pulling the first end of the first pilot rope using a winch on the ground level. In addition, the method includes yet another step of immovably clamping the conductor between the first transmission tower and the destination transmission tower. Further, a second end of the first pilot rope is connected to a first end of a second pilot rope. In addition, a second end of the second pilot rope is connected to a first end of the conductor. Also, the first end of the first pilot rope is connected to the winch. The first end of the first pilot rope is pulled till the second pilot rope is laid across the first transmission tower and the destination transmission tower reaching a second geographical position proximate to a location of the winch. Further, the first end of the second pilot rope is pulled till the conductor is laid across the first transmission tower and the destination transmission tower. Furthermore, the first pilot rope has a first pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of about 2 millimeters to 3 millimeters. The second pilot rope has a second pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of about 4 millimeters to 18 millimeters. The conductor has a pre-defined weight in a range of about 1600 kilograms per kilometer to 2200 kilograms per kilometer. Also, the conductor has a pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of about 29 millimeters to about 32 millimeters. In addition, the conductor has a pre-defined breaking load in a range of about 130 kilonewtons to 160 kilonewtons.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0014] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B illustrates a flow diagram for stringing a conductor across a plurality of transmission towers using an aerial vehicle, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of a typical scenario of stringing the conductor across the plurality of transmission towers by using the aerial vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0016] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrates a flowchart for the conductor across the plurality of transmission towers using the aerial vehicle, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The present invention describes a method for enabling the stringing of one or more overhead cables across a plurality of transmission towers. The one or more overhead cables include but may not be limited to one or more electrical conductors and optical ground wires (hereinafter as “OPGWs”). In general, the one or more electrical conductors are used for transmitting and distributing electrical energy along large distances. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more electrical conductors are aluminum conductor steel reinforced. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more electrical conductors are aluminum conductor aluminum-alloy reinforced. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more electrical conductors are any suitable conductor.
[0018] Further, each electrical conductor of the one or more electrical conductors has a pre-defined weight in a range of about 1600 kilograms per kilometer (hereinafter as “Kg/km”) to 2200 Kg/km. In addition, each electrical conductor of the one or more electrical conductors has a pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of about 29 millimeters (hereinafter as “mm”) to about 32 mm. Furthermore, each electrical conductor of the one or more electrical conductors has a pre-defined breaking load in a range of about 130 kilonewtons (hereinafter as “kN”) to 160 kN.
[0019] In an example, the electrical conductor is a “moose conductor” with the pre-defined weight of 2000 kg/km, the pre-defined cross-sectional diameter of 31.77 mm and the pre-defined breaking load of 159.6 kN. In another example, the electrical conductor is a “zebra conductor” with the pre-defined weight of 1621 kg/km, the pre-defined cross-sectional diameter of 28.62 mm and the pre-defined breaking load of 130.32 kN. In yet another example, the electrical conductor is a “bersimis conductor” with the pre-defined weight of 2200 kg/km, the pre-defined cross-sectional diameter of 30.67 mm and the pre-defined breaking load of 155.67 kN.
[0020] The one or more electrical conductors are stringed across the plurality of transmission towers. Each transmission tower of the plurality of transmission towers provides support to each conductor of the one or more electrical conductors. The transmission tower includes a single support pole, multiple support poles, lattice support towers or combinations thereof as would be known to one skilled in the art. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission tower is a double circuit transmission tower. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission tower is a waist-type transmission tower. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission tower is a guyed-v type transmission tower. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission tower is any suitable transmission tower for stringing the one or more conductors. The transmission tower is installed with one or more cable supporting assemblies. The one or more cable supporting assemblies include but may not be limited to clamp assemblies, pulley assemblies and suspension insulators.
[0021] Going further, the one or more overhead cables are stringed across the plurality of transmission towers by using one or more pilot ropes. In general, the one or more pilot ropes are stranded cables made of materials such as steel, nylon or polyethylene, and the like. In general, the one or more pilot ropes are used initially for stringing the one or more electrical conductors across the plurality of transmission towers. The one or more pilot ropes are laid across the plurality of transmission towers initially during the stringing of the one or more overhead cables. Further, the one or more overhead cables are connected to a pilot rope of the one or more pilot ropes. Finally, the pilot rope is pulled for stringing the electrical conductor of the one or more electrical conductors between the plurality of transmission towers.
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the figures, similar structure will be identified using identical callouts. FIG. 1 illustrates a flow diagram for stringing the conductor on the plurality of transmission towers using an aerial vehicle, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The flow diagram includes a first step 102 of suspending a first pilot rope 202a (shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2C) across a first transmission tower 204a and a destination transmission tower 204b. The first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b are associated with the plurality of transmission towers.
[0023] The first pilot rope 202a has a first pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of about 2 mm to 3 mm. The first pilot rope 202a is carried by one or more drum assemblies 206. The one or more drum assemblies 206 are designed to wind and unwind the first pilot rope 202a while maintaining substantially constant tension. Further, the one or more drum assemblies 206 includes one or more rope drums 206a and one or more drum holders 206b. The one or more rope drums 206a carries a plurality of windings of the first pilot rope 202a and a plurality of windings of a second pilot rope 202b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first rope drum of the one or more rope drums 206a carries the plurality of windings of the first pilot rope 202a. In addition, the first pilot rope 202a is wounded over the first rope drum of the one or more rope drums 206a in coils of increasing radius with respect to an axis of rotation of the said rope drum. The one or more drum holders 206b are designed to hold each rope drum of the one or more rope drums 206a. In addition, the one or more drum holders 206b facilitates the transportation of the one or more rope drums 206a from one place to another.
[0024] Going further, the first pilot rope 202a is suspended across the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b by using an aerial vehicle 208 (shown in FIG. 2A). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerial vehicle 208 is an unmanned aerial vehicle. In an example, the unmanned aerial vehicle includes but may not be limited to a drone and a quadcopter. The aerial vehicle 208 is configured to operate remotely by using an operator assisted flight control system. The operator assisted flight control system associated with the aerial vehicle 208 controls propulsion, speed, and direction during the flight of the aerial vehicle 208. In addition, the operator assisted flight control system controls altitude and fine maneuvering during the flight of the aerial vehicle 208.
[0025] The aerial vehicle 208 includes a plurality of sensors (not shown). The plurality of sensors may be inertial sensors, external sensing and controls, and proximity sensors. The plurality of sensors monitors location, relative position, acceleration, motion, direction, altitude and speed associated with the aerial vehicle 208. In addition, the plurality of sensors monitors fuel/battery conditions, environmental data, user inputs, and similar data associated with the aerial vehicle 208. Further, the aerial vehicle 208 has a pre-defined load carrying capacity. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pre-defined load carrying capacity of the aerial vehicle 208lies in a range of 1 gram to 50 kilograms. Moreover, the aerial vehicle 208 is characterized by an airborne capability for a pre-defined period of time. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pre-defined period of time lies in a range of 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
[0026] Continuing with FIG. 1, a plurality of sub-steps is involved in suspending the first pilot rope 202a across the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b. The plurality of sub-steps includes a first sub-step 102a of deploying the aerial vehicle 208 at a first geographical position 210. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerial vehicle 208 is deployed manually at the first geographical position 210 by an operator 212. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first geographical position 210 is proximate to a location of the one or more drum assemblies 206. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first geographical position is proximate to a location of the first transmission tower 204a. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first geographical position 210 is at any specific distance from the one or more drum assemblies 206 and the first transmission tower 204a.
[0027] Going further, the plurality of sub-steps include a second sub-step 102b of attaching a first end 214 of the first pilot rope 202a to the aerial vehicle 208 deployed at the first geographical position 210. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end 214 of the first pilot rope 202a is attached to the aerial vehicle 208 through a hoisting member (not shown) mounted on the aerial vehicle 208. The first end 214 of the first pilot rope 202a is obtained by unwinding the first pilot rope 202a from the first rope drum of the one or more rope drums 206a. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end 214 of the first pilot rope 202a is manually attached to the aerial vehicle 208.
[0028] Furthermore, the plurality of sub-steps includes a third sub-step 102c of flying the aerial vehicle 208 to the first transmission tower 204a of the plurality of transmission towers. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a flight path of the aerial vehicle 208 is defined to cover minimum distance between the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b. In an example, the flight path associated with the aerial vehicle 208 is a straight line path. In another example, the flight path associated with the aerial vehicle 208 is a fuel efficient. The aerial vehicle carries the first end 214 of the first pilot rope 202a to the first transmission tower 204a. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerial vehicle 208is allowed to fly to a first desired location 216 (as shown in FIG. 2A) associated with the first transmission tower 204a. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flight of the aerial vehicle 208 is controlled remotely by the operator 212. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerial vehicle 208 is navigated automatically.
[0029] The plurality of sub-steps include a fourth sub-step 102d of movably attaching the first pilot rope 202a to a first dynamic latch system 218a of the first transmission tower 204a. In general, a dynamic latch system includes a mechanical latch and an aerial pulley coupled to each other for guiding ropes and/or cables during the stringing of the electrical conductors. The first pilot rope 202a is attached to the first dynamic latch system 218a by positioning the aerial vehicle 208 to a second desired location 220(as shown in FIG. 2A). The second desired location 220 is characterized by a location proximate to a mounting position of the first dynamic latch system 218a over the first transmission tower 204a. The aerial vehicle208 is positioned at the second desired location 220 for attaching a first section of the first pilot rope202a to the first dynamic latch system218a (as shown in FIG. 2B). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first section is a hanging section of the first pilot rope 202a attached manually to the first dynamic latch system 218a. In an example, a first technician (not shown) present at the first transmission tower 204a receives the first section of the first pilot rope 202a from the aerial vehicle 208. In addition, the first technician attaches the first pilot rope 202a by passing the first section of the first pilot rope 202a through the first dynamic latch system 218a.
[0030] The first dynamic latch system 218a include but may not be limited to one or more open latch pulleys and one or more aerial pulleys. The first dynamic latch system 218a are designed to convey the first section of the first pilot rope 202a through the first transmission tower 204a. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first dynamic latch system 218a is hung from one or more suspension insulators disposed on the first transmission tower 204a. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first dynamic latch system 218a is suspended directly from the first transmission tower 204a.
[0031] Continuing with FIG. 1, the plurality of sub-steps include a fifth sub-step 102e of flying the aerial vehicle 208 to the destination transmission tower 204b associated with the one or more destination transmission towers. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the aerial vehicle 208 is allowed to fly to a third desired location 222 associated with the destination transmission tower 204b (as shown in FIG. 2C). The third desired location 222 is proximate to a second dynamic latch system 218b mounted on the destination transmission tower 204b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operator 212 remotely guides the flight of the aerial vehicle 208 to the destination transmission tower 204b. The aerial vehicle 208 is guided for passing the first section of the first pilot rope 202a through the second dynamic latch system 218b (as shown in FIG. 2C).
[0032] Further, the plurality of sub-steps include a sixth sub-step 102f of movably attaching the first pilot rope 202a to the second dynamic latch system 218b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first section of the first pilot rope 202a is attached manually to the second dynamic latch system 218b. In an example, a second technician (not shown) present at the destination transmission tower 204b receives the first section of the first pilot rope 202a from the aerial vehicle 208. In addition, the second technician passes the first section of the first pilot rope 202a through the second dynamic latch system 218b.
[0033] The second dynamic latch system 218b includes but may not be limited to one or more open latch pulleys and one or more aerial pulleys. The second dynamic latch system 218b is designed to convey the first section of the first pilot rope 202a through the destination transmission tower 204b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second dynamic latch system 218b is hung from one or more suspension insulators disposed on the destination transmission tower 204b. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second dynamic latch system 218b is suspended directly from the destination transmission tower 204b.
[0034] Further, the plurality of sub-steps include a seventh sub-step 102g of navigating the aerial vehicle 208 to ground level. The aerial vehicle 208 is navigated to the ground level at a second geographical position 224. The second geographical position 224 is a physical location proximate to the destination transmission tower 204b. Moreover, the plurality of sub-steps include an eight sub-step 102h of releasing the first pilot rope 202a at the second geographical position 224 (as shown in FIG. 2C). The aerial vehicle 208 releases the first pilot rope 202a by unlocking the first end 214 of the first pilot rope 202a. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the operator 212 send signals to the aerial vehicle 208 for releasing the first pilot rope 202a at the second geographical position 224. Furthermore, the first pilot rope 202a released by the aerial vehicle 208 is received at the second geographical position 224. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first pilot rope 202a is received manually. In an example, a third technician (not shown) receives the first pilot rope 202a released at the second geographical position 224.
[0035] The second geographical position 224 is characterized by a position proximate to a location of a winch 226. The winch 226 is utilized to pull the first pilot rope 202a laid between the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the winch 226 is characterized by a pulling capacity of up to 150 kilogram-force (hereinafter as “kg-f”). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the winch 226 pulls the first pilot rope 202a at a pre-defined pulling speed of up to 30 meters per minute (hereinafter as “m/min”). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the winch 226 is powered by a direct current source. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the winch 226 is powered by any suitable power source such as gasoline, alternate current source and the like.
[0036] Referring to the FIG. 1, the flow diagram includes a second step 104 of mounting the first end 214 of the first pilot rope 202a released by the aerial vehicle 208to the winch 226. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end 214 of the first pilot rope 202a is mounted manually to the winch 226. In an example, the third technician receives the first end 214 of the first pilot rope 202a released from the aerial vehicle 208 and mount over a drum associated with the winch 226.
[0037] Further, the flow diagram includes a third step 106 of connecting a first end of the second pilot rope 202b to a second end of the first pilot rope 202a. The second pilot rope has a second pre-defined cross-sectional diameter of about 4 mm to 18 mm. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second pilot rope 202b is connected to the first pilot rope 202a at the first geographical position 210. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second pilot rope 202b is connected to the first pilot rope 202a at any suitable position proximate to the one or more drum assemblies 206 carrying windings of the second pilot rope 202b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second pilot rope 202b and the first pilot rope 202a are connected manually. In an example, a fourth technician (not shown) manually connects the first end of the second pilot rope 202b and the second end of the first pilot rope 202a. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end of the second pilot rope 202b and the second end of the first pilot rope 202a are connected through one or more connectors 228.
[0038] Continuing with FIG. 1, the flow diagram includes a fourth step 108 of pulling the first end of the first pilot rope 202a using the winch 226. The first end of the first pilot rope 202a is pulled till the second pilot rope 202b is laid across the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b (as shown in FIG. 2D). The second pilot rope 202b is laid by pulling the first pilot rope 202a along the first dynamic latch system 218a and the second dynamic latch system 218b. The winch 226 is operated to pull and to coil the first pilot rope 202a over the drum of the one or more drums associated with the winch 226.
[0039] Once the second pilot rope 202b is laid between the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b, the first end of the conductor is connected to the second end of the second pilot rope 202b. The first end of the conductor is connected to the second end of the second pilot rope 202b at the first geographical position 210 proximate to the one or more drum assemblies 206. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second end of the second pilot rope 202b and the first end of the conductor are connected manually through the one or more connectors 228. In an example, the fourth technician (not shown) manually connects the second end of the second pilot rope 202b and the first end of the conductor through a single socks system.
[0040] As the first end of the conductor is connected to the second end of the second pilot rope 202b, the winch 226 starts pulling the first end of the second pilot rope 202b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end of the second pilot rope 202b is pulled along the first dynamic latch system 218a and the second dynamic latch system 218b with substantial constant tension. In addition, the first end of the second pilot rope 202b is pulled till the conductor is laid across the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b. Moreover, the winch 226 pulls the conductor up to a required sag level. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the winch 226 is a portable winch of pulling capacity of up to 150kg-f. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the winch 226 is a power winch of pulling capacity of more than 500 kg-f.
[0041] Going further, the plurality of steps includes a fifth step 110 of immovably clamping the conductor between the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the conductor is manually clamped to the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b. In an example, the first technician (as stated above) present at the first transmission tower 204a clamps the conductor to the first transmission tower 204a. In another example, the second technician (as stated above) present at the destination transmission tower 204b clamps the conductor to the destination transmission tower 204b. Furthermore, the conductor is clamped to the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b by using one or more clamps mounted on the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b. The one or more clamps facilitate clamping of the conductor to the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b.
[0042] One or more tools and assemblies are used during the tensioning and stringing of the conductor between the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b. The one or more tools and assemblies include one or more slings and one or more sleeves. The one or more slings and the one or more sleeves are utilized for making one or more loops to connect the first pilot rope 202a and the second pilot rope 202b. Detailed operations of the one or more slings and the one or more sleeves, involved here, are generally known to a person skilled in the art so that a detailed discussion has been omitted for the sake of simplicity. Furthermore, the one or more tools and assemblies include one or more hydraulic splicers, one or more communication devices, one or more turn buckles and one or more sag board. Moreover, the one or more tools and assemblies include one or more conductor cutters, one or more joint protectors and one or more marking rollers.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart 300 for stringing the conductor on the plurality of transmission towers using the aerial vehicle 208, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be noted that to explain the process steps of flowchart 300, references will be made to the system elements of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D. It may also be noted that the flowchart 300 may have lesser or more number of steps.
[0044] The flowchart 300 initiates at step 302. Following step 302, at step 304, the aerial vehicle 208 is allowed to fly to the first transmission tower 204a.The aerial vehicle carries the first end of the first pilot rope 202a to the first transmission tower 204a. Further at step 306, the first pilot rope 202a is allowed to movably attach to the first dynamic latch system 218a of the first transmission tower 204a. Further, at step 308, the aerial vehicle 208 is allowed to fly to the destination transmission tower 204b. Further at step 310, the first pilot rope 202a is allowed to movably attach to the second dynamic latch system 218b of the destination transmission tower 204b. Further at step 312, the aerial vehicle 208 is navigated to the ground level. The aerial vehicle 208 releases the first pilot rope 202a at the second geographical position 224. In addition, the first end of the first pilot rope 202a is mounted to the winch 226. Further at step 314, the first end of the first pilot rope 202a is pulled using the winch 226 on the ground level. The first end of the first pilot rope 202a is pulled to string the conductor across the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b. Further at step 316, the conductor is immovably clamped between the first transmission tower 204a and the destination transmission tower 204b. The flowchart terminates at step 318.
[0045] The present disclosure has several advantages over a prior art. The present disclosure provides an efficient method for stringing the conductor on the plurality of transmission towers. Further, the present disclosure provides a method which reduces the time for stringing the conductor across the transmission towers. In addition, the present disclosure provides a cost effective solution for fast deployment of the conductors in rocky, mountain or any other challenging terrains. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides the method which reduces the labor intensive activities and thus decreases the manual intervention during the stringing process.

Claims:
What is claimed is:
1. A method of stringing a conductor across a plurality of transmission towers using an aerial vehicle, the method comprising:
flying the aerial vehicle to a first transmission tower of the plurality of transmission towers, the aerial vehicle carrying a first end of a first pilot rope, the first transmission tower having a first dynamic latch system, a second end of the first pilot rope is connected to a first end of a second pilot rope, a second end of the second pilot rope is connected to a first end of the conductor;
movably attaching the first pilot rope to the first dynamic latch system of the first transmission tower;
flying the aerial vehicle to one or more destination transmission towers of the plurality of transmission towers, the aerial vehicle carrying the first end of the first pilot rope, the destination transmission tower having a second dynamic latch system;
movably attaching the first pilot rope to the second dynamic latch system of a destination transmission tower associated with the one or more destination transmission towers;
navigating the aerial vehicle to the ground level;
pulling the first end of the first pilot rope using a winch on the ground, the first end of the first pilot rope is connected to the winch, the first end of the first pilot rope is pulled till the second pilot rope is laid across the first transmission tower and the one or more destination transmission towers reaching a second geographical position proximate to a location of the winch, the first end of the second pilot rope is pulled till the conductor is laid across the first transmission tower and the one or more destination transmission towers, wherein the first pilot rope has a first pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of 2 millimeters to 3 millimeters and the second pilot rope has a second pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of 4 millimeters to 18 millimeters; and
immovably clamping the conductor between the first transmission tower and the one or more destination transmission towers, wherein the conductor has a pre-defined weight in a range of 1600 kilograms per kilometer to 2200 kilograms per kilometer, a pre-defined cross-sectional diameter in a range of 29 millimeters to 32 millimeters, and a pre-defined breaking load in a range of 130 kilonewtons to 160 kilonewtons.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising deploying the aerial vehicle at a first geographical position proximate to a location of one or more drum assemblies, wherein the aerial vehicle is configured to operate remotely by using an operator assisted flight control system, the aerial vehicle is characterized by a load carrying capacity in a range of 1 gram to 50 kilograms and an airborne capability for a pre-defined time period in a range of 20 minutes to 30 minutes and wherein the one or more drum assemblies carries a plurality of windings of the first pilot rope and a plurality of windings of the second pilot rope.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising attaching the first end of the first pilot rope to the aerial vehicle deployed at the first geographical position, wherein the first end of the first pilot rope is obtained by unwinding the first pilot rope coiled over the one or more drum assemblies.
4. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising releasing the first end of the first pilot rope at the second geographical position.
5. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising navigating the aerial vehicle to return to the first geographical position, wherein the aerial vehicle returns after releasing the first end of the first pilot rope at the second geographical position.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising mounting the first end of the first pilot rope released by the aerial vehicle to the winch, wherein the winch is characterized by a pulling capacity of up to 150 kilogram force, a pulling speed of about 30 meters per minute and wherein the winch is powered by a direct current source.
7. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising connecting the second end of the first pilot rope and the first end of the second pilot rope, wherein the second end of the first pilot rope and the first end of the second pilot rope is connected using one or more connectors.
8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conductor is stringed between two transmission towers of the plurality of transmission towers in a single flight operation of the aerial vehicle.
9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conductor is stringed between more than two transmission towers of the plurality of transmission towers in the single flight operation of the aerial vehicle.
10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the conductor is pulled between the first transmission tower and the one or more destination transmission towers by guiding and conveying the conductor along the first dynamic latch system and the second dynamic latch system.