Methods for Determining The Status Of MV Switching Devices Using Minimum Cost Criterion

This paper introduces a new method for evaluating the status of medium-voltage (MV) switching devices by defining two hybrid parameters. The device condition hybrid parameter (DCHP) and the device importance hybrid parameter (DIHP) are defined by using weighing factors. Three different methods were applied for determining the DCHP, while the DIHP is determined by using the differential evolution algorithm. Boundary values for the DCHP are calculated on the basis of economic criterion regarding minimum costs. The proposed approach was primarily developed for applying modern MV switching devices maintenance, but can also be used in network planning and for proper choosing of MV switching devices. It is elucidated by an example.