Optimising the maintenance of 11 kV oil filled switchgear-an example of condition based decision making

Owners and operators of electricity networks are reviewing policies and procedures to ensure the optimum level of maintenance is carried out on network plant. EA Technology has worked closely with a number of UK RECs to assist with the introduction of maintenance regimes which are based on establishing the condition (and future performance) of assets using carefully designed programmes of sampling and inspection. These programmes are resulting in very significant cost savings while maintaining or improving the level of reliability and safety. This paper describes the application of a maintenance optimisation scheme related to 11 kV oil filled switchgear within UK electricity companies. It is believed the approach described can not only be applied more widely to 11 kV oil filled switchgear but many of the generic features are applicable, with the potential for very significant savings, to other assets on electricity networks and beyond