Optimizing the Network and the Asset Lifecycle and Reducing Operational and Capital Costs through Predictive Analytics and Asset Health Management

摘要

As we all know, it is of key importance for operators to optimize the network and keep power transmission running smoothly and reliably to ensure efficient operation. Utilities recognize that they need to continuously mature both the operation of the network and their strategic asset management programs. They are, however, also facing issues that make these critical activities more challenging: (1) Assets are being used beyond their original design lifetime. (2) Demands on transmission equipment are rapidly changing as renewables cause frequent load fluctuations, yet the demand for reliability are higher than ever. (3) There are increased requirements on security and efficiency of power system operations as well as a need for improved quality of network models to be shared between TSOs and DSOs. (4) Experienced engineers are retiring and younger workers are more mobile, changing job much more frequently. This results in a lack of professionals with a long history of maintaining specific pieces of equipment. (5) The volume of data available is rapidly increasing as sensors and monitors generate more than ever before. Turning this data into information which can drive decisions, however, remains a challenge. (6) The ability to make financial decisions based on a fleet-wide view of asset health is nearly impossible and therefore spending on both maintenance and asset replacement is not optimal. Solutions that help address these issues exist in the form of innovative, advanced modelling techniques and the changed business processes that leverage them. One such solution, based on the usage of an Asset Health system, is to apply advanced predictive algorithms and models to help utilities move beyond only doing corrective and time-based preventive maintenance to more condition-based and predictive maintenance. There is also in today's power systems a necessity for detailed modeling of protection schemes and devices to increase accuracy of load flow and security analysis calculations. The latest innovations introduced to advance SCADA/EMS/MMS/DMS functionality, which address the challenges of tomorrow's smart grid are required due to the continuous evolution of electricity markets that result in changes to main industry standards such as ENTSO-E, NERC, IEC and CIM standards, and which also require subsequent modifications of the control center software to achieve full regulatory compliance. This article will cover the requirements for and benefits achieved from an Asset Health solution. It will also highlight potential benefits that can be achieved by utilities connecting asset health solutions with their SCADA/EMS/MMS/DMS systems.