Exploring the effect of an asset management system on the efficiency and reliability of transformers in a power utility

[摘要] The research presents an analysis of Eskom's transmission transformer performance insupport of the company's Asset Management System. Eskom Transmission is currentlyimplementing an Asset Management approach to making investment decisions.Literature review revealed that the grid adopted PAS 55, currently considered the bestpractice in Asset Management in the industry, in 2010. The results from this analysiscan be used to decide on appropriate asset strategies on whether to extend the lifespan of an asset or to replace it. This will ensure that most effective investmentdecisions are made in order to improve the reliability and lifespan of company'snetworks.Eskom is experiencing the pressures of operating and maintaining older transmissionsubstations with reductions in their work force and operating budgets.The Grids have established a maintenance plan to perform scheduled maintenance toassess the condition of equipment which mainly follows the time based management inorder to maintain reliable and cost-effective operation of plant. Time based maintenanceand condition based maintenance are the main strategies used in Eskom Transmission.There is an increase in transformer maintenance defects due to network constraints, insufficient maintenance teams, reduced skills, insufficient network contingencies etc.Substations need to be inspected on a regular basis by experienced substationpersonnel to effectively maintain continuous operation.The data used in this study was collected by means of interviews and questionnaires ofa sample group within the North Grid. More percentages of people in the Grid were notinterviewed instead were issued with questionnaires. This was done in order to ensurethat the sample group is a fair representation of the Grid. The results of this researchconfirm that there is in fact a real requirement to train the artisans and supervisors interms of asset management principles to increase equipment reliability andperformance.

[发布机构] North-West University