A reliability-oriented outlook on the critical components of power distribution systems

Critical components of a system denote to those which have considerable influences on its both technical and economical performance. This paper is concentrated on the identification of critical components in power distribution systems, more from a reliability viewpoint, to be planned for maintenance schedules. A new straightforward scheme is proposed based on the common load point reliability indices which can easily get through the components prioritization. The presented scheme can then mathematically find the most critical ones to be put under reliability centered maintenance (RCM). Since the maintenance plans are then applied where necessary, the proposed method helps in more effectively reaching the benchmarked reliability indices of a distribution utility, with the minimum costs and the maximum benefits. The effectiveness and applicability of the offered scheme are finally reflected in its application on a real distribution system, i.e. Swedish distribution network belonging to the BIRKA Nat distribution system in the Stockholm City area.