Condition assessment of power transmission and distribution components

Power equipment such as turbines, generators, transformers, switchgear and cables represent a major capital investment in power stations and grids. With a high duty-cycle, or repeated short duration overloading, aging of such components may be appreciable. In practice, however, many components perform well even after their depreciation term has expired. As a result, extension of service time is a serious option for reduction of investment costs. On the other hand, life extension may increase the risk of failure, depending on the operation and maintenance practice. Adequate condition assessment (CA) enables to determine effective strategies for operation, replacement, thereby economical catastrophes. Before elaborating on CA-techniques, the authors specify three different types of condition relevant to power transmission and distribution equipment: technical, strategic and economical condition