Application of RCM to high voltage substations

The authors describe how, in order to test and assess the benefits of the application of reliability centered maintenance (RCM) in the field of electrical networks, EDF has committed itself to a two year feasibility study on a 400 kV line bay. The use of reliability techniques has not only thrown light on the cost efficiencies potentially at stake, but has been a rewarding challenge in its own right. RCM maintenance policy is oriented towards the prevention of critical failures, evaluated as such on the basis of the cumulation of the seriousness and frequency of the events in question. This study of HV substations focuses on cost effects as regards equipment and the network. The probabilistic approach adopted, combined with the Bayesian treatment of experience feedback, has enabled criticality to be taken into account. Finally, the analysis and management of basic tasks, by assessing efficiency against the criteria of criticality, cost and operational discomfort, have made it possible to focus more accurately on improvements in terms of reliability.