Strategic view of an assets health index for making long-term decisions in different industries

Libro en Open AccessAn Asset Health Index (AHI) is a tool that processes data about asset’s condition. That index is intended to explore if alterations can be generated in the health of the asset along its life cycle. These data can be obtained during the asset’s operation, but they can also come from other information sources such as geographical information systems, supplier’s reliability records, relevant external agent’s records, etc. The tool (AHI) provides an objective point of view in order to justify, for instance, the extension of an asset useful life, or in order to identify which assets from a fleet are candidates for an early replacement as a consequence of a premature aging. This paper develops a model applicable to different classes of equipment and industrial sectors. A review of the main cases where the asset health index has been applied is included. Likewise, advantages and disadvantages in the application of this kind of tools are revealed, providing a guide for a research line related to the general application of this tool

Application of Machine Learning Methods for Asset Management on Power Distribution Networks

This study aims to study the different kinds of Machine Learning (ML) models and their working principles for asset management in power networks. Also, it investigates the challenges behind asset management and its maintenance activities. In this review article, Machine Learning (ML) models are analyzed to improve the lifespan of the electrical components based on the maintenance management and assessment planning policies. The articles are categorized according to their purpose: 1) classification, 2) machine learning, and 3) artificial intelligence mechanisms. Moreover, the importance of using ML models for proper decision making based on the asset management plan is illustrated in a detailed manner. In addition to this, a comparative analysis between the ML models is performed, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques. Then, the challenges and managing operations of the asset management strategies are discussed based on the technical and economic factors. The proper functioning, maintenance and controlling operations of the electric components are key challenging and demanding tasks in the power distribution systems. Typically, asset management plays an essential role in determining the quality and profitability of the elements in the power network. Based on this investigation, the most suitable and optimal machine learning technique can be identified and used for future work. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2022-06-04-017 Full Text: PD

Acoustic performance study of lecture room during learning activities and rainfall at higher education institution

Noise pollution has become one of the significant world problems along with air pollution and water pollution. Previous research had found that the ability to find quiet times and places are essential to support knowledge work. The main source of noise pollution in the educational institution are traffic noise, community noise and industrial noise. Besides, the usage of the metal deck as roofing system at lecture room may also affecting the acoustic performance level during rainy days. This is because the rain noise is often becomes unpleasant problems that disturb learning activities caused from the noise produced by rainfall when it hit the surface of the metal deck roof. Experimental studies were undertaken to investigate the acoustic performance in a lecture room (E15-BK2) located at block E15 of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia. The comfort noise level for the learning space should not exceed 55 dBa for the learning spaces to achieve the effectiveness of learning process. This study will be focusing on obtaining data of Sound Pressure Level in lecture room with learning activities and no learning activities by using Sound Level Meter (RS-322). The result had shown that the noise recorded at the lecture room during learning activities, no learning activities and during rainfall had exceeded the requirement set by Department of Environment Malaysia which is 55 dBA and the acoustic performance in the lecture is not in the suitable position for the learning process. Therefore, some adjustment and renovation should be done to the lecture room so that the Sound Pressure Level (SPL) should fall within the accepted standard

Fit at 50 - Keeping aging transformers healthy for longer with ABB TrafoAssetManagement

Keeping fit and “staying young” are goals for many – including power transformers. Many of the world’s transformers are reaching an age where these goals are becoming critical for their survival, and for the survival of the operating companies. The consequences of a transformer failure can be catastrophic. This is why operators demand high availability and a rapid recovery time after an outage. With an aging fleet of transformers and tight maintenance budgets, transformers remain in service well past their optimal life spans. The assumption that all are fit for an extended working life can be a dangerous gamble. When it comes to transformer asset management, an operator’s main objectives are to reduce the risk of a failure and minimize the impact if a failure does occur. ABB’s TrafoAsset ManagementTM provides just the support operators need to make intelligent maintenance decisions to face these challenges

Advantage of in Service Condition Based Assessment for Transformers in enhancing the maintenance strategy

controlling the maintenance OPEX is one of the major challenges that any utility faces. The challenges lie in how to optimize the three main factors: risk, performance, and cost. Besides, no utility can depend on a unique type of maintenance, there is always a combination of a different kind of maintenance such as breakdown, preventive, risk-based, conditionbased,.. etc. So, what is the answer to this question: what type of maintenance needs to be followed to keep the transformer in service in with high performance? There is no specific answer to this question. Each type of maintenance can be applied based on the transformer`s operating environment. However, most of the utilities apply preventive and condition-based maintenance. To justify this answer, some data need to be analyzed to assess the maintenance performance and recommend what are enhancement need to be added. One of these approaches is to apply in service condition-based assessment to study the health of the assets based on the current maintenance practice. Furthermore, study both historical maintenance records and failure rates will help to understand the relationship between the effectiveness of maintenance and service efficiency. This relation can come in two shapes. One is to do the right things by developing a set of maintenance activities that need to be performed during the maintenance to ensure its effectiveness. Second, is to do things right by enhancing the maintenance crew capabilities and competencies to ensure high efficiency. After analyzing all these factors mentioned above, It has been noticed that in-service condition-based assessment of the transformer is a powerful tool that can be used to enhance and build an effective strategy. It will not only involve a set of activities during the maintenance, but it also covers the whole life cycle of the transformer. Besides, it highlights the gaps in the maintenance process and procedures, and provide indications where enhancement need to be applied based on international practice. These changes were observed on the cost and performance in the benchmarking study that was done through International Transmission Operation and Maintenance Study (ITOMS) which was a good indication of the effectiveness of strategy used for transformers. However, as part of the asset management approach, continuous improvement will continue to reach the vision that has been set in the maintenance optimization and to prepare for the future significant increase in transformer aging

Techno-economic analysis of global power quality mitigation strategy for provision of differentiated quality of supply

This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for techno-economic assessment of power quality (PQ) mitigation solutions, both network-based and device-based, and proposes an optimisation-based PQ mitigation strategy for delivering differentiated PQ in networks integrated with renewable generation. The proposed strategy is based on the evaluation of financial losses due to several critical PQ phenomena, the cost of different mitigation solutions and the payback due to the adoption of particular solution. Furthermore, it accounts for different customers’ requirements and provides differentiated levels of PQ across the network. The simulation results present both the financial and technical benefits of the optimal mitigation scheme

Asset management strategies for power electronic converters in transmission networks: Application to HVdc and FACTS devices

The urgency for an increased capacity boost bounded by enhanced reliability and sustainability through operating cost reduction has become the major objective of electric utilities worldwide. Power electronics have contributed to this goal for decades by providing additional flexibility and controllability to the power systems. Among power electronic based assets, high-voltage dc (HVdc) transmission systems and flexible ac transmission systems (FACTS) controllers have played a substantial role on sustainable grid infrastructure. Recent advancements in power semiconductor devices, in particular in voltage source converter based technology, have facilitated the widespread application of HVdc systems and FACTS devices in transmission networks. Converters with larger power ratings and higher number of switches have been increasingly deployed for bulk power transfer and large scale renewable integration—increasing the need of managing power converter assets optimally and in an efficient way. To this end, this paper reviews the state-of-the-art of asset management strategies in the power industry and indicates the research challenges associated with the management of high power converter assets. Emphasis is made on the following aspects: condition monitoring, maintenance policies, and ageing and failure mechanisms. Within this context, the use of a physics-of-failure based assessment for the life-cycle management of power converter assets is introduced and discussed