SINTEF Energi has developed expertise, methods and tools for this type of analysis of both grid and hydropower facilities.
A significant proportion of the components in the power system will reach their expected technical service life over the next 20 years. There is therefore a growing need to identify which power system components should be renewed and which can be kept in operation.
Renewal here refers to extensive maintenance measures (rehabilitation) and reinvestments. Without renewal, the condition could result in failures with major economic, safety and environmental consequences, and over time represent an unacceptable risk to asset owners and society at large. To determine the optimal timing for maintenance and reinvestment measures, it is necessary to carry out an analysis of expected condition development, remaining service life and associated risk, as well as a cost-benefit analysis of relevant measures.
What often makes the renewal decision complicated is the considerable uncertainty associated with the actual technical condition and expected remaining service life. How poor is the condition really, and how will it develop going forward? When is the optimal time to carry out measures, and which measures are optimal to carry out? There is money to be saved by postponing extensive renewal, provided this does not lead to failures with major consequential costs.
SINTEF Energy's expertise, methods and tools in risk-based asset management of power system components include the following areas:
- Failure/residual life models based on information about technical condition
- Analysis of failure probability and associated risk
- Cost-benefit analysis of maintenance and reinvestment measures, including analysis of profitability and optimal timing
- Development of strategies for optimal asset management of power system components
- Handbooks (guidelines) for the determination of technical condition
- Required data basis for technical and economic analysis