Asset management integral decision support model for distribution power cables

Electrical power utilities can choose various methods to obtain information about technical condition of their assets, e.g. inspections, diagnostic measurements. Nowadays, however, decisions will have to be based on more than this technical information alone. A more integral approach is needed, paying attention to all stakeholders' expectations. This paper discusses research performed on modeling the asset management decision process to provide support during the decision process. The model was developed to provide a structured approach in making decisions. This way it assures that all aspects and categories of importance will be taken into consideration every time a decision has to be made. Based on an interactive template, the model provides support in profiling the asset owners' demands, and in assessment of technical, economical and societal status of the assets. Furthermore the model helps out in the selection of integrated analytical tools to model the effects on, and the interaction between: reliability and availability, spare part provision, maintenance activities and intervals, operational load, condition assessment, remaining technical lifetime and benefits and costs. A practical implementation in the field of medium voltage power cable networks is discussed to illustrate the use of the model.