On the status of reliability studies involving primary and secondary equipment applied to power system

Growth in infrastructure and energy utilization consistently put forward the demand for added quality and quantity of electric power. Reliability concerns over power systems are widespread within its different associated divisions like `primary' power system structure, protection system, control equipment, ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) etc. This paper is a review of the present status of practices regarding reliability analysis in these divisions and works towards collectively assessing some of the studies in the respective areas. The idea of integrating reliability analysis from the above areas is introduced along with pointing out the major challenges associated. A set of tools for operators to make use in these reliability evaluations and modelling are mentioned. The earlier attempts towards combined overall system reliability analysis are discussed and the approach in this regard with the help of `control functions' is emphasised. The paper includes works dealing with theory, different methodologies and data associated with power system reliability.