A Framework Linking Insulation Ageing and Power Network Asset Management

Power network operators in developed countries are faced with the challenge of effectively managing network performance with an ageing asset population. Some of these ageing assets have been in service well beyond their design-life. As these networks grow and undergo operational changes, load magnitudes, load cycles, and power quality are all deviating from the historical norm. Hence, it is likely that traditional heuristics no longer facilitate forecasting reliability behaviour of the insulation systems. A key challenge is now to manage existing assets and put in place economic and viable asset maintenance and replacement plans. A structured framework is presented through which knowledge of the physics and chemistry of ageing phenomena in dielectrics can be used to inform asset managers' plans. This framework will assist asset managers in identifying appropriate condition monitoring regimes whilst providing a transparent process for rule-setting decision making.