SF6 gas circuit breakers reliability estimation, considering likely wear points

This paper presents an estimation of SF6 gas circuit breakers reliability in the transmission substations, considering the likely wear points identified in this device. The aging physically affects the equipment, which can make it less robust and more prone to failure. The equipment reliability can not be defined by its age, because its real condition depends on the wear and the on maintenance it may have been subjected. This paper identifies the wear points, which indicate the need for specific maintenance actions, and presents their specified limits for SF6 gas circuit breakers. The main contribution of this method is to enable an assessment of the actual condition of a circuit breaker, analyzing the measurements of its various wear points, which enables the identification of critical equipment that should be prioritized in planning maintenance. A circuit breaker failure may result in the unavailability of an entire power system, causing major disruption and severe financial losses. The maintenance based on the circuit breakers reliability, allows the minimization of failures, reduces the unavailability and increases the power systems robustness.