Life loss of insulated power cables: a "count hours" device

The objectives of operation programs and preventive maintenance for a distribution system are clear; the means to reach them and the ways to follow are at present inadequate. For enhancing an "operating approach" the paper suggests a distribution system management strategy based on the evaluation of the insulated cables deterioration in conditions of circuit overcurrents or under-utilizations. A conventional procedure is suggested to evaluate the cables life loss (LL), "off-line" on the basis of the available circuit parameters or "on-line" by the existing supervisory control system. Furthermore, to do it on-line, a fitting device "life loss count hours" is suggested. Knowing the check-up of the power cables the system operators can: monitor the cables life loss; optimize the cables efficiency; and upgrade the distribution system. A new scenario could be opened for a distribution system management culture.