Methods of approximate reasoning for power system equipment condition and reliability analysis

Traditional power system maintenance and equipment condition monitoring schedules have been based on manufacturer recommended fixed time intervals. Under greater economic pressures, electric utilities have begun: to shift towards reliability centered maintenance or other maintenance programs with longer maintenance intervals; and to load equipment significantly beyond manufacturer ratings. This work focuses on developing an information theoretic framework for systematically assessing equipment condition and incorporating this into maintenance, diagnostic and operational practices. A numerical example highlights the approach.