Model for optimization of maintenance strategies in transmission systems

Assets in transmission systems are maintained according to the time-based strategy. But assets importance for the availability of the grid is neglected which means the allocation of maintenance expenditures may be inefficient. This paper introduces an optimization model which is able to improve the reliability of a transmission system as well as expenditures for maintenance and replacement. It is possible, if the maintenance intensity is chosen individually for each asset. Therefore a discrete number of maintenance alternatives is given per asset and determines possible maintenance intensities. The choice of the best suitable combination of alternatives in a grid is conducted by an optimization algorithm. Methods of the research area operations research (OR) are able to solve this task. The way of adapting the algorithms on the maintenance problem is described. The paper finishes with a recommendation of methods depending on asset manager's intention for optimization.