CIGRE method for prioritizing maintenance for overhead lines

In the past, decisions on the management and maintenance of overhead transmission lines were frequently based on the qualitative judgment of experienced individuals. The guides produced by CIGRE SC22 WG 13 are an attempt to quantify this analysis. In order to quantify any analysis of overhead transmission lines (OHTL), unambiguous reliable data must be collected on the causes of any failures and the current capabilities of the OHTL. These data must be made available for analysis by incorporating an appropriate data management system. Using these data, risk management techniques can be used to support management decisions. A Technical Brochure has been compiled to present the work of the four task forces of working group 13. This Technical Brochure first provides an overview of an idealized model for the decision-making process for managing OHTL assets. In order to have a high degree of confidence in these management decisions, unambiguous reliable data must be collected on the OHTL asset. These data are concerned with documenting any failure of the OHTL. Furthermore, data must be collected on the current capability of the OHTL asset. Once collected, these data must be maintained in an appropriate data management system. In the past, these data may have existed, but not in a quantitative form readily usable for risk management purposes. With the current utility trend of deregulation, and its downsizing consequences, some of these data, existing now in qualitative form, are being lost. Therefore, TF01, TF02 and TF03 have proposed a minimum guideline for data collection and a data management system.