Inspection schedule optimization technique for power distribution facilities

Abstract

Power distribution companies must establish an optimal maintenance schedule that balances reliability and efficiency of a number of widely scattered facilities. Conventionally, Japanese power utilities divide their distribution areas into multiple inspection areas, and they maintain high reliability by periodically inspecting each area. A time-based maintenance scheme is generally inefficient. This paper proposes a method of optimizing inspection schedules of Japanese distribution facilities. A condition model is presented that predicts the next inspection timing of each facility using past inspection data. Moreover, an algorithm to minimize the inspection cost based on the predicted inspection timing is proposed. The algorithm can efficiently calculate the optimal combination of two inspection schemes, an area inspection scheme and an individual inspection scheme. Simulation results with test data show that the algorithm reduces the inspection cost by 15%. The proposed method results in a more effective inspection schedule.

Dynamic Inspection Interval Determination for Efficient Distribution Grid Asset-Management

“…Yumbe et al [7] propose an optimization concept for scheduling inspection intervals of distribution substations, but in the form of an area-based inspection scheme where neighboring assets are inspected together, which is common in Japan. In contrast to the objective of our work, they use the location of the assets as scheduling basis instead of considering the actual condition of the single assets.…”

An Analysis of Process versus Inspection Capabilities in Fabricated, Engineered-to-Order Construction Supply Chains

“…al (2005) used a simulation software (Arena) in order to study a multi stage inspection process for determining an efficient system in which maximum inspections can be conducted. Yumbe and Hasegawa (2012) developed an algorithm to minimize the inspection cost based on the predicted inspection timing by calculating the optimal combination of two inspection schemes. Gardner et al (1995) used SLAMSYSTEM in order to determine the cost for justification of quality improvement.…”