The cost of failure Substations are key elements in power systems and con-sequently, the financial impacts of any failure or outage can easily exceed their actual asset value. By choosing the most appropriate maintenance strategy, the financial risks can be minimized. The challenge lies in implementing the right action at the right time. Hence, maintenance managers are moving from traditional time-based maintenance (TBM) to condition-based maintenance (CBM) or even reliability-centered maintenance (RCM). This implies that maintenance is no longer based on a rigid timeframe derived from past observations and experience, but instead takes into account the actual condition of the equipment and the level of reli-ability required to fulfill its function.

ABB offers all of these maintenance strategies for substations:

Time based maintenance (TBM) – Periodic maintenance to ensure high availability and reliability of equipment. This may include provision of wear and tear parts, consumables and replacement of components or systems at the end of their service life.

Condition based maintenance (CBM) – Checking and maintaining of components according to a schedule based on the condition of the equipment. Prerequisite is a detailed assessment of the installed equipment.

Maintenance contractsIncreasing substation availability

Substation services

Combining more than 100 years of experience and innovation in the substation domain with our worldwide presence, enables ABB to deliver customized service solutions meeting the operational and maintenance needs in transmission and distribution grids for all types and makes of substation components.

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For more information please contact: ABB Switzerland Ltd. Power SystemsCH-5400 Baden, Switzerland Phone: +41 58 585 77 44Fax: +41 58 585 55 77E-Mail: substations@ch.abb.com www.abb.com/substationservice

Reliability centered maintenance (RCM) – This includes the evaluation of the consequences of a failure and ensures the right amount of maintenance for the right equipment at the right time.

Setting up a reliability-centered maintenance strategy entails the following steps:

1. Detailed analysis of the operational needsIn order to perform RCM efficiently, it is essential to analyze the following aspects – record of malfunctions, ABB opera-tional experience regarding the installed equipment, opera-tional procedures, technical competencies of the operation and maintenance personnel, and current maintenance plans.

2. Substation assessmentThe RCM strategy focuses on performing the right actions on the right equipment – ie, only carrying out necessary measures based on the careful prior assessment of the condition and importance of each component and evaluation of the con-sequences of its failure. Our global experience and know-how enable us to precisely identify the risks related to each substation component.

3. Definition of the required maintenance actionsFollowing the thorough assessment of the substation systems and components, ABB can provide recommendations for the maintenance actions required for each specific component to ensure the highest level of reliability.

4. Performance of recommended maintenance actionsThe maintenance actions scheduled according to a reliability strategy should always be revised to take into account any ad-ditional information provided by advanced diagnosis methods as well as any possible evolution of the equipment’s condition.

RCM offers various benefits including − Reduced scheduled maintenance down time − Enhanced reliability and prolonged service life of substation

assets − Optimized benefits from maintenance investments − Effective risk evaluation supporting decision-making on the

timing of investments in new equipment or retrofits − Dependable equipment operation in critical conditions

ConclusionComprehensive domain know-how and experience enables ABB to offer maintenance contracts and perform service op-erations efficiently. These ensure prolonged service life and high productivity of substation assets while minimizing risks.

Comparison of maintenance strategies

Note: We reserve the right to make technical changes or modify the contents of this document without prior notice. With regard to purchase orders, the agreed particulars shall prevail. ABB does not accept any responsibility whatsoever for potential errors or possible lack of information in this document. We reserve all rights in this document and in the subject matter and illustrations contained therein. Any reproduction, disclosure to third parties or utilization of its contents – in whole or in parts – is forbidden without prior written consent of ABB.