Switchgear Monitoring System-assistance in Maintenance and Calculation of the Costs

The biggest concerns of the new generation of managers in electric power industry, especially in the private enterprises, are the costs. On the open market where the customers can choose between two or more energy providers it is also very important to assure a safe and reliable electrical energy delivery. Because of that it is important to find the best balance between the maintenance costs and the operational safety of the equipment in the transformer stations. On-line switchgear monitoring technique has become a driver for remarkable improvements in both reliability and cost efficiency (condition based maintenance). It provides constant insight into the state of the switchgear apparatuses: circuit breakers, disconnectors, earthing switches and instrument transformers. Based on the collected data intelligent application makes analysis and gives information about the state of the equipment i.e. if there is a problem with the condition of the equipment or if the problem could arise in the future. If the failure nevertheless happens, system gives the proposal for the solution. Also based on the information switchgear maintenance plan can be made, together with the investment plan and calculation of future costs. Installation of the switchgear monitoring system provides longer life span and helps managers in decision making process.