Reliability centered maintenance optimization for power distribution systems

Today’s electricity distribution systems operate in a liberalized market. These systems should therefore be able to provide electricity to customers with a high degree of reliability and be cost-effective for suppliers. RCM (Reliability Centred Maintenance) was invented by the aircraft industry in the 1960s, to organize the increasing need for maintenance for reducing costs without reducing b safety. Today RCM-methods invented by ALADON [1] are seen as very complex and are not fully accepted by the Algerian power industry. The extensive need of human and capital resources in the introduction phase is also a negative factor that could be one of the reasons of why RCM methods are not used in our branch. This article provides a discussion of the two primary objectives of RCM: to ensure safety through preventive maintenance actions, and, when safety is not a concern, preserve functionality in the most economical manner. For the power distribution systems facilities, the mission should be considered at the same level as safety.