RELIABILITY CENTERED MAINTENANCE MODELLING ON POWER SYSTEMS

Sound maintenance management in power systems could be influenced by application of appropriate reliability modelling. The aggressive approach needed to retract the power sector in Nigeria should include expansion, upgrading and automation in the national grid system. This is necessary in view of current generation and transmission capacities as well as operational parameters in distribution systems obtained within the national grid. The changes needed in the context of Nigeria's power system, should as well be supported by proper maintenance management. This paper therefore explore the deplorable conditions upon which Nigeria's power system operates. It also review various risk and reliability assessment tools and their effects on various fields of technological development. The paper henceforth proposes the modelling of Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM), as an appropriate tool for reliability enhancement. The RCM approach is chosen for its advantages in reduced frequency of maintenance which could eventually reduce running cost and quick wear. The modelling is also seen to be a step towards realizing an automated control and protection as well as self healing.