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Determine Asset Condition and Optimize Utilization and Life

Improve utilization and lifespan of existing assets

Distribution utilities may need to focus on getting more use, life and performance out of existing assets. This means maximizing revenue by increasing the amount of energy that can be moved over the lines, minimizing or delaying the need for new capital investment, controlling costs to maintain the system, and reducing the risk of outages.

Seize the opportunities

Kinectrics’ goal in working with Distribution utilities is to contribute to overall cost-effectiveness by helping clients take advantage of opportunities to improve asset utilization. The first step is to review and understand the present condition and utilization of assets. New planning and operation technologies may then be applied effectively to enable better use, and to extend the life of existing assets.

Complete services and capabilities

Asset condition assessment and optimization of asset utilization is a broad category in which what we do is specifically tailored to what your system requires. The following is a list of the major service categories.

Evaluations of Asset Condition and Utilization

• Determine the condition of Distribution assets on your system
• Establish asset utilization criteria (factors affecting utilization, voltage and ampacity costs)
• Determine specific components that are overloaded or underloaded
• Calculate cost-effective design load levels and operating load limits
• Evaluate cost of loss of asset life
• Audit asset condition and utilization, and benchmark against that of similar utilities

Strategic Planning Study

• Develop rationale for long-term design decisions
• Optimize system topology (radial, open loop, closed loop, and network)
• Assess voltage adequacy
• Plan for gradual transition to upgraded voltages or modern feeder styles

System Performance Improvement

• Evaluate present system performance and compare to requirements and "best practice"
• Identify cost-effective methods of improving reliability or power quality

Review of Maintenance Practices

• Review cost-effectiveness of maintenance techniques
• Determine optimal maintenance levels based on reliability expectations
• Select between a time-based vs. condition-based maintenance cycle

Remaining Asset Life Estimation

• Compute loss-of-life based on loading profiles
• Assess effects of refurbishment on life expectancy
• Determine appropriate capital spending

Physical Failure Evaluation and Condition Assessment

• Conduct failure investigations
• Assess conductors and wood poles for remaining life

Loss Evaluation and Reduction Plan

• Determine best method for cost-of-losses accounting
• Model system losses and cost of losses
• Determine the most cost-effective method to reduce losses

Review of Condition Monitoring Program

Assess the applicability and effectiveness of program alternatives including:

• Visual inspection
• Infrared imaging
• Wood pole density techniques

System Monitoring & Evaluation

• Specify, plan, install, integrate and/or maintain Distribution monitoring
• Convert "data-overload" to useful management information

Protection Coordination

• Conduct computerized protection coordination
• Assess protection plan and develop improved protection schemes
• Test for proper coordination (on site or in the laboratory)
• Specify protective devices and coordination for Distributed Generation

Load Management Services

Assess Distribution system loading and develop strategies for:

• Peak clipping
• Valley filling
• Load deferral
• Conservation
• Load curtailment
• Application of Distributed Generation

Real world experience and hands-on problem solving

Kinectrics has worked with many utilities on all aspects of asset evaluation and utilization, including accelerated life testing, end-of-life assessment techniques for conductors, wood and steel poles, and loss evaluation. Our analytical skills are supported by fully equipped high voltage, high current and mechanical testing facilities.

Recent projects

• Investigation of present and future optimal Distribution system configurations
• Study of remedial life extension opportunities for cables
• Utilization criteria development for Distribution assets including transformers, lines and cables
• Evaluation of the impact of new equipment installation
• Assessment of aged overhead conductors to determine need for replacement

For more information, contact

Stephen Cress, 416.207.6557, stephen.cress@kinectrics.com