Invitation to join the Cigré Survey on Reliability of HV Equipment and GIS

 In 2004 Cigré launched a joint survey on the reliability data and trends for the following types of high voltage equipment, with rated voltages 60 kV and above:

-         Circuit breakers

-         Disconnectors and earthing switches

-         Instrument transformers

-         GIS

The survey will run for 4 years, 2004-2007. First reporting of results will be made in 2005.

 Cigré Working Group A3.06 is in charge of the survey, and has prepared an Excel-based tool for the questionnaire. The tool is accompanied by a manual, which provides handling instructions, as well as information on where to send data. In the questionnaire, great care has been taken to ask clear questions, and a number of clarifications and definitions are provided. The following information is collected:

-         Population of equipment, each year

-         Failures, when they occur

-         Maintenance procedures (only for GIS)  

A major aim of the survey is to provide information that is of direct interest to utilities, related to the important fields of asset management and reliability. In addition the study will give important information about trends and changes in relation to earlier studies. Results will be compiled and analyzed gradually during the 4-year period, and feedback given to participating utilities. Data from individual participating utilities will only be accessible by Cigré Working Group A3.06, and be handled confidentially.  

The data forms and questions may be of direct use also within participating utilities. Utilities are free to use these forms for the creation of internal reporting structures or databases for equipment reliability assessment. The process can serve as a catalyst for new ideas or for making changes to existing reporting structures. Individual utilities may also use the survey for benchmarking the performance of their own equipment against the overall results that Cigré will compile.  

The survey is worldwide. At present, close to 100 utilities in more than 30 countries have agreed to participate. We still very much would like more utilities to take part, since a high number of participants will make results and conclusions more reliable and representative. Even though it started in 2004, it is straightforward and creates no problems to participate in the study from 2005 and onwards.

We are convinced that results and conclusions of the survey will be of value for both users and manufacturers. We therefore kindly ask you to participate; your contribution is essential! 

More information, including a list of contact persons, can be found on the web page of the survey:

http://www.cigre-a3.org/working_groups.htm and click on the WG A3.06 button.  

We wish to thank you very much in advance for your contributions!

 

 Yours sincerely,