Optimal allocation of distribution maintenance resources with limited information

Maintenance of distribution systems plays a central, although often overlooked, role in determining both the reliability and cost of supply. In previous work, an approach was developed that optimizes the effectiveness of distribution protective devices. This paper extends that framework to the optimal use of maintenance resources for reliability. Firstly, a framework is established assuming constant failure rates for the components. Secondly, that framework is extended to optimization given limited information about equipment condition. That is, the failure rates and impact of the reliability are known only approximately. The objective in this framework is to maximize reliability as measured by typical reliability indices. This formulation is demonstrated on a set of numerical examples. Results are analyzed and difficulties that may arise in the proposed approach are investigated. Further, the concept of the value of additional information is introduced. The problems are solved through a two-stage analysis procedure based on linear programming and approximate reasoning using fuzzy sets. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.