Maintenance scheduling of distribution networks based on reliability indices

This paper proposes a methodology that identifies critical equipment and network sections of a power distribution system to rank maintenance activities in a more consistent way. These elements are selected based on their contribution to the reliability indices evaluated from historical data. To define the critical points of a feeder, the concepts of risk matrix are used, whereby continuity indicators and frequency of interruptions are combined to identify the worst parts of the distribution circuits. The proposed methodology is applied to a real distribution network, where interruptions associated to protection devices are duly identified, classified, and treated. Thus, it is possible to build a priority criterion, aiming at directing company's team, responsible for performing the maintenance plans, to the feeder sections of major impacts on the reliability indices, and optimizing the use of the maintenance budget. The obtained results are fully analyzed and discussed in the paper.