Introduction

This research project aims to investigate the degradation behavior of various key materials and components in distribution switchgear that affect reliability and resilience of electricity networks.

Methodology

Scientific data-based models will be established by analysing experimental data derived from testing results under various degradation factors, to establish such degradation models and lifespan.

Outcome

The deliverables of the project include:

• Material degradation (e.g. deterioration of dielectric strength, mechanical strength, thermal strength) software model of key components such as insulator, voltage transformer, current transformer.
• Digital twin of the switchgear key components to represent the actual degradation characteristic (including material level) and determination of the lifespan under SPPG local regime

From the model, through understanding of key factors causing component degradation leading to failure and their associated tell-tale signs (i.e. leading indicators) will enable improvements across the value chain from planning, engineering, operation, and maintenance. This will include enhancing the engineering specification, maintenance regime in terms of scope and frequency, condition monitoring of newly identified key indicators of degradation and renewal guideline on components or equipment.

The outcome of this research project will enable Company to sustain network reliability by focusing the understanding of equipment through a scientific approach, thereby deepening our engineering expertise and consequently optimize the network in a cost effective and operationally effective manner. Over the long term, this will also increase resilience to the Singapore Electricity System.