Utility Asset Management Research Articles

Experience on centralizing the Asset Management and Maintenance Engineering function in an Italian multi-utility company

The paper explores the centralization process of the Asset Management and Maintenance Engineering functions drawing from a project experience carried out in an Italian multi-utility company. The path towards centralization of the management of assets emerges as a strategic response to enhance operational synergies, improve resource allocation, and capitalize on economies of scale. The project is described in this paper, providing insights proposing a comprehensive, standardized approach for utility Asset Management, considering diverse utility services (water, gas, electricity and heating) and asset types to be managed. The centralization effort follows a three-step process: maturity assessment, common performance measurement system design, and sharing practices company-wide. This strategic response to evolving business demands offers a valuable framework for utility asset management in diverse industries and may be of help to companies following the same evolution path. Existing areas of research to be further explored are also emerging and discussed.

Establishing Levels of Service as the Foundation of Utility Asset Management

Key TakeawaysLevels of service (LoS) are a crucial component of a successful, comprehensive asset management approach.This article sets out a framework for developing LoS, including descriptions of elements, definitions of terms, and the where and why to employ different types of metrics.Stages of asset management centered on developing and supporting LoS are ranked in a maturity scale; the stages help water utilities assess their current levels and next steps.

DATA MODELING FOR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF UTILITY NETWORKS: IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING

Abstract. The organisational data models that support the information needs of utility network managers are proprietary and domain-specific, while the emerging national standards in this field often lack lifecycle data representation capabilities. However, multiple types of utility networks can be comprehensively represented with the free and open-source Utility Network Application Domain Extension (ADE) of the international standard CityGML. The Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Domain Ontology is a proposed extended version of the Utility Network ADE that allows for consistent and comprehensive processing, storage and exchange of O&M-related utility network data. So far, this ontology has not yet been implemented in a spatial-relational database. Consequently, the support it offers during routine utility asset management tasks has remained untested. This paper, therefore, tests the support of the O&M domain ontology for asset management and proposes a database implementation of this data model. To this end, it models and loads two utility networks from the campus of the University of Twente, the Netherlands. It tests the ontology’s support for asset management by simulating a street reconstruction project and retrieving necessary project information in relation to a utility’s (a) maintenance history and performance, and (b) site conditions and valve locations. Results show that the implemented model supports projects with rapid, comprehensive, and consistent information about semantic details of utilities. Such data needs yet to be collected and registered systematically to enable future data-driven asset management practices.

Digital Asset Performance Management—Taking Utility Asset Management to the Next Level

Asset management today is more complex and sophisticated than ever before. With the numerous digital enhancements required for grid modernization, the average utility is managing 10 times the number of devices it was 20 years ago. Additionally, these devices have electronic components that require increased regular care and maintenance. The industry has moved beyond putting a pole in the ground and dressing it—mounting arms and a transformer and spanning conductors to the customer and the next pole. Sound asset management strategies provide an array of benefits, including operational efficiencies and cost savings, increased asset life expectancy, improved reliability, and increased safety. More so, in today's digital world, enterprise asset management (EAM) has become known as asset performance management (APM) and continues to evolve toward “digital asset performance management.” Implementation of a digital APM solution can reduce utilities capital and operations and maintenance (O&M) spend by 20 percent or more.

Integration of Digital Technologies into Underground Utility Asset Management

Installation, detection, maintenance, mapping, and management of underground utility assets present challenges to owners, engineers and contractors. Industry-wide practices include the use of geophysical and similar technologies to determine depth and location, and 2D as-built plans integrated with GIS databases for information management. The feasibility of incorporating 3D BIM models of the subsurface to replace the 2D plans to improve visualization and data management is examined in this paper. Obtaining an accurate image of the underground infrastructure would help minimize excavation accidents due to equipment-utility collisions and prevent property damage. Further, the inclusion of automated data collection and sharing features realized through BIM technology can enhance operations of smart cities. The research methodology consists of a state-of-the-art review of the current underground utility management systems, combined with statistical analysis of survey responses received from utility providers and one-call centers in the U.S. Three categories of utility practices are identified based on the level of digital technology integration. It is found that a vast majority of utility firms have adopted GIS databases with 2D plans, depth and other asset information, while a smaller percentage of providers have achieved full GIS-BIM integration, incorporating a wide range of asset data. Future progress on broader implementation appears to be constrained by the digital literacy of personnel and high costs of technology acquisition and application. A three-step framework for converting 2D plans to 3D BIM models is also presented and discussed. The process model proposed for this purpose allows the utilization of commercially available software with minimal need for additional coding.

Development of a standard data structure for wastewater pipe performance management

The accurate prediction of wastewater pipe structural and functional deterioration plays an essential role in the utility asset management process and capital investment planning. The limitations of deterioration prediction capabilities are in the lack of accurate and consistent performance data, or not well-understood interdependencies of the pipeline performance parameters. Thus, the primary objective of this paper is to develop a standard data structure to support the performance prediction of wastewater pipe remaining life. This paper presents the life cycle, failure modes and mechanisms, and data structure of wastewater pipe that has been completed with results from intensive literature reviews, various interviews with utilities, consultants, and pipe associations. In this research, the authors investigated the lifecycle of wastewater pipes, identifying the causes of pipe failure in different phases, including design, manufacture, construction, operation and maintenance, and repair/rehabilitation/replacement. The data structure was classified into gold, silver, bronze, and wood standards.

No Shortage of Challenges

There is much going on internationally with AWWA and the Journal. Last October I had the opportunity to travel to India, where I witnessed the water trials faced in that country and how the AWWAIndia initiative was developing. It opened my eyes to just how much work remains to be done to bring 24/7 delivery of safe drinking water to the entire county. AWWAIndia recently held a training program on effective utility management and asset management in Mumbai, and more training events are planned to help transfer needed skills to the local level.

Numerical Simulation of Pressure Transients in Water Supply Networks as Applicable to Critical Water Pipe Asset Management

AbstractIt is well known that internal water pressure, including pressure transients, in water supply networks is a major contributing factor in many pipe failures. Reliable prediction of pipe failures needs accurate information about critical contributing factors such as internal water pressure. This paper reports on a numerical study of transient pressure development following a pressure-monitoring program. Two large water supply network sections were considered, and pressure transient hydraulic models were developed using a relevant computer program. Extended-period simulations (EPSs) were conducted for each section to understand its steady-state operation during normal operation. The pressure transient models were validated using field pressure data, which were measured using high-speed pressure-monitoring equipment installed at selected locations in both network sections. A methodology is proposed to integrate the results of these simulations in a water utility asset management database to improve pi...

2015 Establishing the Level of Progress in Utility Asset Management Survey Results

2015 Establishing the Level of Progress in Utility Asset Management Survey Results

Comparison of the Weibull and the Crow-AMSAA Model in Prediction of Early Cable Joint Failures

This paper compares the application of the Weibull distribution and the Crow-AMSAA (C-A) model to the analysis of cable joint failures. The procedures on how to use the two models to analyze failure data and to predict the future number of failures have been described before the models are applied to a set of early failure data. The data, which include 16 failures and 1126 suspensions, were collected from a regional power-supply company in China. This paper proves that the Weibull distribution provides more reliable results in the analysis of early-failure data since it considers the time to failure of each event. Whilst the method is more straightforward and requires less information, applying the C-A model can yield confusing results if not handled carefully. When analyzing the events, using time as x-axis and using the cable joint population as an axis can complement each other. Separating those data into subsections and analyzing them independently can yield useful information. Recent failure data can better reflect the current state of cable joints. The results of this paper should help utility asset managers better analyze their past failure events.

Component Risk Trending Based on Systems Thinking Incorporating Markov and Weibull Inferences

This paper uses systems thinking to present a power utility asset management system as a system in spatial transition. Next, it integrates inferences from Markov processes, the Weibull distribution, and the bathtub curve analysis to develop a quantitative risk trending model. A risk factor (RF) is used to define a quantitative measure of risk. A set of failure data is applied to compute the maximum likelihood estimates of Weibull parameters that are fitted into the RF. MATLAB algorithms are used to simulate sensitivities of the RF to changes in the number of components renewed and the number admitted to or relieved from a high-operating-load regime during the life cycle. The model determines the impacts of renewal strategies on failure risk by trending risk profiles associated with these sensitivities. In addition, it provides modeling equations for the systems thinking approach which has, traditionally, used qualitative models. Furthermore, it is flexible since the computed parameters are unique to the set of data. These parameters thus generate equally unique plots of probability distribution functions that are required for analysis of reliability and risk. This is primarily intended to be used in risk management, but it can also be applied in performance-based compensation schemes for workers.

2015 Establishing the Level of Progress in Utility Asset Management Survey Results

2015 Establishing the Level of Progress in Utility Asset Management Survey Results

The evolution of asset management in the water industry

Led by utilities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, utility asset management has developed into a management concept; this article reviews how asset management has evolved in the US water industry and what the future holds.

Development of a Fuzzy Inference Performance Index for Ferrous Drinking Water Pipelines

Accurate prediction of water pipeline structural and functional deterioration plays an essential role in the utility asset management process and capital investment planning. A key to implementing an asset management strategy is a comprehensive understanding of asset condition and performance and how asset condition and performance change over time. The primary objective of this paper is to develop a fuzzy inference performance index for metallic drinking water pipelines. Furthermore, the developed fuzzy inference performance index is applied to the Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA). Evaluation of the performance index is accomplished through testing of artificial, field, and lab data. Overall, the fuzzy inference performance model was successfully developed to aid in the evaluation of current drinking water infrastructure systems. The fuzzy inference performance model incorporated with an infrastructure management plan will aid in the prioritization of future inspection, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement of water mains.

How Can Operators Use GIS to Enhance a Utility's Asset Management Program?

Utilities are putting geographic information system (GIS) information to use in many ways, particularly to enhance an asset management plan. Although operators may not have an opportunity to work with GIS directly, their role in the GIS process is critical, and it contributes to having a successful asset management program.

From Reactive to Proactive – Implementing a Utility Asset Management Division in Baltimore, MD

From Reactive to Proactive – Implementing a Utility Asset Management Division in Baltimore, MD

Ageing rate of paper insulation used in power transformers Part 2: Oil/paper system with medium and high oxygen concentration

Utility asset managers and engineers are concerned about the life and reliability of their power transformers which depends on the continued life of the paper insulation. The ageing rate of the paper is affected by water, oxygen and acids. Traditionally, the ageing rate of paper has been studied in sealed vessels however this approach does not allow the possibility to assess the affect of oxygen on paper with different water content. The ageing rate of paper has been studied for dry paper in air (excess oxygen). In these experiments we studied the ageing rate of Kraft and thermally upgraded Kraft paper in medium and high oxygen with varying water content. Furthermore, the oxygen content of the oil in sealed vessels is low which represents only sealed transformers. The ageing rate of the paper has not been determined for free breathing transformers with medium or high oxygen content and for different wetness of paper. In these ageing experiments the water and oxygen content was controlled using a special test rig to compare the ageing rate to previous work and to determine the ageing effect of paper by combining temperature, water content of paper and oxygen content of the oil. We found that the ageing rate of paper with the same water content increased with oxygen content in the oil. Hence, new life curves were developed based on the water content of the paper and the oxygen content of the oil.

Reliability and Maintainability Improvement of Substations With Aging Infrastructure

The increasing size, aging equipment, and complexity of power systems, coupled with present day financial constraints, have made the use of probabilistic methods and reliability indices a necessity for maintaining continuity and quality of service to customers. Proper maintenance-related decisions should address all of these issues to improve system reliability while meeting limited budget constraints. This paper proposes algorithms that enable system-level reliability assessment with detailed modeling of maintenance for aging equipment. Stochastic-based reliability modeling of substations with aging equipment is presented, which enables the study of equipment aging, failures, and maintenance and their effect on substation-level availability and frequency of failure. Several case studies are provided which describe optimization of maintenance activities and the impact on maximum substation reliability. The algorithms provide a valuable tool for processing detailed models of aging equipment and maintenance of individual pieces in system reliability assessment applications. These algorithms are consistent with existing reliability models and are capable of being integrated into utility asset-management programs.

Leading Practices for Strategic Asset Management: Strategic Asset Management, Communication, and Implementation

In response to the need identified by its utility members, the Water Environment Research Foundation funded a research program on Strategic Asset Management (SAM) Implementation and Communication for wastewater and water utilities to improve the management of their assets. One objective of the research program included identifying the leading practices that contribute to a strategic asset management program. A self-assessment tool was developed and used by 36 utilities to identify the level of their asset management practice. These self-assessment scores were analyzed to identify potential leading practice utilities, as well as areas to focus as opportunities for improvement. The six areas of focus that were identified, included Organization and People, Strategic Asset Planning (and related Asset Management Plans), Business Risk Management, Maintenance, Secondary Data and Knowledge, and Accounting and Costing. The initial results were validated first by telephone interviews with the six leading practice utilities. Site visits were then conducted to research information on specific practices, as well as to collect multiple utility examples. Leading practice statements were developed, as well as a method whereby a utility's asset management team can identify candidate practices for adaption. This title belongs to WERF Research Report Series . ISBN: 9781780400198 (eBook)

State-of-the-technology review on water pipe condition, deterioration and failure rate prediction models!

This paper presents a state-of-the-technology literature and current practice review on water pipe condition, deterioration and failure rate prediction models in order to identify the gap between the models found in literature and those currently used by utilities around the world. Researchers have developed various methodologies in determining pipe condition and failure prediction over the last three decades. Their efforts are discussed in many literatures and articles but are not summarised by one document. In this report, more than 50 articles were reviewed from the last decade and are presented based on the type of methodology utilised. Nine utilities across the world with significant undertakings of water pipe infrastructure management are also presented which underline the current practice. In summary, both the literature and current practice are summarised to identify the gap between the models found in literature and water utility asset management practices.