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Abstract

Traditionally, the power system asset management is based on interval-based approach and not on actual asset condition. In this PhD project the objective is to analyse thoroughly the asset management approaches and develop methodology to include actual asset condition and its ranking to asset management process. For analysis various type of data from substation and system is available, e.g. SCADA, WAMS, environmental measurements, etc. This PhD is part of a research and development project between TalTech and Estonian Transmission System Operator.

Research field: Electrical power engineering and mechatronics
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Jako Kilter
Availability: This position is available.
Offered by: School of Engineering
Department of Electrical Power Engineering and Mechatronics
Application deadline:Applications are accepted between June 01, 2020 00:00 and July 03, 2020 23:59 (Europe/Zurich)

Description

Power system asset management in current power systems is mostly related to interval-based approach and the actual condition of the asset is not observed nor relevant. This approach in future power system is seen as obsolete as the finances available should be used as much as possible in an appropriate manner. In view of this, the objective of this research is to implement probabilistic and risk management theory or some other approach to enable condition based asset management approach in power system. There are various type of information available from the substations and the descisions made shall be based on these. Usually these include measurments from SCADA, WAMS, environment measurements, etc. In addition, the objective is to develop methodolgy (including substation based asset condition and component/asset ranking) which combines the available information, assesses the level and content of this data and determine the level and extent of data what is necessary to enable the approach of condition based asset management. This PhD is part of a research and development project between TalTech and Estonian Transmission System Operator.

Responsibilities and tasks
This is a full time PhD position and student is expected to do research 90% of the time. Other 10% is related to teaching, i.e. supporting lectures and course works in courses related to power system substations and power system optimization. Research results shall be presented through publications and presentations. In minimum two journal papers and one conference paper shall be published during PhD studies. 

Qualifications
The applicants should fulfill the following requirements:

  • Holds a master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Data Analysis/Management (with emphasis on technical assets) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a master's degree
  • Have obtained excellent study results and has good knowledge on different mathematical analysis methods (probabilistic and risk assessment theory and methods)
  • Have knowledge of power system assets and their operational characteristics
  • Understands big data collection, management and assessment principles 
  • Have knowledge on power system assets conditon monitoring 
  • Have experience with programming languages, e.g. MATLAB
  • Is able to understand, speak and write texts in English language with high profiency