H.: „Asset Simulation – an approach to predict the long term monetary consequences of maintenance and renewal strategies for electrical grids

Deregulation and an increasing competition in electricity markets urge energy suppliers to optimize the utilization of their equipment, focusing on technical and cost-effective aspects. The bulk of costs in electrical grids can be found in costs for maintenance and capital depreciation. A comprehensive approach for an asset management of electrical grids thus focuses on the "life-cycle costs " of the individual equipment. The objective of the life management process is the optimum utilisation of the remaining physical life time regarding a given reliability of service and a constant distribution of costs for reinvestment and maintenance ensuring a suitable return. As a respond to these requirements utilities introduce methods formerly used by investment managers or insuranc