The reliability and maintainability of the transmission transformers in South Africa

M.Phil. (Engineering Management)Abstract: The power utilities have the challenging task of supplying electricity and meeting stakeholders expectations with constrained resources. Like other power utilities, Eskom has a mandate of generating and distributing electricity in a safe, reliable and cost-effective ways. The success and failure of the South African power utility are depended on the capabilities of the transformers and the maintenance strategies adopted to support the systems. This study presents the finding of the reliability and maintainability analysis of the transmission transformers in Eskom from the period of 2014 to 2016. The study used statistical methods to analyse secondary data from Eskom operational records and reports. During the period of analysis, Eskom experienced twenty-nine failures related to transmission transformers. The study shows that Eskom was operating with the ageing transmission transformers, the protection system and bushings came out as dominating causes for malfunctions. It is recommended that Eskom change the maintenance strategy and focus on replacing the high failing component or systems to improve reliability