Abstract
This dissertation deals with the important issue of reliability management for 3kV DC Traction Substations. A general introduction explaining the changes that took place in the railway environment is followed by a description of the system. Understanding the components of the system is important but care must be taken not to go into too much detail. The level at which the system is broken down will be sufficient for this study.
Some relevant reliability theory is discussed and applied to the 3kV DC system. An analysis of the failure modes and criticality helps to identify the components that need special focus during the inspections.
With a good understanding of the above aspects a process for the inspection of substations is formulated. To design a process that can be used throughout an organisation, certain test must be done. The tests include determining the influence of expertise and experience of the person carrying out the inspections.
The result of this study is an inspection process for 3kV DC traction substations that can be used to obtain a good idea of the condition of the system in order to make maintenance decisions that will improve the reliability of the system.
Prof. J.H.C. Pretorius
Prof. W.A. Cronje