Environmental Risk Modeling of Maintenance Processes in Zanjan's Transmission and High-Voltage Electrical Substations Using Innovative Integrated FMEA and ETBA Methods

Background and Objective:Risk assessment, particularly in the environmental domain, serves as a critical framework for systematically identifying, controlling, and mitigating the hazards that emerge from human and industrial activities. This process plays a fundamental role in enhancing the management of potential threats and preventing adverse outcomes through comprehensive analysis. By employing structured strategies such as risk reduction, elimination, and substitution, high-severity and high-likelihood risks can be effectively mitigated to medium or low levels. These measures not only reduce the potential for environmental harm but also contribute to the harmonious coexistence of human activities and nature, thus preventing further degradation of ecosystems. The integration of environmental risk assessment into various stages of project planning and implementation is essential. This ensures that potential hazards are thoroughly identified and managed, resulting in minimized negative impacts on the environment. Such an approach fosters sustainability by encouraging the responsible utilization of natural resources while safeguarding ecological integrity. Moreover, it enhances the overall quality of life by promoting safer industrial practices and supporting long-term preservation of resources for future generations. Environmental risk assessment thus serves as a cornerstone for achieving a balance between economic development and environmental stewardship.
Materials and Methods:This study addresses environmental concerns associated with maintenance processes in transmission and high-voltage electrical substations in Zanjan Province. Two well-established models, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Energy Trace and Barrier Analysis (ETBA), were utilized to evaluate and quantify risks. Both models facilitated the identification of 64 distinct risks, enabling a structured and detailed approach to environmental risk management.
Results and Discussion: The combined use of FMEA and ETBA provided a comprehensive framework for identifying and assessing environmental hazards. These hazards included significant risks such as energy losses, harm to birds and animals, and hazardous waste generation. The dual-method approach enhanced the depth and accuracy of risk identification by addressing both failure scenarios and energy flow pathways. For each identified risk, targeted recommendations for control and management were provided. These included physical interventions, such as the installation of barriers and sealing canal openings, as well as procedural enhancements aimed at minimizing harm to the environment. The analysis outcomes encompassed key aspects such as identifying various forms of energy release, assessing the efficiency of protective barriers, calculating risk indices, and proposing actionable strategies for risk reduction. Notably, the study emphasized the importance of monitoring and improving existing safety measures to ensure optimal performance over time.
Conclusion:The findings of this study underscore the effectiveness of FMEA and ETBA in environmental risk assessment, demonstrating a consistent level of risk identification between the two methods. Among the most critical risks identified was energy loss, for which mitigation strategies, including network optimization, equipment upgrades, and proper maintenance, were recommended. Moderate risks, such as harm to wildlife, were addressed through habitat protection measures and behavior analysis. The study also highlighted the importance of managing hazardous waste and reducing resource consumption through strategic interventions. Overall, the integration of digital tools, awareness campaigns, and environmentally conscious practices offers significant potential to reduce pollution and foster sustainability.