Operational Availability Model of k-out-of-N System Under a Hard Time Maintenance Strategy

Abstract

This paper considers a k-out-of-N hot standby system with identical, repairable components. A hard time maintenance strategy is used to maintain system. Failed components are replaced with spares by a component replacement group. Next, the replaced components are repaired by a different repair group. The system operational availability can be controlled by the system operating time, the spare part inventory level, and the number of repairman. We establish a mathematical model to analyze the effects of these variables on operational availability. Simulation results show that this model has the potential to optimize maintenance plan and logistics resource for k-out-of-N system.