Title: Maximising availability of complex repairable systems and flexible selection of performance parameter using PSO

Authors: Ajay Kumar

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Murthal, 131-039, Haryana, India

Abstract: In this research study, particle swarm optimisation (PSO) has been implemented for availability analysis of a complex repairable industrial system namely mash kettle of an existing brewery plant. PSO algorithm is computationally simple and efficient. The mash kettle system is modelled structurally representing its various constituent elements/components and their interconnections. Probability relationship of different feasible state are generated using the transition diagram. Performance analysis is done to observe the criticality of the constituent elements/components. The particle swarm optimisation algorithm provides a varied and wide range of performance measures of various elements/components for a predetermined optimised value of the availability of the system. PSO algorithm is validated by comparing with genetic algorithm and Markov methods for the results of optimal availability. The consequences of this paper will be beneficial for the maintenance engineer and plant staff to accomplish best attainable system performance/availability and to plan appropriate maintenance strategies.

Keywords: mash kettle; repair and failure rates; performance analysis; particle swarm optimisation; PSO; availability; brewery plant; flexibility.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2021.117253

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2021 Vol.33 No.4, pp.493 - 516

Received: 22 Sep 2019
Accepted: 09 Jan 2020
Published online: 25 Aug 2021 *

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