Title: Basic fault tree analysis for use in protection reliability

Authors: Robert Beresh, John Ciufo, George Anders

Addresses: Kinectrics Inc., 800 Kipling Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M8Z 6C4, Canada. ' Hydro One Networks Inc., Clegg Road, Markham, Ontario L6G 1B7, Canada. ' Kinectrics Inc., 800 Kipling Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M8Z 6C4, Canada

Abstract: Fault tree analysis (FTA) is a tool originally developed in 1962 by Bell Labs for use in studying failure modes in the launch control system of the Minuteman missile project. The tool now finds wide use in numerous applications, from accident investigation to design prototyping, and is also finding use for protection and control related applications. This paper provides an elementary background to the application of FTA for use in protection applications. The construction of the fault tree as well as the use of reliability data is considered. A simple example is presented. The intention is to provide a brief introduction to the concept, to allow users to at least understand how a fault tree is constructed and what can be done with it.

Keywords: basic event; cut sets; failure; fault tree analysis; FTA; MOCUS; MTBF; probability; protection reliability; relay; top event.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRS.2008.020773

International Journal of Reliability and Safety, 2008 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.64 - 78

Published online: 15 Oct 2008 *

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