Reliability and Cost Optimization of a System with k-out-of-n Configuration and Choice of Decreasing the Components Failure Rates

Document Type : Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran

2 Department of Industrial Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, 424 Hafez Ave., Tehran, Iran

3 Faculty of Management and Accounting, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This paper presents a new redundancy allocation problem for a system with the k-out-of-n configuration at the subsystems’ level with two active and cold standby redundancy strategies. The failure rate of components in each subsystem depends on the number of working components. The components are non-reparable, and the failure rate of the component can be decreased with some preventive maintenance actions. The model has two objective functions: maximizing the system’s reliability and minimizing the system’s costs. The system aims to find the type and number of components in each subsystem, redundancy strategy of subsystems, as well as the decreased values of components failure rates in subsystems. Since the redundancy allocation problem belongs to NP-Hard problems, two Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and Non-Dominated Ranked genetic algorithm (NRGA) metaheuristic algorithms were used to solve the presented model and to tune algorithms parameters we used response surface methodology (RSM). Besides, these algorithms were compared using five different performance metrics. Finally, the hypothesis test was used to analyze the results of the algorithms.

Keywords


References:
1. Fyffe, D.E., Hines, W.W., and Lee, N.K. "System reliability allocation and a computational algorithm", IEEE Transactions on Reliability, 17(2), pp. 64-69 (1968).
2. Chern, M.S. "On the computational complexity of reM. liability redundancy allocation in a series system", Operations
Research Letters, 11(5), pp. 309-315 (1992).
3. Misra, K.B. and Sharma, U. "Multi-criteria optimization for combined reliability and redundancy allocation in systems employing mixed redundancies", Microelectronics Reliability, 31(2-3), pp. 323-335 (1991).
4. Ida, K. "System reliability optimization with several failure modes by genetic algorithm", In Proceeding of 16th International Conference on Computers & Industrial Engineering, pp. 349-352 (1994).
5. Coit, D.W. and Smith, A.E. "Optimization approaches to the redundancy allocation problem for seriesparallel systems", In Fourth Industrial Engineering Research Conference Proceedings, pp. 342-349 (1995).
6. Coit, D.W. and Liu, J.C. "System reliability optimization with k-out-of-n subsystems", International Journal of Reliability, Quality and Safety Engineering, 7(02), pp. 129-142 (2000).
7. Hsieh, Y.C. and You, P.S. "An effective immune based two-phase approach for the optimal reliabilityredundancy allocation problem", Applied Mathematics and Computation, 218(4), pp. 1297-1307 (2011).
8. Hsieh, T.J. and Yeh, W.C. "Penalty guided bees search for redundancy allocation problems with a mix of components in series-parallel systems", Computers & Operations Research, 39(11), pp. 2688-2704 (2012).
9. Busacca, P.G., Marseguerra, M., and Zio, E. "Multiobjective optimization by genetic algorithms: application to safety systems", Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 72(1), pp. 59-74 (2001).
10. Coit, D.W. and Jin, T. "Multi-criteria optimization: Maximization of a system reliability estimate and minimization of the estimate variance", In Proceedings of the 2001 European Safety & Reliability International Conf. (ESREL), Turin, Italy (2001).
11. Baheranwala, F., Coit, D.W., and Kulturel-Konak, S. "Solution of stochastic multi-objective system design problems", In IIE Annual Conference. Proceedings (2004).
12. Salazar, D., Rocco, C.M., and Galvan, B.J. "Optimization of constrained multiple-objective reliability problems using evolutionary algorithms", Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 91(9), pp. 1057-1070 (2006).
13. Kulturel-Konak, S., Coit, D.W., and Baheranwala, F. "Pruned Pareto-optimal sets for the system redundancy allocation problem based on multiple prioritized objectives", Journal of Heuristics, 14(4), p. 335 (2008).
14. Taboada, H.A., Baheranwala, F., Coit, D.W., and Wattanapongsakorn, N. "Practical solutions for multiobjective optimization: An application to system reliability design problems", Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 92(3), pp. 314-322 (2007).
15. Taboada, H.A. and Coit, D.W. "Development of a new multiple objective prioritized genetic algorithm", In IIE Annual Conference. Proceedings, p. 176 (2008).
16. Liang, Y.C. and Lo, M.H. "Multi-objective redundancy allocation optimization using a variable neighborhood search algorithm", Journal of Heuristics, 16(3), pp. 511-535 (2010).
17. Soylu, B. and Ulusoy, S.K. "A preference ordered classification for a multi-objective max-min redundancy allocation problem", Computers & Operations Research, 38(12), pp. 1855-1866 (2011).
18. Coit, D.W. "Cold-standby redundancy optimization for non-repairable systems", Iie Transactions, 33(6),pp. 471-478 (2001).
19. Coit, D.W. "Maximization of system reliability with a choice of redundancy strategies", IIE Transactions, 35(6), pp. 535-543 (2003).
20. Tavakkoli-Moghaddam, R., Safari, J., and Sassani, F. "Reliability optimization of series-parallel systems with a choice of redundancy strategies using a genetic algorithm", Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 93(4), pp. 550-556 (2008).
21. Safari, J. and Tavakkoli-Moghaddam, R. "A redundancy allocation problem with the choice of redundancy strategies by a memetic algorithm", Journal of Industrial Engineering, International, 6(11), pp. 6-16 (2010).
22. Amari, S.V. "Reliability of k-out-of-n standby systems with gamma distributions", In 2012 Proceedings Annual Reliability and Maintainability Symposium, pp. 1-6 (2012).
23. Dhingra, A.K. "Optimal apportionment of reliability and redundancy in series systems under multiple objectives", IEEE Transactions on Reliability, 41(4), pp. 576-582 (1992).
24. Ghafarian Salehi Nezhad, A., Eshraghniaye Jahromi, A., Salmani, M.H., and Ghasemi, F. "A four-phase algorithm to improve reliability in series-parallel systems with redundancy allocation", Scientia Iranica, 21(3), pp. 1072-1082 (2014).
25. Azaron, A., Katagiri, H., Kato, K., and Sakawa, M. "Reliability evaluation and optimization of dissimilarcomponent cold-standby redundant systems", Journal of the Operations Research Society of Japan, 48(1), pp. 71-88 (2005).
26. Azaron, A., Perkgoz, C., Katagiri, H., Kato, K., and Sakawa, M. "Multi-objective reliability optimization for dissimilar-unit cold-standby systems using a genetic algorithm", Computers & Operations Research, 36(5), pp. 1562-1571 (2009).
27. Ebrahim Nezhad, M., Maleki, V.B., Pasandideh, H.R., and Safari, J. "Increasing the reliability and the profit in a redundancy allocation problem", International Journal of Applied Operational Research, 1(2), pp. 57- 64 (2011).
28. Chambari, A., Najafi, A.A., Rahmati, S.H.A., and Karimi, A. "An efficient simulated annealing algorithm for the redundancy allocation problem with a choice of redundancy strategies", Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 119, pp. 158-164 (2013).
29. Azimi, P., Hemmati, M., and Chambari, A. "Solving the redundancy allocation problem of k-out-of-n with non-exponential repairable components using optimization via simulation approach", Scientia Iranica, 24(3), pp. 1547-1560 (2017).
30. Pourkarim Guilani, P., Zaretalab, A., and Niaki, S.T.A. "A bi-objective model to optimize reliabilityand cost of k-out-of-n  series-parallel systems with tristate components", Scientia Iranica, Transactions E, Industrial Engineering, 24(3), pp. 1585-1602 (2017).
31. Sharifi, M., Memariani, A., and Noorossana, R. "Real time study of a k-out-of-n system: n identical elements with constant fuzzy failure", World Applied Sciences Journal, 8(9), pp. 1136-1143 (2010).
32. Sharifi, M., Ganjian, M., and Ghajar, H.R. "Expansion of reliability models based on Markov chain with consideration of fuzzy failure rates: System with two parallel and identical elements with constant failure rates", In IEEE International Conference on Computational Intelligence for Modelling, Control and Automation and International Conference on Intelligent Agents, Web Technologies and Internet Commerce (CIMCA-IAWTIC'06), 2, pp. 1022-1026 (2005).
33. Lins, I.D. and Droguett, E.L. "Redundancy allocation problems considering systems with imperfect repairs using multi-objective genetic algorithms and discrete event simulation", Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 19(1), pp. 362-381 (2011).
34. Ouzineb, M., Nourelfath, M., and Gendreau, M. "Tabu search for the redundancy allocation problem of homogenous series-parallel multi-state systems", Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 93(8), pp. 1257-1272 (2008).
35. Sharma, V.K. and Agarwal, M. "Ant colony optimization approach to heterogeneous redundancy in multistate systems with multi-state components", In 8th International IEEE Conference on Reliability, Maintainability and Safety, pp. 116-121 (2009).
36. Lins, I.D. and Droguett, E.L. "Multi-objective optimization of availability and cost in repairable systems design via genetic algorithms and discrete event simulation", Pesquisa Operacional, 29(1), pp. 43-66 (2009).
37. Ouzineb, M., Nourelfath, M., and Gendreau, M. "A heuristic method for non-homogeneous redundancy optimization of series-parallel multi-state systems", Journal of Heuristics, 17(1), pp. 1-22 (2011).
38. Ebrahimipour, V. and Sheikhalishahi, M. "Application of multi-objective particle swarm optimization to solve a fuzzy multi-objective reliability redundancy allocation problem", In IEEE International Systems Conference, pp. 326-333 (2011).
39. Lins, I.D. and Droguett, E.L. "Redundancy allocation problems considering systems with imperfect repairs using multi-objective genetic algorithms and discrete event simulation", Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory, 19(1), pp. 362-381 (2011).
40. Garg, H. and Sharma, S.P. "Multi-objective reliabilityredundancy allocation problem using particle swarm optimization", Computers & Industrial Engineering, 64(1), pp. 247-255 (2013).
41. Garg, H., Rani, M., and Sharma, S.P. "An efficient two phase approach for solving reliability-redundancy allocation problem using artificial bee colony technique", Computers & Operations Research, 40(12), pp. 2961- 2969 (2013).
42. Levitin, G., Xing, L., Ben-Haim, H., and Dai, Y. "Reliability of series-parallel systems with random failure propagation time", IEEE Transactions on Reliability, 62(3), pp. 637-647 (2013).
43. Maatouk, I., Ch^atelet, E., and Chebbo, N. "Availability maximization and cost study in multi-state systems", In IEEE Proceedings Annual Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS), pp. 1-6 (2013).
44. Gago, J., Hartillo, I., Puerto, J., and Ucha, J.M. "Exact cost minimization of a series-parallel reliable system with multiple component choices using an algebraic method", Computers & Operations Research, 40(11), pp. 2752-2759 (2013).
45. Ebrahimipour, V., Asadzadeh, S.M., and Azadeh, A. "An emotional learning-based fuzzy inference system for improvement of system reliability evaluation in redundancy allocation problem", The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 66(9-12), pp. 1657-1672 (2013).
46. Liu, Y., Huang, H.Z., Wang, Z., Li, Y., and Yang, Y. "A joint redundancy and imperfect maintenance strategy optimization for multi-state systems", IEEE Transactions on Reliability, 62(2), pp. 368-378 (2013).
47. Khalili-Damghani, K., Abtahi, A.R., and Tavana, M. "A decision support system for solving multi-objective redundancy allocation problems", Quality and Reliability Engineering International, 30(8), pp. 1249-1262 (2014).
48. Guilani, P.P., Sharifi, M., Niaki, S.T.A., and Zaretalab, A. "Reliability evaluation of non-reparable threestate systems using Markov model and its comparison with the UGF and the recursive methods", Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 129, pp. 29-35 (2014).
49. Sharifi, M., Cheragh, G., Maljaii, K.D., Zaretalab, A., Daei, F., and Vahid, A. "Reliability optimization of a series-parallel k-out-of-n system with failure rates depends on working component of system", International Journal of Industrial Engineering, 22(4), pp. 438-453 (2015).
50. Mousavi, S.M., Alikar, N., Niaki, S.T.A., and Bahreininejad, A. "Two tuned multi-objective metaheuristic algorithms for solving a fuzzy multi-state redundancy allocation problem under discount strategies", Applied Mathematical Modelling, 39(22), pp. 6968-6989 (2015).
51. Zaretalab, A., Hajipour, V., Sharifi, M., and Shahriari, M.R. "A knowledge-based archive multi-objective simulated annealing algorithm to optimize series-parallel system with choice of redundancy strategies", Computers & Industrial Engineering, 80, pp. 33-44 (2015).
52. Miriha, M., Niaki, S.T.A., Karimi, B., and Zaretalab, A. "Bi-objective reliability optimization of switchmode k-out-of-n series-parallel systems with active and cold standby components having failure rates dependent on the number of components", Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 42(12), pp. 5305-5320 (2017).
53. Pourkarim Guilani, P., Azimi, P., Sharifi, M., and Amiri, M. "Redundancy allocation problem with a mixed strategy for a system with k-out-of-n subsystems and time-dependent failure rates based on Weibull distribution: An optimization via simulation approach", Scientia Iranica, 26(2), pp. 1023-1038 (2019).
54. Sharifi, M., Saadvandi, M., and Shahriari, M.R. "Presenting a series-parallel redundancy allocation problem with multi-state components using recursive algorithm and meta-heuristic", Scientia Iranica, 27(2), pp. 970- 982 (2020).
55. Zaretalab, A. and Hajipour, V. "An extended simulated annealing based on the memory structure to solve redundancy allocation problem", Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Systems, 18(04), pp. 527-548 (2019).
56. Sharifi, M., Shahriari, M.R., and Zaretalab, A. "The effects of technical and organizational activities on redundancy allocation problem with choice of selecting redundancy strategies using the memetic algorithm", International Journal of Industrial Mathematics, 11(3), pp. 165-176 (2019).
57. Sharifi, M. and Khoshniat, S. "Optimization the availability of a system with short circuit and common cause failures", International Journal of Industrial Mathematics, 11(4), pp. 239-248 (2019).
58. Sharifi, M., Moghaddam, T.A., and Shahriari, M. "Multi-objective redundancy allocation problem with weighted-k-out-of-n subsystems", Heliyon, 5(12), e02346 (2019).
59. Alamdari, A.B. and Sharifi, M. "Solving a joint availability-redundancy optimization model with multistate components and metaheuristic approach", International Journal of Industrial Mathematics, 12(1), pp. 59-70 (2020).
60. Zaretalab, A., Hajipour, V., and Tavana, M. "Redundancy allocation problem with multi-state component systems and reliable supplier selection", Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 193, p. 106629 (2020).
61. Sharifi, M. and Taghipour, S. "Optimizing a redundancy allocation problem with open-circuit and shortcircuit failure modes in components and subsystems level", Journal of Engineering Optimization (In press).
62. Wang, Z., Chen, T., Tang, K., and Yao, X. "A multiobjective approach to redundancy allocation problem in parallel-series systems", In 2009 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, pp. 582-589 (2009).
63. Srinivas, N. and Deb, K. "Multi-objective optimization using non-dominated sorting in genetic algorithms", Evolutionary Computation, 2(3), pp. 221-248 (1994).
64. Deb, K., Agrawal, S., Pratap, A., and Meyarivan, T. "A fast elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm for multi-objective optimization: NSGA-II", In International Conference on Parallel Problem Solving from Nature, Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, pp. 849-858 (2000).
65. Al Jadaan, O., Rajamani, L., and Rao, C.R. "Nondominated ranked genetic algorithm for solving multiobjective optimization problems: NRGA", Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology, 4(1), pp. 60-67 (2008).
66. Deb, K., Multi-Objective Optimization Using Evolutionary Algorithms, John Wiley & Sons, 16 (2001).