Contour Plots-Based Approach for Reliability Analysis of Small Data Sets of Varistor Arrester's Failure Times

Abstract

Small data sets of varistor arrester's failure times sourced from standard accelerated degradation tests are used to analyse performance reliability of these SPDs. The White's approximation-based computational technique is invoked in order to estimate the Weibull parameters of the failure time data sets. Contour plots are applied to examine the behaviour of the extreme bounds or limits of the estimated parameters. Results indicate noticeable increase and decrease of extreme values of the parameters upon harmonic-distortion being injected. Limitation of contour plots-based approach is also observed when small data sets are used.