Degradation modeling and opportunistic maintenance for two-component systems with an intermittent operation component

Abstract

In this study, an opportunistic predictive maintenance framework was developed for a system comprising one continuous operation component (COC) and intermittent operation component (IOC). The COC operates consistently with the system. In contrast, the IOC operates alternately in operation and standby modes. The degradation of the COC can increase the working frequency of the IOC, which can accelerate its degradation process. Omitting this degradation interaction in degradation modeling and reliability assessment could result in inaccurate lifetime prognostic and suboptimal maintenance plans. Therefore, in this study, a degradation model for the IOC is proposed considering the influence of the degradation state of the COC. A reliability model for the IOC was derived and used for predictive maintenance. Based on the proposed degradation models, an opportunistic predictive maintenance policy was proposed, considering the structural and economic dependencies between the components. Finally, a case study of an air compressor system is conducted to demonstrate the viability and benefits of the proposed model.