Reliability optimization of multi-state consecutive sliding window systems under different activation strategies

Abstract

The Consecutive-sliding window system (CSWS) is a recently developed version of the sliding window system (SWS), a structure inspired by a consecutive k- out - of -r- from -n: F system. In the CSWS, if the performance of any window of at least m-consecutive ones known by a set is lower than a predetermined demand value, the system fails. The present study proposes a more general version of the CSWS in which multi-state components of the system are constructed by binary elements with the possibility of using different active, standby, or K-mixed activation strategies for the elements in a component. Each strategy leads to a unique performance of that component in a multi-state mode. The proper allocation of elements to the components and the application of appropriate activation strategies have a significant effect on the system's reliability and cost. Therefore, a model is proposed to identify the optimal structure of components. A novel probabilistic algorithm is also developed for evaluating the performance of each adopted strategy. Moreover, a universal generating function-based approach is employed to calculate the system's reliability. To solve the proposed mathematical model, an evolutionary algorithm is developed. Finally, a numerical example and an industrial case study are analyzed to verify the importance of the proposed model.