Stochastic analysis of a three-unit non-identical repairable system with priority to main unit for operation and repair

Abstract

Here, stochastic analysis of a three-unit repairable system is carried out with one main unit (class I unit) and two cold standby identical secondary units (class II units). The secondary units are less efficient than the main unit and neither can bear the load of the main unit. However, the secondary units can work simultaneously at the failure of the main unit. The priority is given to the class I unit for operation and repair. Repair activities are handled by a single server and assumed to be perfect. Failures of class I unit and class II units are different but constant. The repair distributions of both types of units are taken as general. The expressions for reliability measures and profit function are derived using Semi-Markov Process (SMP) and regenerative point technique. The application of the proposed model can be visualised in a power supply system.