Availability and Maintenance Analysis for Multi-Failure System Modeled by Alternating Renewal Processes Subject to M/E2/1 Queue

TLDR: In this article , an alternating renewal process is proposed to mathematically model a multi-failure complex system in order to develop its availability and maintenance measures, where inspections are performed at regular intervals to detect breakdowns.

Abstract: In this paper, it is aimed to propose a notion of the alternating renewal process to mathematically model a multi-failure complex system in order to develop its availability and maintenance measures. In the study, M/E2/1 queueing model with infinite waiting space during service times of components has been worked out under the FCFS discipline. Inspections are performed at regular intervals to detect breakdowns. The primary objective of the paper is about obtaining the system’s reliability, availability, and the optimal interval period with minimum maintenance cost. To validate the mentioned model a case study has been done on the Power Distribution System. Finally, a comparative study between M/E2/1 and M/M/1 queuing models is done and the various aspects based on availability and long-run cost are focused in the analytical result. The results were direct toward enhancing the availability of the system and making the decision about an appropriate inspection period.