Availability Analysis of Multi-state Weighted k-out-of-n Systems with Component Performance Requirements

As one of the most typical systems, the k-out-of-n system has been extensively studied in recent years. In this paper, we propose a new kind of multi-state weighted k-out-of-n systems in consideration of performance requirements of component and system, simultaneously. Since the state probability and demand performance of components changes over time, this new system is defined as dynamic weighted k-out-of-n system (DWKNS). Through combining Markov process with universal generating function (UGF) method, the state probability and performance of the components and system are easily obtained. Then, the dynamic instantaneous availability model of DWKNS is established. Finally, taking the power system of ship as an example, the availability of power system is estimated. Besides, influence of components performance requirements on the system availability is studied.