Analysis techniques for electrical and mechanical power systems

This paper is the first of a series of papers discussing the application and accuracy of different analysis techniques supporting the determination of system availability. This paper identifies and discusses the different analysis techniques currently available and identifies software tools utilizing these techniques. It discusses the fundamental approaches of each tool. There is a need recognized in the power industry to identify and utilize a standard tool to analyze the availability of facilities utilizing electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems. This paper is the culmination of a 6-month study designed to identify viable analysis techniques and associated software tools available for the application of the techniques. The different approaches discussed in this paper include: Boolean algebra; reliability block diagram; event tree; Monte Carlo; zone branch; FMECA; and cut set.