Stochastic programming models for general redundancy-optimization problems

This paper provides a unified modeling idea for both parallel and standby redundancy optimization problems. A spectrum of redundancy stochastic programming models is constructed to maximize the mean system-lifetime, α-system lifetime, or system reliability. To solve these models, a hybrid intelligent algorithm is presented. Some numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. This paper considers both parallel redundant systems and standby redundant systems whose components are connected with each other in a logical configuration with a known system structure function. Three types of system performance-expected system lifetime, α-system lifetime and system reliability-are introduced. A stochastic simulation is designed to estimate these system performances. In order to model general redundant systems, a spectrum of redundancy stochastic programming models is established. Stochastic simulation, NN and GA are integrated to produce a hybrid intelligent algorithm for solving the proposed models. Finally, the effectiveness of the hybrid intelligent algorithm is illustrated by some numerical examples.