Optimization of the redundancy allocation problem: Genetic algorithm and Monte Carlo simulation with discrete events

The reliability optimization of a system with various problem-specific constraints is an important problem. The Redundancy Allocation Problem (RAP) is the design of new systems with higher reliability using redundant components in parallel arrangement. While improving the system's reliability, the cost is also on the upswing. It has been ensured that system designs with higher reliability at lower costs, where failure and repair are considered, can be obtained (Table A). The reliability of the system with nonrepairable components is lower than the reliability of the system with repairable components. Furthermore, the cost of the system with nonrepairable components is higher than the cost of the system with repairable components.Purpose:The aims of this study are modeling the dynamic behavior of a system considering increasing failure and repair rates, and finding the optimal repairable system design.Theory and Methods:This paper presents a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) model to estimate the system reliability considering increasing failure and repair rates, and a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to find the optimal repairable system design.Results:According to the results, system designs with higher reliability at lower costs, where failure and repair are considered, can be obtained. It has been found that systems with repairable components are more reliable and cheaper than systems with nonrepairable components. Conclusion:It is obtained that the optimal repairable system design with higher reliability at lower cost than the nonrepairable system design.