Sensitivity and reliability evaluation for a thermal power plant subject to complex failures and human error
Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures
ISSN: 1573-6105
Article publication date: 9 July 2019
Issue publication date: 8 August 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze a thermal power plant (TPP) by taking into consideration its key components, namely, boiler, turbine, conveyor and generator, which are handled by a human operator. It is well known fact that the continuous power generation through a power plant depends on the reliability/availability of its components.
Design/methodology/approach
The various performance measures of a TPP are obtained by using mathematical modeling, Markov process and supplementary variable technique.
Findings
Reliability, i.e. mean time to failure with respect to different components of a TPP, has been obtained and demonstrated with the help of graphs. Critical components of the system are identified through sensitivity analysis.
Originality/value
In the present paper, a mathematical model based on the functioning of a TPP has been developed. Conclusions in this paper are good references for the design of a TPP.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. The author is thankful to the reviewers for their valuable suggestions for the improvement of the paper.
Citation
Kumar, A. (2019), "Sensitivity and reliability evaluation for a thermal power plant subject to complex failures and human error", Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, Vol. 15 No. 5, pp. 895-912. https://doi.org/10.1108/MMMS-10-2018-0165
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited