Health Management System Design: Development, Simulation and Cost/Benefit Optimization

This paper provides an update to [1] on the developments associated with a Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) system design tool that integrates a model-based FMECA methodology with state-of-the-art system simulation directly linked to downstream Life Cycle Costs (LCC). This design tool will seek out recommended PHM system designs based on a cost function that accurately represents key LCC variables such as system availability, maintainability, reliability, and failure mode observability. The tool will be capable of assessing PHM sensor requirement specifications at the component and subsystem levels, and will then allow for integration into a broader integrated system model. Tradeoff, sensitivity and “what if” analysis will then allow the designer/user to examine the cost/benefit relationship of either adding or removing sensor and algorithms under consideration for the PHM design. An interactive database of existing PHM technologies for specific applications will also be accessible within the design tool for suggesting sensors/algorithms for monitoring various system parameters. Finally, the approach introduces a collaborative, web-enabled environment for enhanced realization and virtual simulation of PHM system design. A simplified example of a Health Management system cost/benefit analysis on an aircraft electromechanical valve is provided for illustration of the concepts introduced.