Completion Date
Fall 12-16-2024
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Program or Discipline Name
Information Systems Engineering and Management
Secondary Program or Discipline Name
Advanced Manufacturing
First Advisor
Dr Amar Ramudhin
Abstract
A significant systems engineering challenge exists due to the lack of a comprehensive methodology that holistically addresses both the static and dynamic components of air-cooled heat exchangers. Traditional methodologies often overlook the dynamic components—such as fin blades, electrical motors, gearboxes and propellers (fans)—that are integral to the overall performance and reliability of the air-cooled heat exchangers. The absence of an integrated framework that considers the interdependencies and interactions between mechanical and dynamic components complicates the task of accurately assessing the remaining life and ensuring the reliability of the entire system.
This article proposes a holistic RLA and reliability engineering framework developed based on systems engineering principles to cover both mechanical integrity (header boxes and fin tubes) and dynamic reliability aspects (fin blades, electrical motors, gearboxes and propellers). By employing a systems engineering approach, the framework ensures a comprehensive assessment of the interdependencies among all sub-systems, thereby enhancing the overall reliability and maintainability of air-cooled heat exchangers. The systems engineering-based assessment framework enables asset integrity, reliability and maintenance engineering professionals to produce a technically robust, coherent and auditable system reliability report, addressing both static and dynamic subsystems of air-cooled heat exchangers and ultimately contributing to improved asset performance, regulatory compliance and longer useful life.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Narang, D. (2024). Application of Systems Engineering Principles in a Reliability Assessment of Air- Cooled Heat Exchangers. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.harrisburgu.edu/experiential-learning/2