Change-point Approach for Analyzing Failure Trend in Repairable Generating Systems

A number of trend test methods, i.e., Military Handbook test and Laplace test etc., have been applied to investigate recurrent failures trend in repairable systems. Existing methods provide information about only existence of trend in the system. In this paper, we propose a new change-point test based on the Schwarz Information Criterion(SIC). The change-point approach is more informative than other trend test methods in that it provides the number of change-points and the location of change-points if it exists, as well as the existence of change-point for recurrent failures. The change-point test is applied to nine 300MW generating units operated in East China. We confirm that the change-point test has a potential for establishing optimal preventive maintenance policy by detecting change-point of failure rat