Parallel System
- Last UpdatedMay 19, 2025
- 5 minute read
In addition to the benefits of transparency afforded by breaking a system down into subsystems, the parallel system has a further functionality. Parallel systems can be used in Asset Strategy Optimization to build redundant systems. A parallel system is dependent on a system or subsystem and may only be added for systems in the FMECA systems window. Although the Simulation Models window may show a system containing a parallel system, users are not able to add them here. Parts and subsystems may be dependent on a parallel system. If a parallel system is dependent on a higher-level parallel system, this is referred to as a redundant system. At least two parts or two subsystems should be dependent on a parallel system.
Subsystems of the parallel system
Systems can be decomposed into subsystems to better handle the complexity, and enable a better resemblance of the real-life situation. The following objects can be created under a Parallel System:
Converting into another object
Should the wrong type of object have been chosen, it is possible to Convert into other object the created object into another object. Note that any data created for the original object will remain available in the database, should the user decide to change the type back into the original type.
Tab Parallel System - General
Properties of a Parallel System - tab General
|
FIELD |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Name |
Users are free to enter any name for the object. The logical option is to enter the actual name of the object |
|
Object type |
Always 'Redundant System' for this object |
|
Function |
In this field, users can enter a functional description of the object in question |
|
Tag |
The tag is the number by which the physical object is known within the system; it can contain 50 characters. Note: The tag value, when entered, will be displayed together with the Name of the object in the tree. |
|
|
Buffer time is the period measured from the point at which the subsystem fails to the point at which the entire system will be affected by this failure. The results of the simulation show whether or not there is a buffer time. The time unit can be selected from the dropdown menu: Hours, Weeks, Months, or Years. |
|
(DD/MM/YYYY) |
The Begin Date can be used to enter the date on which the system was put into use. Any change in the begin date parameter is apparent from the results of the simulation of the system or subsystem |
Creating a Parallel System
To create a Parallel System, follow these steps:
-
Open the FMECA screen.
-
Right-click a Model or subsystem in the tree and select New > Parallel System.
-
In the Property Grid and Properties Screen , fill in the name of the serial system. For example, Spare Bicycle
-
Click outside of the name field to save it.
-
Describe the function of the serial system in the Function field.
-
Optionally, fill in the other fields in the Property Grid
-
Click outside of each field to save it.
Tip: Optionally, the user can use the Properties screen (see the above picture) to fill in the fields. The screen is opened by double clicking the just created parallel system or by right-clicking on the parallel system and choosing the Properties.
Tab Parallel System - Redundancy
Properties of a Parallel System - tab Redundancy
|
FIELD |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Redundancy Model |
The option Functional can be selected here which will display the following entry field Min. FunctionLevel% or N of M which will display the following entry field N of M. |
|
|
A percentage of the level of functionality may be entered in this field, if the 'Functional' redundancy model was selected earlier. This value indicates the threshold that has to be reached before the system goes down |
|
|
A quantity may be entered in this field, if the 'N of M' redundancy model was selected earlier. If for instance two parts/subsystems are present under a redundant system, the available options are; 1 out of 2. If one of both systems is down, this will not affect the actually logged downtime; the other subsystem will still maintain production capacity. Only when both systems go down, this will result in downtime. 2 out of 2. If both systems are down, this will directly have an impact upon the registered downtime; since both systems are required for maintaining production capacity. For more information, see Simulation fields for a Parallel System. |
|
|
Always 'Warm'. |
|
|
The time taken before the stand-by system switches on. |
|
|
An automatically generated list of parallel systems that are linked to this parallel system. |
