Optimization Problems for a Parallel System with Multiple Types of Dependent Components

This paper is concerned with two optimization problems for a parallel system that consists of dependent components. First, the problem of finding the number of elements in the system that minimizes the mean cost rate of the system is considered. The second problem is concerned with the optimal replacement time of the system. Previous work assumes that the components are independent. We discuss the impact of dropping this assumption. In particular, we numerically examine how the dependence between the components affects the optimal number of units and replacement time for the system which minimize mean cost rates. We first consider the case when the components are exchangeable and dependent, i.e. the system consists of single type of dependent components. Subsequently, we consider a system that consists of multiple types of dependent components. Comparative numerical results are presented for particularly chosen dependence models.