An Economic Design of a k-out-of-n System

A k-out-of-n system with n identical and independent components is considered in which the components takes two types of function: 0 (open-circuit) or 1 (closed) on command (e.g. electromagnetic relays and solid state switches). Components are subject to two types of failure on command: failure to close or failure to open. In our k-out-of-n system, failure of (n-k)＋1 or more components to close causes to the close failure of the system, or failure of k or more components to open causes the open failure of the system. The long-run average cost rate is obtained. We find the optimal k minimizing the long run average cost rate for given n. A numerical example is presented.