A method for reliability assessment of complex electromechanical system based on improved network connectivity entropy

The interconnectivity of components in complex electromechanical system (CMES) plays a critical role in ensuring system reliability. To examine the effect of component failures on system reliability, this work proposes a new reliability assessment method for CEMS based on improved network connectivity entropy. This method takes into account the mechanical, electrical, and information characteristics of components, and employs a comprehensive component importance calculation approach based on PageRank, which considers the functional impact of components. The reliability assessment model, considering both functional and topological attributes of the system, is established through the theory of network connectivity entropy. The proposed method is then demonstrated through an application to a bogie system of the CRH2008A high-speed railway. The proposed approach, rooted in topological networks, integrates component degradation into the physical structure of CEMS, providing a comprehensive way to deduce the impact of component failures on system reliability. Validity is demonstrated through case studies.