Research on the Optimization of a Track Circuit Maintenance Strategy Based on the BB-MOPSO Algorithm

Focusing on the issues of the effects of the high failure rate and poor maintenance on the ZPW-2000A track circuit during in-field operations, this paper proposes a multi-objective maintenance decision optimization method by considering the number of maintenance personnel. The developed method introduces not only the service age regression, increased failure rate, system’s average reliability, maintenance costs, but also the availability calculation model in the case of multiple maintenance personnel. We solve the model using the integer coded BB-MOPSO algorithm, and obtain the Pareto front solution set, and then the optimal maintenance plan of the system is further established. In addition, the number of optimal maintenance personnel is analyzed in detail. Compared to the results of traditional maintenance strategies, the results obtained in this paper show that the proposed model can reduce the maintenance costs, under the same working conditions, by 13.29%, moreover, it can more comprehensively reflect the impact of maintenance activities on the system reliability, maintenance costs, and availability. Furthermore, the method can meet the needs of decision-makers for diversified solutions and can provide an effective decision support while on site.