Selection of optimum maintenance policy based on fuzzy TOPSIS

This paper aims to evaluate different maintenance strategies for different equipment. The selection of maintenance strategies is a typical multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. To deal with the uncertain judgment of decision makers, fuzzy TOPSIS method is applied as an evaluation tool, where uncertain and imprecise judgments of decision makers are translated into fuzzy numbers. In order to avoid the fuzzy priority calculation and fuzzy ranking procedures in fuzzy TOPSIS methods, a new fuzzy prioritization method is proposed. A specific example is given. As demonstrated by this case study, the fuzzy TOPSIS method proposed is a simple and effective tool for tackling the uncertainty and imprecision associated with MCDM problems, which might prove beneficial for plant maintenance managers to define the optimum maintenance strategy for each piece of equipment.

Keywords:

Maintenance strategies , Multiple criteria decision-making , Fuzzy TOPSIS , Power Plant