Non-linear programming for filter management in a fluid power system with uncertainty

In this study, non-linear programming for filter management in a fluid power system is developed for the assessment of filter allocation and replacement strategies in a fluid power system (FPS). The developed model can effectively tackle uncertainties existing as interval values and fuzzy sets, through introducing independent control variables and L- R fuzzy numbers into the interval non-linear programming (INP) framework. Moreover, in the modelling formulation, the service life of the pump and the cost of filter maintenance are included in the objective function to reflect the effect of strategies. The developed method is applied to the filter management of an FPS with a bypass filtration system. The results indicate that reasonable solutions have been generated. Not only can they help identify optimal filter allocation and replacement strategies to control the contamination of FPSs, but also they can provide decision makers more information regarding trade-offs among system cost, certainty and safety in comparison with the INP model.