Design Out Maintenances
Bimal Gautam
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Kathmandu University
Energy Technology
Email: [email protected]
Abstract—This paper explores the concept of ”Design Out 3) Modular Design: Implementation of modular compo-
Maintenance” (DOM), a proactive engineering approach aimed nents that can be easily replaced rather than maintained,
at minimizing or eliminating maintenance requirements through reducing system downtime and maintenance complexity.
innovative design solutions. The study examines various strategies
and methodologies used to implement DOM in engineering IV. A PPLICATIONS IN E NERGY T ECHNOLOGY
systems, with particular emphasis on energy technology applica-
tions. The research demonstrates how incorporating maintenance A. Renewable Energy Systems
considerations during the design phase can lead to more reliable, DOM principles are particularly relevant in renewable en-
cost-effective, and sustainable systems. ergy installations, where maintenance access can be challeng-
I. I NTRODUCTION ing:
• Wind turbines with sealed bearings and maintenance-free
Maintenance activities constitute a significant portion of
operational costs in industrial and energy systems. Design gearboxes
• Solar panels with self-cleaning surfaces
Out Maintenance represents a paradigm shift from traditional
• Hydroelectric systems with wear-resistant components
reactive and preventive maintenance approaches to a more
proactive strategy that addresses potential maintenance issues V. E CONOMIC A NALYSIS
during the design phase. This approach not only reduces life-
A. Cost-Benefit Considerations
cycle costs but also enhances system reliability and operational
efficiency. The implementation of DOM typically involves:
• Higher initial investment in design and materials
II. T HEORETICAL F RAMEWORK • Reduced operational costs over system lifetime
A. Principles of Design Out Maintenance • Decreased downtime and associated revenue losses
The fundamental principles of DOM include: • Lower labor costs for maintenance activities
• Simplification of system design to reduce potential failure VI. C HALLENGES AND L IMITATIONS
points Several challenges exist in implementing DOM:
• Selection of materials and components with extended
• Initial cost considerations
service life
• Technical limitations in completely eliminating mainte-
• Integration of self-monitoring and self-healing capabili-
nance
ties
• Regulatory requirements for periodic inspections
• Elimination of maintenance-intensive components where
• Balance between reliability and complexity
possible
VII. F UTURE T RENDS
III. M ETHODOLOGIES
Emerging technologies supporting DOM include:
A. Design Strategies
• Advanced materials with self-healing properties
Several key strategies are employed in implementing DOM: • IoT-based predictive maintenance systems
1) Component Elimination: Where possible, designs are • Artificial intelligence for system optimization
simplified by eliminating components that require regular • Additive manufacturing for complex, maintenance-free
maintenance. This includes replacing mechanical systems with components
electronic alternatives or combining multiple functions into
single components. VIII. C ONCLUSION
2) Material Selection: Advanced materials with properties Design Out Maintenance represents a significant advance-
such as: ment in engineering design philosophy, particularly relevant
• Self-lubricating characteristics to energy technology applications. While challenges exist,
• Enhanced wear resistance the benefits of reduced maintenance requirements, improved
• Corrosion resistance reliability, and lower lifecycle costs make DOM an attractive
• Temperature stability approach for modern engineering systems.
R EFERENCES
[1] J. Moubray, ”Reliability-centered Maintenance,” Industrial Press Inc.,
2001.
[2] D. Smith and K. Simpson, ”Safety Critical Systems Handbook: A
Straightforward Guide to Functional Safety,” Butterworth-Heinemann,
2016.
[3] R. Keith Mobley, ”An Introduction to Predictive Maintenance,”
Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002.
[4] P. O’Connor and A. Kleyner, ”Practical Reliability Engineering,” Wiley,
2012.
[5] J. D. Andrews and T. R. Moss, ”Reliability and Risk Assessment,”
Professional Engineering Publishing, 2002.
