Franky Ferary, Nyoman Gunantara, Nyoman Pramaita

Reliability of the Weather Radar at BBMKG Region III Using the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) Method

Introduction

Reliability of the weather radar at bbmkg region iii using the failure mode and effect analysis (fmea) method. Assess weather radar reliability at BBMKG Region III using FMEA. Study reveals high-risk failures in the receiver component, impacting rainfall detection sensitivity. Radar still identifies various rainfall intensities.

Abstract

One of the main roles of BMKG in Serving the public is to provide weather forecast information. The accuracy of such information highly depends on the operational condition of the instruments used, including weather radar as one of the primary tools. A reliable weather radar ensures the generation of accurate observational data, which forms the basis of weather forecasting. This study aims to assess the reliability of the weather radar operated by BBMKG Region III Badung, which has been in service for over 15 years. The evaluations were conducted using the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method based on the latest calibration data from 2024. The analysis revealed several significant potential failures, particularly in the receiver component, with Risk Priority Number (RPN) values exceeding 100. These findings indicate a high level of risk that could affect the radar’s sensitivity in detecting rainfall. Nevertheless, the weather radar at BBMKG Region III remains capable of identifying rainfall intensity ranging from light to very heavy. Keywords: Weather radar, BMKG, Reliability, FMEA, Receiver, Rainfall intensity

Review

This paper presents a timely and relevant study on the reliability of an aging weather radar, critical infrastructure for the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG). Given the vital role of accurate weather forecasts in public safety and various economic sectors, assessing the operational integrity of primary observational tools like weather radar is paramount. The authors appropriately employ the Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) method, a well-established and systematic approach, to evaluate the radar's reliability based on its 15+ years of service and recent calibration data. This proactive assessment using a recognized methodology provides a strong foundation for identifying potential vulnerabilities that could impact the quality of meteorological data. A significant finding highlighted by the FMEA is the identification of the receiver component as a high-risk element, evidenced by RPN values exceeding 100. This clearly indicates a substantial potential for failure that could compromise the radar's sensitivity and, consequently, the accuracy of rainfall detection. While the abstract reassures that the radar remains capable of identifying a full range of rainfall intensities, this statement warrants further exploration within the full paper to reconcile it with the "high risk" assessment. Understanding whether the current capability exists *despite* the identified risks, or if the risks are *potential* rather than actively impacting current performance to a critical degree, would be crucial for practical interpretation. The use of "latest calibration data from 2024" ensures the contemporaneity and relevance of the findings. Overall, this study offers a valuable contribution to the field of operational meteorology and asset management for critical infrastructure. By systematically identifying potential failure modes in an aging weather radar, the work provides BMKG with actionable insights to develop targeted maintenance strategies, optimize spare parts inventory, and inform future equipment upgrade or replacement decisions. The insights gained from this specific radar could also serve as a blueprint for assessing other similar instruments within the BMKG network. Future research could extend to exploring the specific mitigation strategies for the identified high-risk components and quantifying the cost-benefit of such interventions, further enhancing the practical utility of this commendable reliability assessment.

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