Method for selecting leading associated parameter and method for combining critical parameter and leading associated parameter for equipment prognostics and health management

A method for selecting a leading associated parameter, comprising:

• collecting a plurality of sets of data by at least one sensor, and performing selection on the data by using a feature extraction algorithm to form a feature database;
• dividing the data in the feature database into a critical parameter set including at least one critical parameter, and a feature parameter set including the data other than the critical parameter;
• identifying, from the feature parameter set, a plurality of associated parameters leading the critical parameter by using a causality algorithm to form an associated parameter candidate set;
• and
• selecting, from the associated parameter candidate set, one associated parameter, which produces earliest in time a reaction to a change in the critical parameter, as the leading associated parameter.