Optimization of circulating cooling water systems based on chance constrained programming

Recent research on deterministic methods for circulating cooling water systems optimization has been well developed. However, the actual operating conditions of the system are mostly variable, so the system obtained under deterministic conditions may not be stable and economical. This paper studies the optimization of circulating cooling water systems under uncertain circumstance. To improve the reliability of the system and reduce the water and energy consumption, the influence of different uncertain parameters is taken into consideration. The chance constrained programming method is used to build a model under uncertain conditions, where the confidence level indicates the degree of constraint violation. Probability distribution functions are used to describe the form of uncertain parameters. The objective is to minimize the total cost and obtain the optimal cooling network configuration simultaneously.An algorithm based on Monte Carlo method is proposed, and GAMS software is used to solve the mixed integer nonlinear programming model. A case is optimized to verify the validity of the model. Compared with the deterministic optimization method, the results show that when considering the different types of uncertain parameters, a system with better economy and reliability can be obtained(total cost can be reduced at least 2%).

Optimal Configuration Method for the Installed Capacity of the Solar-Thermal Power Stations

Because of the randomness of wind power and photovoltaic(PV)output of new energy bases,the problem of peak regulation capability and voltage stability of ultra-high voltage direct current(UHVDC)transmission lines,we proposed an optimum allocation method of installed capacity of the solar-thermal power station based on chance constrained programming in this work.Firstly,we established the uncertainty model of wind power and PV based on the chance constrained planning theory.Then we used the K-medoids clusteringmethod to cluster the scenarios considering the actual operation scenarios throughout the year.Secondly,we established the optimal configuration model based on the objective function of the strongest transient voltage stability and the lowest overall cost of operation.Finally,by quantitative analysis of actual wind power and photovoltaic new energy base,this work verified the feasibility of the proposed method.As a result of the simulations,we found that using the optimal configuration method of solar-thermal power stations could ensure an accurate allocation of installed capacity.When the installed capacity of the solar-thermal power station is 1×106 kW,the transient voltage recovery index(TVRI)is 0.359,which has a strong voltage support capacity for the system.Based on the results of this work,the optimal configuration of the installed capacity of the solar-thermal power plant can improve peak shaving performance,transient voltage support capability,and new energy consumption while satisfying the Direct Current(DC)outgoing transmission premise.

Integrated logistics facilities network design for 3PLS under uncertainty

According to the operational characteristics of the logistics networks for the third party logistics supplier （3PLS）, the forward and reverse logistics networks together for 3PLS under the uncertain environment are designed. First, a fuzzy model is proposed by taking multiple customers, multiple commodities, capacitated facility location and integrated logistics facility layout into account. In the model, the fuzzy customer demands and transportation rates are illustrated by triangular fuzzy numbers. Secondly, the fuzzy model is converted into a crisp model by applying fuzzy chance constrained theory and possibility theory, and one hybrid genetic algorithm is designed for the crisp model. Finally, two different examples are designed to illustrate that the model and solution discussed are valid.

Process optimization with consideration of uncertainties——An overview

Optimization under uncertainty is a challenging topic of practical importance in the Process Systems Engineering.Since the solution of an optimization problem generally exhibits high sensitivity to the parameter variations, the deterministic model which neglects the parametric uncertainties is not suitable for practical applications. This paper provides an overview of the key contributions and recent advances in the field of process optimization under uncertainty over the past ten years and discusses their advantages and limitations thoroughly. The discussion is focused on three specific research areas, namely robust optimization, stochastic programming and chance constrained programming, based on which a systematic analysis of their applications, developments and future directions are presented. It shows that the more recent trend has been to integrate different optimization methods to leverage their respective superiority and compensate for their drawbacks. Moreover, data-driven optimization, which combines mathematical programming methods and machine learning algorithms, has become an emerging and competitive tool to handle optimization problems in the presence of uncertainty based on massive historical data.

Stochastic Flexibility Evaluation for Virtual Power Plants by Aggregating Distributed Energy Resources

To manage a large amount of flexible distributed energy resources(DERs)in the distribution networks,the virtual power plant(VPP)is introduced into the industry.The VPP can optimally dispatch these resources in a cluster manner and provide flexibility for the power system operation as a whole.Most existing studies formulate the equivalent power flexibility of the aggregating DERs as deterministic optimization models without considering their uncertainties.In this paper,we introduce the stochastic power flexibility range(PFR)and timecoupling flexibility(TCF)to describe the power flexibility of VPP.In this model,both operational constraints and the randomness of the DERs’output are incorporated,and a combined model and data-driven solution is proposed to obtain the stochastic PFR,TCF,and cost function of VPP.The aggregating model can be easily incorporated into the optimization model for the power system operator or market bidding,considering uncertainties.Finally,a numerical test is performed.The results show that the proposed model not only has higher computational efficiency than the scenario-based methods but also achieves more economic benefits.

A solution to stochastic unit commitment problem for a wind-thermal system coordination

Unit commitment （UC） problem is one of the most important decision making problems in power system. In this paper the UC problem is solved by considering it as a real time problem by adding stochasticity in the generation side because of wind-thermal co-ordination system as well as stochasticity in the load side by incorporating the randomness of the load. The most important issue that needs to be addressed is the achievement of an economic unit commitment solution after solving UC as a real time problem. This paper proposes a hybrid approach to solve the stochastic UC problem considering the volatile nature of wind and formulating the UC problem as a chance constrained problem in which the load is met with high probability over the entire time period.