Development of an inexact optimization model for coupled coal and power management in North China

• Published in: Energy policy Vol. 37; no. 11; pp. 4345 - 4363
• Main Authors: Liu, Y., Huang, G.H., Cai, Y.P., Cheng, G.H., Niu, Y.T., An, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01-11-2009; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Series: Energy Policy
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Coal; Coupled coal and power systems; Coupled coal and power systems Environment Uncertainty; Economic data; Electric energy; Electricity; Energy; Energy economics; Energy industry; Energy policy; Energy resources; Environment; Environmental economics; Exact sciences and technology; General, economic and professional studies; Linear programming; Mathematical programming; Methodology. Modelling; Natural environment; Optimization techniques; Studies; Uncertainty; Asia; China; Coupled coal and power systems; Environment; Uncertainty; Decision support system; Supply; Linear programming; Mixed integer programming; Integrated management; Modeling; Constrained optimization; Case study; Optimal strategy; Coal; Production; Planning; Electric power production; Transport; Energy management
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2009.05.050

In this study, an inexact coupled coal and power management (ICCPM) model was developed for planning coupled coal and power management systems through integrating chance-constrained programming (CCP), interval linear programming (ILP) and mixed integer linear programming (MILP) techniques. The ICCPM model can effectively handle uncertainties presented in terms of probability density functions and intervals. It can also facilitate dynamic analysis of capacity expansions, facility installation and coal inventory planning within a multi-period and multi-option context. Complexities in coupled coal and power management systems can be systematically reflected in this model, thus applicability of the modeling process would be highly enhanced. The developed ICCPM model was applied to a case of long-term coupled coal and power management systems planning in north China. Interval solutions associated with different risk levels of constraint violations have been obtained, which can be used for generating decision alternatives and helping identify desired policies. The generated results can also provide desired solutions for coal and power generation, capacity initiation and expansion, and coal blending with a minimized system cost, a maximized system reliability and a maximized coal transportation security. Tradeoffs between system costs and constraint-violation risks can also be tackled.