Simulation Optimization for the Stochastic Economic Lot Scheduling Problem

We study simulation optimization methods for the stochastic economic lot scheduling problem. In contrast to prior research, we focus on methods that treat this problem as a black box. Based on a large-scale numerical study, we compare approximate dynamic programming with a global search for parameters of simple control policies. We propose two value function … Read more

The optimal harvesting problem with price uncertainty

In this paper we study the exploitation of a one species forest plantation when timber price is governed by a stochastic process. The work focuses on providing closed expressions for the optimal harvesting policy in terms of the parameters of the price process and the discount factor. We assume that harvest is restricted to mature … Read more

On the Dynamic Stability of Electricity Markets

In this work, we present new insights into the dynamic stability of electricity markets. In particular, we discuss how short forecast horizons, incomplete gaming, and physical ramping constraints can give rise to stability issues. Using basic concepts of market efficiency, Lyapunov stability, and predictive control, we construct a new stabilizing market design. A numerical case … Read more

Approximate Dynamic Programming with Bezier Curves/Surfaces for Top-percentile traffic routing

Multi-homing is used by Internet Service Provider (ISP) to connect to the Internet via different network providers. This study investigates the optimal routing strategy under multi-homing in the case where network providers charge ISPs according to top-percentile pricing (i.e. based on the $\theta$-th highest volume of traffic shipped). We call this problem the Top-percentile Traffic … Read more

Minimax and risk averse multistage stochastic programming

In this paper we study relations between the minimax, risk averse and nested formulations of multistage stochastic programming problems. In particular, we discuss conditions for time consistency of such formulations of stochastic problems. We also describe a connection between law invariant coherent risk measures and the corresponding sets of probability measures in their dual representation. … Read more

Dynamic sampling algorithms for multi-stage stochastic programs with risk aversion

We consider the incorporation of a time-consistent coherent risk measure into a multi-stage stochastic programming model, so that the model can be solved using a SDDP-type algorithm. We describe the implementation of this algorithm, and study the solutions it gives for an application of hydro-thermal scheduling in the New Zealand electricity system. The performance of … Read more

A Game-Theoretical Dynamic Model for Electricity Markets

We present a game-theoretical dynamic model for competitive electricity markets.We demonstrate that the model can be used to systematically analyze the effects of ramp constraints, initial conditions, dynamic disturbances, forecast horizon, bidding frequency, and some other factors on the price signals.We illustrate the capabilities of the model using a numerical case study ArticleDownload View PDF

Computational and Economic Limitations of Dispatch Operations in the Next-Generation Power Grid

We study the interactions between computational and economic performance of dispatch operations under highly dynamic environments. In particular, we discuss the need for extending the forecast horizon of the dispatch formulation in order to anticipate steep variations of renewable power and highly elastic loads. We present computational strategies to solve the increasingly larger optimization problems … Read more

Dynamic Portfolio Optimization with Transaction Costs: Heuristics and Dual Bounds

We consider the problem of dynamic portfolio optimization in a discrete-time, finite-horizon setting. Our general model considers risk aversion, portfolio constraints (e.g., no short positions), return predictability, and transaction costs. This problem is naturally formulated as a stochastic dynamic program. Unfortunately, with non-zero transaction costs, the dimension of the state space is at least as … Read more

Aircraft landing problems with aircraft classes

This paper focuses on the aircraft landing problem that is to assign landing times to aircraft approaching the airport under consideration. Each aircraft’s landing time must be in a time interval encompassing a target landing time. If the actual landing time deviates from the target landing time additional costs occur which depend on the amount … Read more