Robust Optimization

Distributionally Robust Optimization with Decision-Dependent Information Discovery

  • Qing Jin
  • Angelos Georghiou
  • Phebe Vayanos
  • Grani A. Hanasusanto
    • Categories Robust Optimization Tags , , , , ,

    We study two-stage distributionally robust optimization (DRO) problems with decision-dependent information discovery (DDID) wherein (a portion of) the uncertain parameters are revealed only if an (often costly) investment is made in the first stage. This class of problems finds many important applications in selection problems (e.g., in hiring, project portfolio optimization, or optimal sensor location). … Read more

    Network Flow Models for Robust Binary Optimization with Selective Adaptability

  • Ian Zhu
    • Categories Combinatorial Optimization, Integer Programming, Robust Optimization

    Adaptive robust optimization problems have received significant attention in recent years, but remain notoriously difficult to solve when recourse decisions are discrete in nature. In this paper, we propose new reformulation techniques for adaptive robust binary optimization (ARBO) problems with objective uncertainty. Without loss of generality, we focus on ARBO problems with “selective adaptability”, a … Read more

    Adjustable Robust Nonlinear Network Design under Demand Uncertainties

  • Johannes Thürauf
  • Julia Grübel
  • Martin Schmidt
    • Categories (Mixed) Integer Nonlinear Programming, Energy, Robust Optimization Tags , , , ,

    We study network design problems for nonlinear and nonconvex flow models under demand uncertainties. To this end, we apply the concept of adjustable robust optimization to compute a network design that admits a feasible transport for all, possibly infinitely many, demand scenarios within a given uncertainty set. For solving the corresponding adjustable robust mixed-integer nonlinear … Read more

    Frequency regulation with storage: On losses and profits

  • Dirk Lauinger
  • François Vuille
  • Daniel Kuhn
    • Categories Energy, Robust Optimization, Semi-infinite Programming Tags , , , , , ,

    Low-carbon societies will need to store vast amounts of electricity to balance intermittent generation from wind and solar energy, for example, through frequency regulation. Here, we derive an analytical solution to the decision-making problem of storage operators who sell frequency regulation power to grid operators and trade electricity on day-ahead markets. Mathematically, we treat future … Read more

    Sample Average Approximation and Model Predictive Control for Multistage Stochastic Optimization

  • Dominic S. T. Keehan
  • Andrew B. Philpott
  • Edward Anderson
    • Categories Robust Optimization, Stochastic Programming Tags , , ,

    Sample average approximation-based stochastic dynamic programming and model predictive control are two different methods of approaching multistage stochastic optimization. Model predictive control—despite a lack of theoretical backing—is often used instead of stochastic dynamic programming due to computational necessity. For settings where the stage reward is a convex function of the random terms, the stage dynamics … Read more

    Managing Distributional Ambiguity in Stochastic Optimization through a Statistical Upper Bound Framework

  • Shixin Liu
  • Jian Hu
    • Categories Robust Optimization, Stochastic Programming

    Stochastic optimization is often hampered by distributional ambiguity, where critical probability distributions are poorly characterized or unknown. Addressing this challenge, we introduce a new framework that targets the minimization of a statistical upper bound for the expected value of uncertain objectives, facilitating more statistically robust decision-making. Central to our approach is the Average Percentile Upper … Read more

    Adjustable robust optimization for fleet sizing problem in closed-loop supply chains with simultaneous delivery and pickup

  • Ali Borumand
  • Ali Nookabadi
    • Categories (Mixed) Integer Linear Programming, Meta Heuristics, Robust Optimization Tags , , , ,

    The Fleet Sizing Problem (FSP) stands as a critical challenge within the realm of logistics and supply chain management, particularly in the context of Closed-Loop Supply Chains (CLSC). The significance of addressing the FSP lies in its direct impact on operational costs, resource utilization, and environmental sustainability. By effectively optimizing fleet size, organizations can streamline … Read more

    Fourth-order Marginal Moment Model: Reformulations and Applications

  • Mingyang FU
  • Xiaobo Li
    • Categories Applications - OR and Management Sciences, Combinatorial Optimization, Robust Optimization Tags , , , , ,

    This paper investigates the bounds on the expectation of combinatorial optimization given moment information for each individual random variable. A popular approach to solving this problem, known as the marginal moment model (MMM), is to reformulate it as a semidefinite program (SDP). In this paper, we investigate the structure of MMM with up to fourth-order … Read more

    Quadratic Optimization Through the Lens of Adjustable Robust Optimization

  • Abbas Khademi
  • Ahmadreza Marandi
    • Categories Quadratic Programming, Robust Optimization Tags , , , ,

    Quadratic optimization (QO) has been studied extensively in the literature due to its applicability in many practical problems. While practical, it is known that QO problems are generally NP-hard. So, researchers developed many approximation methods to find good solutions. In this paper, we go beyond the norm and analyze QO problems using robust optimization techniques. … Read more

    Information Basis in Dynamic Robust Optimization

  • Ningji Wei
  • Peter Yun Zhang
    • Categories Robust Optimization Tags , , ,

    Dynamic robust optimization deals with sequential, multi-stage decisions in the face of uncertain, worst-case scenarios. To manage its complexity and the curse of dimensionality, decision rules simplify the search for an optimal policy. This paper explores a middle ground between two common decision rules: simple but imprecise constant policies, and accurate but less scalable affine … Read more