Planning of municipal solid waste management systems under dual uncertainties: a hybrid interval stochastic programming approach

In this study, a random-boundary-interval linear programming (RBILP) method is developed and applied to the planning of municipal solid waste (MSW) management under dual uncertainties. In the RBILP model, uncertain inputs presented as interval numbers can be directly communicated into the optimization process; besides, intervals with uncertain lower and upper bounds can be handled through introducing the concept of random boundary interval. Consequently, robustness of the optimization process can be enhanced. To handle uncertainties with such complex presentations, an integrated chance-constrained programming and interval-parameter linear programming approach (ICCP) is proposed. ICCP can help analyze the reliability of satisfying (or risk of violating) system constraints under uncertainty. The applicability of the proposed RBILP and ICCP approach is validated through a case study of MSW management. Violations for capacity constraints are allowed under a range of significant levels. Interval solutions associated with different risk levels of constraint violation are obtained. They can be used for generating decision alternatives and thus helping waste managers to identify desired policies under various environmental, economic, and system-reliability constraints.     

An inexact fuzzy-chance-constrained two-stage mixed-integer linear programming approach for flood diversion planning under multiple uncertainties

In this study, an inexact fuzzy-chance-constrained two-stage mixed-integer linear programming (IFCTIP) approach is developed for flood diversion planning under multiple uncertainties. A concept of the distribution with fuzzy boundary interval probability is defined to address multiple uncertainties expressed as integration of intervals, fuzzy sets and probability distributions. IFCTIP integrates the inexact programming, two-stage stochastic programming, integer programming and fuzzy-stochastic programming within a general optimization framework. IFCTIP incorporates the pre-regulated water-diversion policies directly into its optimization process to analyze various policy scenarios; each scenario has different economic penalty when the promised targets are violated. More importantly, it can facilitate dynamic programming for decisions of capacity-expansion planning under fuzzy-stochastic conditions. IFCTIP is applied to a flood management system. Solutions from IFCTIP provide desired flood diversion plans with a minimized system cost and a maximized safety level. The results indicate that reasonable solutions are generated for objective function values and decision variables, thus a number of decision alternatives can be generated under different levels of flood flows.     

Two-stage fuzzy chance-constrained programming: application to water resources management under dual uncertainties

In this study, a two-stage fuzzy chance-constrained programming (TFCCP) approach is developed for water resources management under dual uncertainties. The concept of distribution with fuzzy probability (DFP) is presented as an extended form for expressing uncertainties. It is expressed as dual uncertainties with both stochastic and fuzzy characteristics. As an improvement upon the conventional inexact linear programming for handling uncertainties in the objective function and constraints, TFCCP has advantages in uncertainty reflection and policy analysis, especially when the input parameters are provided as fuzzy sets, probability distributions and DFPs. TFCCP integrates the two-stage stochastic programming (TSP) and fuzzy chance-constrained programming within a general optimization framework. TFCCP incorporates the pre-regulated water resources management policies directly into its optimization process to analyze various policy scenarios; each scenario has different economic penalty when the promised amounts are not delivered. TFCCP is applied to a water resources management system with three users. Solutions from TFCCP provide desired water allocation patterns, which maximize both the system’s benefits and feasibility. The results indicate that reasonable solutions were generated for objective function values and decision variables, thus a number of decision alternatives can be generated under different levels of stream flows, α-cut levels and fuzzy dominance indices.     

An interval-parameter multi-stage stochastic programming model for water resources management under uncertainty

In this study, an interval-parameter multi-stage stochastic linear programming (IMSLP) method has been developed for water resources decision making under uncertainty. The IMSLP is a hybrid methodology of inexact optimization and multi-stage stochastic programming. It has three major advantages in comparison to the other optimization techniques. Firstly, it extends upon the existing multi-stage stochastic programming method by allowing uncertainties expressed as probability density functions and discrete intervals to be effectively incorporated within the optimization framework. Secondly, penalties are exercised with recourse against any infeasibility, which permits in-depth analyses of various policy scenarios that are associated with different levels of economic consequences when the promised water-allocation targets are violated. Thirdly, it cannot only handle uncertainties through constructing a set of scenarios that is representative for the universe of possible outcomes, but also reflect dynamic features of the system conditions through transactions at discrete points in time over the planning horizon. The developed IMSLP method is applied to a hypothetical case study of water resources management. The results are helpful for water resources managers in not only making decisions of water allocation but also gaining insight into the tradeoffs between environmental and economic objectives.     

An interval-parameter mean-CVaR two-stage stochastic programming approach for waste management under uncertainty

In this research, approaches of interval mathematical programming, two-stage stochastic programming and conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) are incorporated within a general modeling framework, leading to an interval-parameter mean-CVaR two-stage stochastic programming (IMTSP). The developed method has several advantages: (i) it can be used to deal with uncertainties presented as interval numbers and probability distributions, (ii) its objective function simultaneously takes expected cost and system risk into consideration, thus, it is useful for helping decision makers analyze the trade-offs between cost and risk, and (iii) it can be used for supporting quantitatively evaluating the right tail of distributions of waste generation rate, which can better quantify the system risk. The IMTSP model is applied to the long-term planning of municipal solid waste management system in the City of Regina, Canada. The results indicate that IMTSP performs better in its capability of generating a series of waste management patterns under different risk-aversion levels, and also providing supports for decision makers in identifying desired waste flow strategies, considering balance between system economy and environmental quality.     

Development of an inexact two-stage stochastic model with downside risk control for water quality management and decision analysis under uncertainty

Water quality management along rivers involves making water-allocation plans, establishing water quality goals, and controlling pollutant discharges, which is complicated itself but further challenged by existence of uncertainties. In this study, an inexact two-stage stochastic downside risk-aversion programming (ITSDP) model is developed for supporting regional water resources allocation and water quality management problems under uncertainties. The ITSDP method is a hybrid of interval-parameter programming, two-stage stochastic programming, and downside risk measure to tackle uncertainties described in terms of interval values and probability distributions. A water quality simulation model was provided for reflecting the relationship between the water resources allocation, wastewater discharge, and environmental responses. The proposed approach was applied to a hypothetical case for a shared stream water quality management with one municipal, three industrial and two agricultural sectors. A number of scenarios corresponding to different river inflows and risk levels were examined. The results demonstrated that the model could effectively communicate the interval-format and random uncertainties, and risk-aversion into optimization process, and generate a trade-off between the system economy and stability. They could be helpful for seeking cost-effective management strategies under uncertainties, and gaining an in-depth insight into the water quality management system characteristics, and make cost-effective decisions.