Academic literature on the topic 'Multistage stochastic optimization'

In this dissertation, we focus on developing sampling-based algorithms for solving stochastic linear programs. The work covers both two stage and multistage versions of stochastic linear programs. In particular, we first study the two stage stochastic decomposition (SD) algorithm and present some extensions associated with SD. Specifically, we study two issues: a) are there conditions under which the regularized version of SD generates a unique solution? and b) in cases where a user is willing to sacrifice optimality, is there a way to modify the SD algorithm so that a user can trade-off solution times with solution quality? Moreover, we present our preliminary approach to address these questions. Secondly, we investigate the multistage stochastic linear programs and propose a new approach to solving multistage stochastic decision models in the presence of constraints. The motivation for proposing the multistage stochastic decomposition algorithm is to handle large scale multistage stochastic linear programs. In our setting, the deterministic equivalent problems of the multistage stochastic linear program are too large to be solved exactly. Therefore, we seek an asymptotically optimum solution by simulating the SD algorithmic process, which was originally designed for two-stage stochastic linear programs (SLPs). More importantly, when SD is implemented in a time-staged manner, the algorithm begins to take the flavor of a simulation leading to what we refer to as optimization simulation. As for multistage stochastic decomposition, there are a couple of advantages that deserve mention. One of the benefits is that it can work directly with sample paths, and this feature makes the new algorithm much easier to be integrated within a simulation. Moreover, compared with other sampling-based algorithms for multistage stochastic programming, we also overcome certain limitations, such as a stage-wise independence assumption.

This dissertation focuses on extending solution methods in the area of stochastic optimization. Attention is focused to three specific problems in the field. First, a solution method for mixed integer programs subject to chance constraints is discussed. This class of problems serves as an effective modeling framework for a wide variety of applied problems. Unfortunately, chance constrained mixed integer programs tend to be very challenging to solve. Thus, the aim of this work is to address some of these challenges by exploiting the structure of the deterministic reformulation for the problem. Second, a stochastic program for integrating renewable energy sources into traditional energy systems is developed. As the global push for higher utilization of such green resources increases, such models will prove invaluable to energy system designers. Finally, a process for transforming clinical medical data into a model to assist decision making during the treatment planning phase for palliative chemotherapy is outlined. This work will likely provide decision support tools for oncologists. Moreover, given the new requirements for the usage electronic medical records, such techniques will have applicability to other treatment planning applications in the future.

Electric energy constitutes one of the most crucial elements to almost every aspect of life of people. The modern electric power systems face several challenges such as efficiency, economics, sustainability, and reliability. Increase in electrical energy demand, distributed generations, integration of uncertain renewable energy resources, and demand side management are among the main underlying reasons of such growing complexity. Additionally, the elements of power systems are often vulnerable to failures because of many reasons, such as system limits, weak conditions, unexpected events, hidden failures, human errors, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters. One common factor complicating the operation of electrical power systems is the underlying uncertainties from the demands, supplies and failures of system components. Stochastic programming provides a mathematical framework for decision making under uncertainty. It enables a decision maker to incorporate some knowledge of the intrinsic uncertainty into the decision making process. In this dissertation, we focus on application of two-stage and multistage stochastic programming approaches to electric energy systems modeling and optimization. Particularly, we develop models and algorithms addressing the sustainability and reliability issues in power systems. First, we consider how to improve the reliability of power systems under severe failures or contingencies prone to cascading blackouts by so called islanding operations. We present a two-stage stochastic mixed-integer model to find optimal islanding operations as a powerful preventive action against cascading failures in case of extreme contingencies. Further, we study the properties of this problem and propose efficient solution methods to solve this problem for large-scale power systems. We present the numerical results showing the effectiveness of the model and investigate the performance of the solution methods. Next, we address the sustainability issue considering the integration of renewable energy resources into production planning of energy-intensive manufacturing industries. Recently, a growing number of manufacturing companies are considering renewable energies to meet their energy requirements to move towards green manufacturing as well as decreasing their energy costs. However, the intermittent nature of renewable energies imposes several difficulties in long term planning of how to efficiently exploit renewables. In this study, we propose a scheme for manufacturing companies to use onsite and grid renewable energies provided by their own investments and energy utilities as well as conventional grid energy to satisfy their energy requirements. We propose a multistage stochastic programming model and study an efficient solution method to solve this problem. We examine the proposed framework on a test case simulated based on a real-world semiconductor company. Moreover, we evaluate long-term profitability of such scheme via so called value of multistage stochastic programming.

Submitted by Guido Chagas (guido.chagas@fgv.br) on 2016-09-09T15:34:13Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Long-Term Asset Allocation Based on Stochastic Multistage Multi-Objective Portfolio Optimization.pdf: 6336618 bytes, checksum: 67d3dd1c3b982252c5012b3078278f95 (MD5)<br>Approved for entry into archive by Suzinei Teles Garcia Garcia (suzinei.garcia@fgv.br) on 2016-09-09T17:20:03Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Long-Term Asset Allocation Based on Stochastic Multistage Multi-Objective Portfolio Optimization.pdf: 6336618 bytes, checksum: 67d3dd1c3b982252c5012b3078278f95 (MD5)<br>Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-09T17:21:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Long-Term Asset Allocation Based on Stochastic Multistage Multi-Objective Portfolio Optimization.pdf: 6336618 bytes, checksum: 67d3dd1c3b982252c5012b3078278f95 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-19<br>Multi-Period Stochastic Programming (MSP) offers an appealing approach to identity optimal portfolios, particularly over longer investment horizons, because it is inherently suited to handle uncertainty. Moreover, it provides flexibility to accommodate coherent risk measures, market frictions, and most importantly, major stylized facts as volatility clustering, heavy tails, leverage effects and tail co-dependence. However, to achieve satisfactory results a MSP model relies on representative and arbitrage-free scenarios of the pertaining multivariate financial series. Only after we have constructed such scenarios, we can exploit it using suitable risk measures to achieve robust portfolio allocations. In this thesis, we discuss a comprehensive framework to accomplish that. First, we construct joint scenarios based on a combined GJR-GARCH + EVT-GPD + t-Copula approach. Then, we reduce the original scenario tree and remove arbitrage opportunities using a method based on Optimal Discretization and Process Distances. Lastly, using the approximated scenario tree we perform a multi-period Mean-Variance-CVaR optimization taking into account market frictions such as transaction costs and regulatory restrictions. The proposed framework is particularly valuable to real applications because it handles various key features of real markets that are often dismissed by more common optimization approaches.<br>Programação Estocástica Multi-Período (MSP) oferece uma abordagem conveniente para identificar carteiras ótimas, particularmente para horizontes de investimento mais longos, pois incorpora adequadamente a incerteza no processo de otimização. Adicionalmente, ela proporciona flexibilidade para acomodar medidas coerentes de risco, fricções de mercado e fatos estilizados relevantes como agrupamento de volatilidade, caudas pesadas, efeitos de alavancagem e co-dependência nas caudas. No entanto, para alcançar resultados satisfatórios, um modelo MSP depende de cenários representativos e livres de arbitragem. Somente após construídos esses cenários, podemos explorá-los usando medidas de risco adequadas para alcançar alocações ótimas. Nessa tese, discutimos uma metodologia completa para alcançar esse objetivo. Em primeiro lugar, construímos cenários conjuntos baseados numa abordagem conjunta GJR-GARCH + EVT-GPD + t-Copula. Posteriormente, reduzimos a árvore original de cenários e removemos oportunidades de arbitragem utilizando um método de discretização ótima baseado nas distâncias de processos estocásticos. Por último, usando a árvore aproximada de cenários, realizamos uma otimização multi-período de média-variância-CVaR considerando fricções de mercado, custos de transação e restrições regulamentares. A metodologia proposta é particularmente útil para aplicações reais, porque considera várias características relevantes dos mercados reais que muitas vezes são ignorados por abordagens mais simples de otimização.

We consider two classes of stochastic programming models which are motivated by two applications related to the field of aviation. The first problem we consider is the network capacity planning problem, which arises in capacity planning of systems with network structures, such as transportation terminals, roadways and telecommunication networks. We study this problem in the context of airport terminal capacity planning. In this problem, the objective is to determine the optimal design and expansion capacities for different areas of the terminal in the presence of uncertainty in future demand levels and expansion costs, such that overall passenger delay is minimized. We model this problem as a nonlinear multistage stochastic integer program with a multicommodity network flow structure. The formulation requires the use of time functions for maximum delays in passageways and processing stations, for which we derive approximations that account for the transient behavior of flow. The deterministic equivalent of the developed model is solved via a branch and bound procedure, in which a bounding heuristic is used at the nodes of the branch and bound tree to obtain integer solutions. In the second study, we consider the project portfolio optimization problem. This problem falls in the class of stochastic programs in which times of uncertainty realizations are dependent on the decisions made. The project portfolio optimization problem deals with the selection of research and development (R&D) projects and determination of optimal resource allocations for the current planning period such that the expected total discounted return or a function of this expectation for all projects over an infinite time horizon is maximized, given the uncertainties and resource limitations over a planning horizon. Accounting for endogeneity in some parameters, we propose efficient modeling and solution approaches for the resulting multistage stochastic integer programming model. We first develop a formulation that is amenable to scenario decomposition, and is applicable to the general class of stochastic problems with endogenous uncertainty. We then demonstrate the use of the sample average approximation method in solving large scale problems of this class, where the sample problems are solved through Lagrangian relaxation and lower bounding heuristics.

In this thesis, we have developed a strategic optimization model of investments in infrastructure in the LNG value chain. The focus is on floating LNG production units: when they are a viable solution and what value they add to the LNG value chain. First a deterministic model is presented with focus on describing the value chain, before it is expanded to a multistage stochastic model with uncertain field sizes and gas prices. The objective is to maximize expected discounted profits through optimal investments in infrastructure. A dataset based on a set of potential fields on the Norwegian continental shelf, with shipping of LNG to three markets in the Atlantic basin, is used to solve the model. The results illustrate when FLNG units can add value to the value chain. They are used as a supplement to onshore processing plants; for example expanding peak capacity or to react to the resolution of uncertain parameters. The floating liquefaction option is especially attractive for fields located far from shore. We also find that the main reason for using FLNG units is their lower liquefaction costs, not the ability to move between fields. The stochastic version of the model results in solutions very similar to the solutions of the deterministic model, even though it is significantly harder to solve. Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition is implemented to reduce run times, but does not converge.

The main objective of this thesis is to investigate risk neutral and risk averse approaches to multistage stochastic programming with applications to hydrothermal operation planning problems. The purpose of hydrothermal system operation planning is to define an operation strategy which, for each stage of the planning period, given the system state at the beginning of the stage, produces generation targets for each plant. This problem can be formulated as a large scale multistage stochastic linear programming problem. The energy rationing that took place in Brazil in the period 2001/2002 raised the question of whether a policy that is based on a criterion of minimizing the expected cost (i.e. risk neutral approach) is a valid one when it comes to meet the day-to-day supply requirements and taking into account severe weather conditions that may occur. The risk averse methodology provides a suitable framework to remedy these deficiencies. This thesis attempts to provide a better understanding of the risk averse methodology from the practice perspective and suggests further possible alternatives using robust optimization techniques. The questions investigated and the contributions of this thesis are as follows. First, we suggest a multiplicative autoregressive time series model for the energy inflows that can be embedded into the optimization problem that we investigate. Then, computational aspects related to the stochastic dual dynamic programming (SDDP) algorithm are discussed. We investigate the stopping criteria of the algorithm and provide a framework for assessing the quality of the policy. The SDDP method works reasonably well when the number of state variables is relatively small while the number of stages can be large. However, as the number of state variables increases the convergence of the SDDP algorithm can become very slow. Afterwards, performance improvement techniques of the algorithm are discussed. We suggest a subroutine to eliminate the redundant cutting planes in the future cost functions description which allows a considerable speed up factor. Also, a design using high performance computing techniques is discussed. Moreover, an analysis of the obtained policy is outlined with focus on specific aspects of the long term operation planning problem. In the risk neutral framework, extreme events can occur and might cause considerable social costs. These costs can translate into blackouts or forced rationing similarly to what happened in 2001/2002 crisis. Finally, issues related to variability of the SAA problems and sensitivity to initial conditions are studied. No significant variability of the SAA problems is observed. Second, we analyze the risk averse approach and its application to the hydrothermal operation planning problem. A review of the methodology is suggested and a generic description of the SDDP method for coherent risk measures is presented. A detailed study of the risk averse policy is outlined for the hydrothermal operation planning problem using different risk measures. The adaptive risk averse approach is discussed under two different perspectives: one through the mean-$avr$ and the other through the mean-upper-semideviation risk measures. Computational aspects for the hydrothermal system operation planning problem of the Brazilian interconnected power system are discussed and the contributions of the risk averse methodology when compared to the risk neutral approach are presented. We have seen that the risk averse approach ensures a reduction in the high quantile values of the individual stage costs. This protection comes with an increase of the average policy value - the price of risk aversion. Furthermore, both of the risk averse approaches come with practically no extra computational effort and, similarly to the risk neutral method, there was no significant variability of the SAA problems. Finally, a methodology that combines robust and stochastic programming approaches is investigated. In many situations, such as the operation planning problem, the involved uncertain parameters can be naturally divided into two groups, for one group the robust approach makes sense while for the other the stochastic programming approach is more appropriate. The basic ideas are discussed in the multistage setting and a formulation with the corresponding dynamic programming equations is presented. A variant of the SDDP algorithm for solving this class of problems is suggested. The contributions of this methodology are illustrated with computational experiments of the hydrothermal operation planning problem and a comparison with the risk neutral and risk averse approaches is presented. The worst-case-expectation approach constructs a policy that is less sensitive to unexpected demand increase with a reasonable loss on average when compared to the risk neutral method. Also, we comp are the suggested method with a risk averse approach based on coherent risk measures. On the one hand, the idea behind the risk averse method is to allow a trade off between loss on average and immunity against unexpected extreme scenarios. On the other hand, the worst-case-expectation approach consists in a trade off between a loss on average and immunity against unanticipated demand increase. In some sense, there is a certain equivalence between the policies constructed using each of these methods.