Optimization model for electric power supply chain operation based on system engineering

Supply chain is an open, dynamic and complex system impacted by a lot of uncertainty factors. Power supply chain is no exception. In this paper, adopting the theories and methods of system engineering, we establish a robust optimal operation model for China electric power supply chain in the context of uncertain coal prices and electricity demands. The uncertainty of coal price is modeled as a symmetrical, continual and limited interval, and the uncertain demands are described as a scenario set with certain probability. Then, numerical examples are presented and the results show that the two kinds of uncertainties within a certain range only reduce the profits of related enterprise, while the operation strategy of supply chain is constant, that is, the model provided is robust.