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Multi-Source Multi-Sector Sustainable Water Supply Under Multiple Uncertainties: An Inexact Fuzzy-Stochastic Quadratic Programming Approach

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Abstract

This paper presents the development and the first application of a superiority–inferiority-based inexact fuzzy-stochastic quadratic programming (SI-IFSQP) approach for sustainable water supply under multiple uncertainties. SI-IFSQP improves conventional nonlinear programming by tackling multiple uncertainties within an individual parameter; SI-IFSQP is also superior to existing inexact methods due to its reflection of economies of scale and reduction of computational requirements. An interactive solution algorithm with high computational efficiency was also proposed. The application of SI-IFSQP to long-term planning of a multi-source multi-sector water supply system demonstrated its applicability. The close reflection of system complexities, such as multiple uncertainties, scale economies and dynamic parameters, could enhance the robustness of the optimization process as well as the acceptability of obtained results. Corresponding to varied system conditions and decision priorities, the interval solutions from SI-IFSQP could help generate a series of long-term water supply strategies under a number of economic, environmental, ecological, and water-security targets.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51209087 and 51009004), the MOE Key Project Program (311013), and the Program for Innovative Research Team in University (IRT1127). The authors would like to express special thanks to the editor and reviewers for their constructive comments and suggestions in improving the quality of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy and Environmental Systems Optimization, Resources and Environmental Research Academy, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China

    Q. Tan

  2. Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities—Environment Canada, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 7H9, Canada

    Q. Tan & Y. P. Cai

  3. Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada

    G. H. Huang

  4. State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China

    Y. P. Cai

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  1. Q. Tan
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  2. G. H. Huang
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  3. Y. P. Cai
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Correspondence to G. H. Huang.

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Tan, Q., Huang, G.H. & Cai, Y.P. Multi-Source Multi-Sector Sustainable Water Supply Under Multiple Uncertainties: An Inexact Fuzzy-Stochastic Quadratic Programming Approach. Water Resour Manage 27, 451–473 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-012-0196-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-012-0196-9

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