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Application of linear programming in optimizing the procurement and movement of coal for an Indian coal-fired power-generating company

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Abstract

In this paper, an application of linear programming in optimizing the procurement and movement of coal for an Indian coal-fired thermal power-generating company is presented. Results show that there is immense potential not only for significant cost savings but also for reduced logistics between different coal source–power plant pairs. The target plant load factor at each power plant can be achieved without the need of any imported coal which would not only save precious foreign exchange, but also reduce the logistics involved in the import of coal and transport to power plants. Sensitivity analyses have also been performed with varying coal supply and coal quality levels. The issue of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from coal-fired power plants has also been addressed. The trade-off between the optimal total cost and GHG emission targets has been explored. Results show that it is possible to significantly reduce carbon footprints with a marginal increase in the optimal total cost and without the need of import of coal. However, if it is desired to further reduce GHG emission targets, optimal total costs rise substantially with imported coal gradually substituting domestic coal. It is believed that the results presented in this paper would provide a fresh perspective with regard to the allocation and movement of coal. Finally, recommendations and concluding remarks are presented.

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Notes

  1. The name of the company has been suppressed to maintain confidentiality.

  2. USD 1 ~ Rs. 63.87 as on September 9, 2017.

  3. The number and locations of the power plants have been suppressed to maintain confidentiality.

  4. The number and locations of the coal sources (mines) have been suppressed to maintain confidentiality.

  5. The years have been suppressed to maintain confidentiality. However, it may be noted that they are in the current decade.

  6. Raw data provided by the Company have not been presented in the paper to maintain confidentiality.

  7. Boiler capacity is defined in terms of the coal input rate. Ideally, the coal input rate should be within the design capacity of the boiler. However, if the coal input rate is higher than the boiler design capacity for some reason, it must be within the worst capacity of the boiler.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Company for entrusting with the project and providing all the necessary data and information for this purpose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Diamond Harbour Road, Joka, Kolkata, 700104, India

    Subrata Mitra & Balram Avittathur

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  1. Subrata Mitra
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  2. Balram Avittathur
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Correspondence to Subrata Mitra.

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Mitra, S., Avittathur, B. Application of linear programming in optimizing the procurement and movement of coal for an Indian coal-fired power-generating company. Decision 45, 207–224 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40622-018-0184-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40622-018-0184-x

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