Optimizing uploading and downloading pace distribution in system with two non-identical storage units

This paper, for the first time, models and optimizes the uploading and downloading pace distribution in a production-dual storage system that must supply a certain demand during a specified mission time. The surplus product generated by the production unit is uploaded to available storage unit(s), which may be subsequently downloaded to supply the system demand in the event of the failure of the production unit. The uploading and downloading paces of the two storage units can greatly affect failure probabilities of the storage units and further the mission success probability (MSP). This paper makes advancement in the state of the art by suggesting a probabilistic approach for evaluating the MSP of the considered production-dual storage system. The optimal uploading and downloading pace distribution problem is then solved to maximize the MSP. Two case studies of water supply systems respectively with identical and dissimilar tanks are conducted to illustrate the proposed model and optimal uploading and downloading pace distribution solutions. Impacts of several system parameters (system demand, performance of the production unit, reliability and initial amount of product in storage units) and their interactions on the MSP and optimization solutions are also investigated through the case studies.

Automated summary

This paper models and optimizes the uploading and downloading pace distribution in a production-dual storage system to meet a specified demand during a mission time. The storage units' paces greatly affect failure probabilities and the mission success probability. A probabilistic approach is used to evaluate the mission success probability, and the optimal pace distribution is determined to maximize it. Case studies are conducted to illustrate the proposed model and solutions, along with investigations on the impacts of system parameters on the mission success probability and optimization solutions.