A decision model for operating two alternate energy generating systems

A solar energy generating system is to be supplemented by two conventional generating systems. A method for investigating the effect of various operating policies of the combined system on the productivity and availability is developed. Using a Markov-Chain approach for computing the long-run expectations of the objectives it was demonstrated that the use of a stand-by mode for one of the conventional systems was optimal. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the methodology both for special and more general cases.