| Abstract: | A procedure, based on the concept of game theory, for the optimum design of an air pollution control system in thermal power plants is described. The problem is formulated as a four-criteria optimisation problem, with the cost of the electrostatic precipitator, the cost of the stack, the maximum ground-level concentration of particulate matter and the maximum ground-level concentration of sulfur dioxide as the objectives. The efficiency of the precipitator and the height of the stack are treated as the design variables. Geometric constraints in the form of lower and upper bounds on the design variables are imposed on the problem. The design problem is formulated as a four-person game, and the Nash non-cooperative solution is evaluated for irrational play to determine the starting point of the game. For the cooperative game, a supercriterion is formulated for the overall benefit of the players. The game is terminated when the optimal trade-off between the objectives is reached with the maximisation of the supercriterion. The methodology is demonstrated by solving a practical problem related to the design of an air pollution control system for a 210 MW thermal power plant. |
