Optimization of energy supply system under information variations based on gas stations queuing analyses

摘要

Owing to the expansion of large cities, especially in China, gas stations queuing issues increasingly challenge normal operations and the fluidity of the entire transportation system. In fact, energy supply system is an important part of the traffic system, and the rapid access to refueling services positively affects the population’s travel experience. The purpose of this study is to use queuing theory to analyze one typical layout with two gas stations (G1 and G2) under two different conditions: Absence of queuing information guidance and availability of real-time queuing information at the gas station. Mathematical reasoning and numerical experiments prove that the mean customer acceptance rate increases and the mean waiting time decreases in two M/M/1/2, M/M/1/3 and M/M/2/3 models under information guidance. In addition, we compare the fluctuation of service intensities of G1 and G2 under the conditions defined above and find that the capacities of gas stations G1 and G2 are balanced. Furthermore, numerical simulations for M/M/1/4 and M/M/2/4 models are undertaken to yield the same conclusions regarding capacity balance in other types of gas station. In summary, transferring real-time information to drivers is helpful to optimize the management and reduce the negative effects of queuing at gas stations, and should be considered in relevant sectors.