Maximin algorithms for interactive synthesis of electricity-supply networks

The paper presents two network-synthesis algorithms based on a maximin principle. Each algorithm attempts to produce minimum-cost outline designs, in accordance with a mathematical model of the network-design problem, which contain a maximum degree of security in terms of the mathematical constraints. The application of these algorithms, using an interactive computer display system, is described and a philosophy for interactive synthesis is advanced. Interaction times are sufficiently short to allow experimentation with a realistic size network that will produce a family of outline designs within a flat-topped range of near-optimal solutions. The algorithms are illustrated by their application to two networks containing seven and seventeen nodes, respectively. Although the algorithms have quite different starting points, the final designs they produce are very similar in appearance and cost. Both methods underline the advantages of a family of solutions and the use of an interactive display.