Research on Modeling and Optimization Algorithms for Coal Logistics Network

Abstract Coal is the most important basic energy source in China, occupying a pivotal position in production and daily life. However, the coal market experiences significant price volatility, rapid shifts in supply and demand, and intense market competition. This paper combines relevant theories of coal logistics network and optimization algorithms, identifies issues in a certain group’s coal logistics network, constructs a three-level logistics network optimization model. By using genetic algorithms for solving computations, a coal logistics network optimization solution with the goal of minimizing total cost can be obtained. Model optimization reduced logistics costs by 256,479 million yuan in 2022, a 5.9% decrease. Notably, coal procurement costs fell by 137,101 million yuan, a 3.9% drop.