Optimal load sharing in a binary multicomponent system

In the present paper we consider a system consisting of n components that is exposed to the load of supplying a certain amount of utility, e.g., electrical power. The load on the system is distributed among the components. When functioning each component is capable of handling a certain amount of load. The load capacity of a component is assumed to be constant throughout its lifetime. The main objective of the present paper is developing methods for optimal load sharing among the components subject to the constraints imposed by the load capacities and demand on the system. In the paper we show how to solve the problem in several special cases, and outline a greedy algorithm for handling the general case.