Optimization of the lifetime of capital equipment using integral models

In Operations Research, the equipment replacement process is usually modeled as a discrete sequential decision problem. The alternative approach is developed in vintage capital models, which explicitly involve the lifetime of capital equipment and are described by the integral equations of a special type. The paper exposes a general investigation framework for the optimal control of the integral models with endogenous lags, which is applied to meaningful one- and two-sector vintage models. The analysis leads to nontrivial results such as turnpike properties of the optimal equipment lifetime and corresponding management strategies of equipment replacement.