Multi-level Optimization Strategies for Large-Scale Nonlinear Energy Systems
The next presentation in the Distinguished Lecture Series in Energy, featuring Dr. Lorenz T. (Larry) Biegler, the Covestro University Professor of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST (UTC -6:00) in the Frederick E. Giesecke Engineering Research Building (GERB) Third Floor Conference Room and through a Zoom Meeting. The topic will be “Multi-level Optimization Strategies for Large-Scale Nonlinear Energy Systems.”
Abstract
Optimization strategies are essential at all levels of decision-making in chemical and energy processes, including process development, process synthesis and design, and finally process operations, control, scheduling, and planning. Challenges include the formulation of well-posed and well-conditioned models, the development and application of efficient, reliable optimization algorithms, and post-optimality analysis to interpret solutions and assess robustness to model and external uncertainties.
This talk describes a synthesis of optimization concepts and algorithms that enable
- large-scale nonlinear programming
- nonintrusive decomposition strategies
- incorporation of complex physical property models
- inclusion of arbitrary surrogate models,
in order to address challenging nonconvex, multi-scale process problems. These elements will be demonstrated through systematic strategies for the optimal design of energy management systems, demand-side optimization for specialty chemicals, and integrated optimization for carbon capture.
Biography
Lorenz T. (Larry) Biegler is a Covestro University Professor of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His research interests lie in computer-aided process engineering (CAPE) and include process flowsheet optimization, optimization of systems of differential and algebraic equations, reactor network synthesis and algorithms for constrained, nonlinear process control. Contributions in these areas include the analysis and development of nonlinear programming algorithms, optimization software design, and application to real-world chemical processes and energy systems. He is an author of over 550 archival publications and 2 textbooks, a Fellow of AIChE, IFAC, and SIAM, and a member of the US National Academy of Engineering.