OPTEC - K.U.Leuven Center of Excellence: Optimization in Engineering

Course on Numerical Optimal Control Algorithms and Applications in Renewable Energy Systems

Leuven, 16-20 November 2009  

Kite Power (left) and Solar Thermal Power (right) are two of the applications for the dynamic optimization algorithms developed at OPTEC.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NON-ATHENS PARTICIPANTS: THE NUMBER OF PLACES IS LIMITED. PLEASE CONTACT THE ORGANIZERS BEFORE SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THE COURSE.

COURSE INFORMATION

The course Numerical Optimal Control Algorithms and Applications in Renewable Energy Systems is an interactive course to provide the participants with a strong working knowledge about the methods and applications of dynamic optimization in engineering applications. The course will consist of lectures, interactive sessions and guided computer exercises and is organized in Leuven as part of the ATHENS program 16 to 20 November 2009. It is aimed at 4th or 5th year master students with very strong skills in mathematics and a working knowledge in C++ and MATLAB.

There will be applications from several fields that are treated in self-chosen tutorial projects by the participants in the last two days of the course. Particular emphasis is put on renewable energy systems like wind power, seasonal heat pumps, or solar thermal power plants.

The goal is that towards the end of the course, every participant will be working on formulating and solving a dynamic optimization problem of her/his own choice, so it is encouraged to think about interesting applications of dynamic optimization even before the course starts. The lectures and exercises will be given by the organizers.

The language of the course is English.

Prerequisites

• Strong background in analysis and linear algebra corresponding to the first two years of a science or engineering degree with good grades. Knowledge of numerical mathematics is very helpful, but not manditory
• Basic programming skills in some programming language, knowledge of Matlab and C++ certainly helpful.

Topics covered in the course

• Dynamic system modelling for optimization
• Theory of nonlinear programming and optimal control: dynamic programming, indirect versus direct approaches, simultaneous vs. sequential approaches, parameter estimation and nonlinear least squares problems
• Model Predictive Control
• Dynamic optimization using the open-source software package ACADO Toolkit - a toolkit for automatic control and dynamic optimization developed by OPTEC

Examination

• A short written exam for self-assessment and rehearsal will be held on Friday morning

Location

K.U. Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200C, PC Room 00.04 (room not yet finally confirmed)

PROGRAM

MATERIAL FOR THE EXERCISES

ACADO Toolkit - An open source toolkit for automatic control and dynamic optimization.

 

CONTACT

Joel Andersson
Optimization in Engineering Center (OPTEC), K.U.Leuven,
Electrical Engineering Department (ESAT),
Kasteelpark Arenberg 10 - bus 2446, BE-3001 Leuven-Heverlee,
Belgium

Office: 05.11
Phone: +32 (0)16 32 18 19
Fax: +32 (0)16 32 85 39

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

LINKS

ATHENS Program
OPTEC Homepage
Course Info in ATHENS catalog
ATHENS Course 2007

ORGANIZERS

Prof. Moritz Diehl
Optimization in Engineering Center (OPTEC) and
Electrical Engineering Departments (ESAT)
K.U. Leuven
Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, 3001 Leuven-Heverlee,
Belgium
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: +32-16-321884

Boris Houska
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Joel Andersson
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