14:00-14:45h "Simultaneous Nonlinear Programming Strategies for NMPC Applications"
Victor M Zavala (Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA)
Abstract-
Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) is an efficient framework for the
control of large and constrained nonlinear systems. On the other hand, it
involves the solution of complicated DAE-constrained optimization problems
for which efficient solution strategies are required. While advances in
numerical methods have enabled the successful implementation of challenging
NMPC applications, new and more complex applications will inevitably require
the extension of current optimization formulations, methods and algorithms
and their adaptation to modern computer architectures.
In this talk we present a challenging industrial NMPC application: The
High-Pressure LDPE Tubular Reactor Process. Motivated by the complexity of
the system, a simultaneous collocation-based strategy has been applied for
the solution of the associated DAE-constrained optimization problems. The
approach discretizes the DAEs and solves the resulting large-scale nonlinear
programming problems (NLPs). By doing so, efficient structure-exploiting
linear algebra strategies can be implemented within a robust interior-point
algorithm for the solution of the NLPs. The strategy has been used for the
solution of large-scale parameter estimation and dynamic optimization
problems. Finally, we present efficient real-time strategies for on-line
implementations of NMPC and Moving Horizon Estimation tasks.
14:45-15:15h Coffee break
15:15-16:00h "Optimal Control of Power Producing Kites"
Boris Houska (University of Heidelberg)
In this talk we present optimization studies for kites
that produce wind energy by periodically pulling a
generator on the ground while flying fast in a crosswind
direction. In the first part, we introduce the basic
concepts of power generation with kites and compare
them to conventional windmills. We also outline some
ideas for large scale systems with many kites.
In the second part we show how to formulate an optimal
control problem for a kite to obtain as much power as
possible. We solve this nonlinear and unstable optimal
control problem numerically with Bock's direct multiple
shooting method and discuss the results. Finally, we give
an outlook on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC)
methods for kites.
Two OPTEC professors have been awarded three "Gouden Krijtjes", the yearly teaching awards given by the organization of engineering students (vtk). Prof. Lombaert was awarded the prize for the best course in civil engineering, and Prof. Diehl the prizes for the best professor and the best course in mathematical engineering (where he teaches numerical optimization). They received these awards at the yearly "proffentap" where experienced students taught them how to draft beer professionally.
