Distinguished Lecture Series in Energy: Dr. Lorenz T. (Larry) Biegler

Dr. Lorenz T. (Larry) Biegler, the Covestro University Professor of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, presents “Multi-level Optimization Strategies for Large-Scale Nonlinear Energy Systems” as a part of the Distinguished Lecture Series in Energy on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

Abstract
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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.