Dynamic optimization in chemical processes using region reduction strategy and Control Vector Parameterization with an Ant Colony Optimization algorithm

Abstract

Two different approaches of the dynamic optimization for chemical process control engineering applications are presented. The first approach is based on discretizing both the control region and the time interval. This method, known as the Region Reduction Strategy (RRS), employs the previous solution in its next iteration to obtain more accurate results. Moreover, the procedure will continue unless the control region becomes smaller than a prescribed value. The second approach is called Control Vector Parameterization (CVP) and appears to have a large number of advantages. In this approach, control action is generated in feedback form, i.e., a set of trial functions of the state variables are expanded by multiplying by some unknown coefficients. By utilizing an optimization method, these coefficients are calculated. The Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm is employed as an optimization method in both approaches. © 2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.