Dr. Ignacio Grossman – Carnegie-Mellon University
Texas Distinguished Faculty Lectureship
(Reception to follow in CPE 2.802F)
Seminar Abstract:
In this presentation we give an overview of recent applications in Process Systems Engineering of new discrete and continuous optimization techniques. We first provide a brief overview of logic-based optimization methods, emphasizing the theoretical relation of the continuous relaxations between mixed-integer programming and generalized disjunctive programming for nonconvex optimization problems. We discuss approaches for solving these problems to global optimality, with the major aim being the prediction of tight lower bounds on the global optimum. Several applications are presented to highlight the recent advances of these techniques, and their impact for improving the design and operation of sustainable and robust process systems through creative mathematical modeling. In the area of sustainable process synthesis we consider as examples the synthesis of integrated process water systems, and the energy optimization of corn-based and lignocellulosic bio-ethanol plants in which we also illustrate the synergy between energy and water optimization. We also consider the application of mixed-integer optimization methods in the area of process operations under uncertainty where we consider the optimal design of responsive supply chains and optimal design of oil and gas offshore facilities. The former problem involves uncertainties in demands, while the latter involves uncertainties in the reservoir sizes and deliverabilities. Both problems have in common the goal of providing robustness to the operation of the process system.