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In this paper, we consider a class of optimal switching control problems with multiple time-delays and a cost on changing control and subject to terminal state constraints. A computational method involving three stages is developed to solve this class of optimal control problems. First, by param- eterizing the control function with piecewise-constant functions, the optimal switching control problem is approximated by a sequence of finite-dimensional optimization problems, where the original switching times, the control heights and the control switching times are decision variables. Second, by introduc- ing new variables, the total variation of the control variables is transformed into an equivalently smooth function. Third, we convert the constrained op- timization problem into one only with box constraints by an exact penalty function method. The gradients of the cost functional are then derived, which can be combined with any gradient-based optimization method to determine the optimal solution. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The main control goal in fed-batch fermentation is to get a high concentration of production. In this paper, a new nonlinear dynamical system, in which the feed rate of glycerol is the control function and the switching instants between the batch and feed processes are the variables, is proposed to formulate the fed-batch fermentation process of glycerol bioconversion to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD). To maximize the concentration of 1,3-PD at the terminal time, an optimal control model involving the nonlinear system and subject to the continuous state constraints and the control constraint is presented. To seek the optimal solution of the constrained optimal control problem, the control parametrization enhancing transform together with the constraint transcription technique is first used to convert the constrained optimal control problem into a sequence of mathematical programming problems. An improved Particle Swarm Optimization is subsequently constructed to solve the resultant mathematical programming problem. Numerical results show that, by employing the obtained optimal strategy, 1,3-PD concentration at the terminal time can be increased considerably. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this article, we propose a controlled nonlinear dynamical system with variable switching instants, in which the feeding rate of glycerol is regarded as the control function and the moments between the batch and feeding processes as switching instants, to formulate the fed-batch fermentation of glycerol bioconversion to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD). Some important properties of the proposed system and its solution are then discussed. Taking the concentration of 1,3-PD at the terminal time as the cost functional, we establish an optimal control model involving the controlled nonlinear dynamical system and subject to continuous state inequality constraints. The existence of the optimal control is also proved. A computational approach is constructed on the basis of constraint transcription and smoothing approximation techniques. Numerical results show that, by employing the optimal control strategy, the concentration of 1,3-PD at the terminal time can be increased considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The mathematical model and optimal control of microbial fed-batch fermentation is considered in this paper. Since it is decisive for increasing the productivity of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) to optimize the feeding rate of glycerol and the switching instants between the batch and feeding processes in the fermentation process, we propose a new nonlinear dynamical system to formulate the process. In the system, the switching instants are variable and the feed rate of glycerol is regarded as the control function. Some important properties of the proposed system and its solution are then discussed. To maximize the concentration of 1,3-PD at the terminal time, an optimal control model involving the proposed system and subject to continuous state inequality constraints is established. The existence of the optimal control of the model is also proved. Finally, a computational approach is constructed on the basis of constraint transcription and smoothing approximation techniques. Numerical results show that the concentration of 1,3-PD at the terminal time can be increased considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The goal of planning a horizontal well path is to obtain a trajectory that arrives at a given target subject to various constraints. In this paper, the optimal control problem subject to a nonlinear multistage dynamical system (NMDS) for horizontal well paths is investigated. Some properties of the multistage system are proved. In order to derive the optimality conditions, we transform the optimal control problem into one with control constraints and inequality-constrained trajectories by defining some functions. The properties of these functions are then discussed and optimality conditions for optimal control problem are also given. Finally, an improved simplex method is developed and applied to the optimal design for well Ci-16-Cp146 in Oil Field of Liaohe, and the numerical results illustrate the validity of both the model and the algorithm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In fed-batch culture of glycerol bio-dissimilation to 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD), the aim of adding glycerol is to obtain as much 1,3-PD as possible. Hence, a proper feed strategy is required during the process. In this paper, we present an optimal switching control model based on our proposed controlled switching system. Some properties of the controlled switching system are obtained. Subsequently, we prove the existence of optimal control. In order to deduce the optimality conditions, we transcribe the optimal switching control model into an equivalent one with fixed switching instants and parameters. Finally, the optimality conditions of the equivalent problem are investigated by calculus of variations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a nonlinear piecewise smooth dynamical system of the trajectory of deviated wells according to engineering background. An optimal control model is established and the necessary conditions for optimality are proved via maximum principle. The optimal control problem is solved by a revised Hooke–Jeeves algorithm. The uniform design technique has been incorporated into the revised Hooke–Jeeves algorithm to handle the multimodal function. Computer simulation is used for this paper, and the numerical example illustrates the validity and efficiency of the algorithm. The procedure demonstrates its advantages in practical applications in Liaohe Oil Field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]