Finding good (or even just feasible) solutions for Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming problems independently of the specific problem structure is a very hard but practically important task, especially when the objective and/or the constraints are nonconvex. With this goal in mind, we present a general-purpose heuristic based on Variable Neighborhood Search, Local Branching, a local Nonlinear P...

We give a short introduction to mixed-integer nonlinear programming from a linear programming perspective. In this approach, all nonlinearities are approximated by linear inequalities and spatial branching, such that in the end only linear programs remain that can be solved efficiently. We present two transportation applications from rather different fields: Railway freight on one side, and nat...

Considerable research effort has been reported in both Pinch Technology and MINLP techniques for the synthesis of heat exchanger networks. However, most of the design procedures assume constant stream heat transfer coefficients. A problem arises because there is no guarantee that the values of the coefficients assumed during network synthesis are the same as those actually achieved in detailed ...

In the downstream oil & chemical industry Planning and Scheduling are resource intensive, complex, rolling processes. Decisions are taken at different stages within the supply chain (Supply, Manufacturing & Distribution) and at different levels in the management hierarchy (Planning, Scheduling & Operations). They differ in business scope, time horizon & resolution, data certainty & accuracy, pr...

A mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) formulation to simultaneously optimize operational decisions as well as profit allocation mechanisms in supply chain optimization, namely material transfer prices and revenue share policies among the supply chain participants is proposed. The case of cellulosic bioethanol supply chains is specifically considered and the game-theory Nash bargaining s...

This paper presents a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model for performing structural and parameter optimization of utility plants that satisfy given electrical, mechanical and heating demands of industrial processes. In this model a nonlinear objective function that accounts for the cost of equipment and operation is minimized. The proposed approach allows for the simultaneous opti...

Environmental Optimization Oil Spill Response Planning with MINLP Fengqi You and Sven Leyffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Bulletin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Comments from the Editor Sven Leyffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Chairman’s Column Michael C. Ferris . . . . . . . . . . ...

In this study, a new methodology is proposed to perform optimal selection of conductors in three-phase distribution networks through discrete version the metaheuristic method vortex search. To represent problem, single-objective mathematical model with mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) structure used. As an objective function, minimization investment costs together technical losses ne...