The Network Enabled Optimization Server (NEOS) for solving tough optimal control problems (OCPs) is introduced. Though NEOS is generally used to solve static optimization problems, in solving dynamic optimizations (OCPs) in a general form, we show that the NEOS Server has some advantages over the existing dedicated optimal control software packages. After a step by step introduction of how to s...

This paper focuses on the development of minimum time control profiles for point-to-point motion a gantry crane system in presence uncertainties modal parameters. Assuming that velocity trolley can be commanded and is subject to limits, an optimal problem posed determine bang-off-bang profile transition from point rest terminal states with no residual vibrations. Both undamped underdamped syste...

We analyze the Euler discretization to a class of linear-quadratic optimal control problems. First we show convergence of order h for the optimal values, where h is the mesh size. Under the additional assumption that the optimal control has bang-bang structure we show that the discrete and the continuous controls coincide except on a set of measure O( √ h). Under a slightly stronger assumption ...

We consider the nonlinear optimal shape design problem which consists in minimizing the amplitude of bang-bang type controls for the approximate controllability of a linear heat equation with a bounded potential. The design variable is the time-dependent support of the control. As usual, a volume constraint is imposed on the design variable. Thus, we look for the best space-time shape and locat...

This paper proposes three near optimal (to a desired degree) deterministic charge and discharge policies for the maximization of profit in a grid-connected storage system. The changing price of electricity is assumed to be known in advance. Three near-optimal algorithms are developed for the following three versions of this optimization problem: 1) The system has supercapacitor type storage, co...

Optimal control theory was applied to the process of batch beer fermentation. The performance functional considered was a weighted sum of maximum ethanol production and minimum time. Calculations were based on the model of Engasser et al. modified to include temperature effects. Model parameters were determined from isothermal batch fermentations. The fermentor cooling duty was the single avail...

We describe a generalization to Optimal Control of the theory of envelopes of the classical Calculus of Variations. This generalization extends our previous work, by allowing the use of \quasi-extremal" trajectories, i.e. trajectories that satisfy all the conditions of the Pontryagin Maximum Principle except for the fact that the sign of the constant 0 that appears in the Hamiltonian multiplyin...

This paper considers a linear-quadratic optimal control problem where the control function appears linearly and takes values in a hypercube. It is assumed that the optimal controls are of purely bang-bang type and that the switching function, associated with the problem, exhibits a suitable growth around its zeros. The authors introduce a scheme for the discretization of the problem that double...