We propose a solution method for a water-network optimization problem using a nonconvex continuous NLP relaxation and an MINLP search. We report successful computational experience using available MINLP software on problems from the literature and on difficult real-world instances.

Structural multiplicity has a significant effect on the solution of an MINLP model for process synthesis problems. The optimization model may also have built-in redundancy that cannot always be directly derived from the multiplicity of the superstructure. A basic GDP representation (BGR) involving logical relations is defined, and can be constructed by applying a standard natural representation...

Efficient utility systems are important both due to the impact utility systems have on the economic efficiency of the process industry, as well as the negative environmental effects of energy conversion. In this paper a methodology is used to build a multi-period MINLP model for steam turbine network of a utility system. The methodology consists of several steps, including the building of a sim...

In this paper we consider the solution methods for mixed-integer linear fractional programming (MILFP) models, which arise in cyclic process scheduling problems. We first discuss convexity properties of MILFP problems, and then investigate the capability of solving MILFP problems with MINLP methods. Dinkelbach's algorithm is introduced as an efficient method for solving large scale MILFP proble...

Trajectory planning for a heavy-duty mining truck near the loading/dumping sites of an open-pit mine is difficult. As opposed to trajectory small-sized passenger car in parking lot, involves complex factors vehicle kinematics and environment. These make concerned scheme mixed-integer nonlinear program (MINLP) incorporated with conditional constraints (denoted as C-MINLP). MINLP solvers can neit...

This short communication presents a generic mathematical programming formulation for Computer-Aided Molecular Design (CAMD). A given CAMD problem, based on target properties, is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear/Non-Linear Program (MILP/MINLP). The mathematical programming model presented here, which is formulated as an MILP/MINLP problem, considers first-order and second-order molecular gro...

Mathematical programming has long been recognized as a promising direction to the efficient solution of design, synthesis and operation problems that can gain industry the competitive advantage required to survive in today’s difficult economic environment. Most of the engineering design problems can be modeled as MINLP problems with stochastic parameters. In this paper a novel decomposition alg...

This paper treats the solution of nonlinear optimization problems involving discrete decision variables, also known as generalized disjunctive programming (GDP) or mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problems, that arise in process engineering. The key idea is to eliminate the discrete decision variables by adding a set of continuous variables and constraints that represent the discrete...