Unified approach for the optimization of nonlinear hydraulic systems (Q911043)

A theory for the optimization of nonlinear hydraulic systems is presented. The problem has been solved in spite of the nonlinear system model and the mixed-integer nature of the decision variables. The optimization problem is formulated in terms of the time-distribution- function concept. This leads to a numerically efficient two-level algorithm. No specific control model is needed: the algorithm employs a system simulator. The general approach is also applicable to other nonlinear systems. The paper concludes with a practical application, together with numerical results.