Optimal Control of PDE-Constrained Systems

The project seeks to combine elements of functional analysis, numerical optimization, solution of PDEs, and High Performance Computing (HPC) in order to address newly rising challenges in science, engineering, economics and industry tied to an increasing demand for numerical methods and software to efficiently solve optimization problems for which the underlying system is described by partial differential equations (PDEs).

The overall purpose of the project is to explore and develop state-of- the-art mathematical methods which contribute to ensure fast, efficient and robust PCOP solvers of practical relevance. The main focus will be on addressing the computational difficulties associated with advanced large-scale non-linear model predictive control (NMPC), e.g. for oil reservoir management.

The possible outcome of the project will include novel methodology and state-of-the-art algorithms that are relevant for large scale NMPC. The project will contribute to the scientific basis that will enable industrial engineering applications that were previously considered computationally intractable.