Prof. Fengqi You from Northwestern University, Illinois, USA
on Monday May 18th, gave a very interesting seminar on:
Mixed-Integer Fractional Programming: Models, Algorithms, and Applications in Process Operations, Energy Systems, and Sustainability
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Abstract
A wide range of optimization problems arising in practical applications can be formulated as mixed-integer fractional programming (MIFP) problems, which combine the combinatorial difficulty of optimizing over discrete variable sets with the challenges of handling the non-convex fractional objective function. This talk will explore recent results on the development of tailored global optimization algorithms to address the computational challenge of solving large-scale MIFP problems. These MIFP methods will be illustrated through three applications: (1) function-unit-based life cycle optimization of sustainable product systems and supply chains under sustainability criterions, (2) integrated optimization of production scheduling and process dynamics of continuous multi-grade polymerization reactors, and (3) optimal design and synthesis of energy processes for the production of algal biofuels and bioproducts. For each application problem, we will discuss the modeling framework, solution algorithms, and computational results.
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Biography
Fengqi You is an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University. He received his PhD from Carnegie Mellon University and worked at Argonne National Laboratory as Argonne Scholar, before joining the faculty of Northwestern University. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, some of which have been highlighted by news media (e.g. New York Times and Bloomberg Businessweek) and journal covers (e.g. Energy & Environmental Science). He received several competitive awards, including W. David Smith, Jr. Publication Award from AIChE, Director’s Fellowship from Argonne National Laboratory, and the 2013 Northwestern-Argonne Early Career Investigator Award. His research focuses on the development of novel computational models, optimization methods, and systems analysis & design tools for process engineering, energy systems and sustainability. More information about his research group can be found from the website: <http://you.mccormick.northwestern.edu>
