Optimal Control in Thermal Engineering, 1st ed. 2017 Studies in Systems, Decision and Control Series, Vol. 93

This book is the first major work covering applications in thermal engineering and offering a comprehensive introduction to optimal control theory, which has applications in mechanical engineering, particularly aircraft and missile trajectory optimization. The book is organized in three parts: The first part includes a brief presentation of function optimization and variational calculus, while the second part presents a summary of the optimal control theory. Lastly, the third part describes several applications of optimal control theory in solving various thermal engineering problems. These applications are grouped in four sections: heat transfer and thermal energy storage, solar thermal engineering, heat engines and lubrication.Clearly presented and easy-to-use, it is a valuable resource for thermal engineers and thermal-system designers as well as postgraduate students.

Introduction.- Functions optimization.- Elements of variational calculus.- Generalities concerning the optimal control problems.- The maximum principle (Pontryagin).- The gradient method.- Dynamic programming (Bellman method).- Heat transfer processes.- Heat exchangers.- Storage of thermal energy and exergy.- Heating and cooling processes.- Optimization of thermal insulation of seasonal water storage tanks.- Optimization of pin fin profiles.- Optimization of solar energy collection systems.- Flat-plate solar collectors. Optimization of absorber geometry.- Optimal time-dependent operation of open loop solar collector systems.- Optimal time-dependent operation of closed loop solar collector systems.- Optimal flow controllers.- Endoreversible heat engines.- Diesel engines.- Optimization of Daniel cam engines.- Photochemical Engines.- Optimization of one dimensional slider bearings.