Optimal Control in Thermal Engineering

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.