Summer Institute: Graduate Student Workshop in
Optimization Methods for Energy Systems Engineering
Princeton University
ATHENS, GREECE
JULY 1–5, 2024 | 3:00-7:00 PM

OVERVIEW:

This workshop will convene 10-12 graduate students in engineering currently studying at the National Technical University of Athens, the Faculty of Engineering at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the School of Engineering at the University of Patras; along with graduate students from Princeton University. The objectives of the course are to: (1) cover the basic theory, modeling techniques, and solution algorithms for optimization; (2) introduce software tools for modeling and optimization; and (3) apply optimization for the synthesis, analysis, and operation of energy systems.

Structure:

The workshop will include five 4-hour lectures. The lectures will introduce the basic optimization theory, modeling methods, solution algorithms, and applications, as well as demonstrations of modeling environment for optimization (GAMS) and discussion of example problems.

The material covered in the course will be taken from various textbooks. The slides (which will sometimes contain material not covered in class) will be self-contained. An extensive bibliographic list, as well as additional material, will be provided for the interested students. The slides, handouts, software files, statements of example problems, and problem solutions will also be provided.

Funding:

The workshop is tuition-free. In addition, selected students may apply for funding to cover all or part of their travel and accommodation expenses if they are coming from Thessaloniki or Patras. The funding application will comprise a short budget estimate and a statement as to whether the applicant plans to combine this workshop with other activities, as the Seeger Center for Hellenic Studies will only cover expenses related to the workshop. Students will be given instructions on how to apply for funding when they are notified of their selection.

Instructor:

Christos Maravelias is the Chair of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and the Anderson Family Professor in Energy and the Environment at Princeton University. His research interests lie in the general area of process and energy systems engineering. Specifically, his group develops optimization methods for (1) production and supply chain planning, and (2) process and energy systems synthesis and analysis, with emphasis on renewable energy technologies. He has authored a research monograph on Chemical Production Scheduling.