ABSTRACT
Optimization, or optimal control, in the sense to be used is concerned with determining the largest value or the smallest value for some criterion of performance. For example, if people are dealing with economic benefit, then they would like to choose the conditions for operating the system so that the economic benefit would be maximized. If, however, the criterion of performance is chosen to be the cost, then the system should be operated to minimize the cost. In each case people seek the operating conditions that yield the extreme value for the performance criterion. An important part of optimization is the interpretation of the results. It is realized that the optimal solution is dependent on the mathematical model and the performance index. Therefore, the results of the optimization must be considered with care. Determination of the optimal feed rate into a fed-batch reactor to yield the maximum amount of desired product is very difficult optimal control problem.
