Open Access

The optimal control problems for the wave equation are considered on networks. The turnpike property is shown for the state equation, the adjoint state equation as well as the optimal cost. The shape and topology optimization is performed for the network with the shape functional given by the optimality system of the control problem. The set of admissible shapes for the network is compact in finite dimensions, thus the use of turnpike property is straightforward. The topology optimization is analysed for an example of nucleation of a small cycle at the internal node of network. The topological derivative of the cost is introduced and evaluated in the framework of domain decomposition technique. Numerical examples are provided.

In the operation of pipeline networks, compressors play a crucial role in ensuring the network’s functionality for various scenarios. In this contribution we address the important question of finding the optimal location of the compressors. This problem is of a novel structure, since it is related with the gas dynamics that governs the network flow. That results in non-convex mixed integer stochastic optimization problems with probabilistic constraints. Using a steady state model for the gas flow in pipeline networks including compressor control and uncertain loads given by certain probability distributions, the problem of finding the optimal location for the control on the network, s.t. the control cost is minimal and the gas pressure stays within given bounds, is considered. In the deterministic setting, explicit bounds for the pipe length and the inlet pressure, s.t. a unique optimal compressor location with minimal control cost exists, are presented. In the probabilistic setting, an existence result for the optimal compressor location is presented and the uniqueness of the solution is discussed depending on the probability distribution. For Gaussian distributed loads a uniqueness result for the optimal compressor location is presented. Further the problem of finding the optimal compressor locations on networks including the number of compressor stations as variable is considered. Results for the existence of optimal locations on a graph in both, the deterministic and the probabilistic setting, are presented and the uniqueness of the solutions is discussed depending on probability distributions and graph topology. The paper concludes with an illustrative example demonstrating that the compressor locations determined using a steady state approach are also admissible in transient settings.

We consider a state estimation problem for gas flows in pipeline networks where hydrogen is blended into the natural gas. The flow is modeled by the quasi-linear isothermal Euler equations coupled to an advection equation on a graph. The flow through the vertices where the pipes are connected is governed by algebraic node conditions. The state is approximated by an observer system that uses nodal measurements. We prove that the state of the observer system converges to the original system state exponentially fast in the L2-norm if the measurements are exact. If measurement errors are present we show that the observer state approximates the original system state up to an error that is proportional to the maximal measurement error. The proof of the synchronization result uses Lyapunov functions with exponential weights.

The dynamical, boundary optimal control problems on networks are considered. The domain of definition for the distributed parameter system is given by a graph G. The optimal cost function for control problem is further optimized with respect to the shape and topology of the graph Ω. The small cycle is introduced and the topological derivative of the cost with respect to the size of the cycle is determined. In this way, the singular perturbations of the graph can be analyzed in order to change the topology Ω. The topological derivative method in shape and topology optimization is a new tool which can be used to minimize the shape functionals under the Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) constraints. The topological derivative is used as well for solution of optimum design problems for graphs. In optimal control problems the topological derivative is used for optimum design of the domain of integration of the state equation. As an example, optimal control problems are considered on a cross with a small cycle. The state equation is the wave equation on the graph. The boundary control problem by Neumann conditions at a boundary vertex is solved for a tracking cost function. The shape functional is given by the optimal value of the control cost. The topological derivative of the shape functional is determined for the steady state model with the size of a cycle ε → 0. Numerical results for a model problem are presented.

In the transition to renewable energy sources, hydrogen will potentially play an important role for energy storage. The efficient transport of this gas is possible via pipelines. An understanding of the possibilities to control the gas flow in pipelines is one of the main building blocks towards the optimal use of gas. For the operation of gas transport networks it is important to take into account the randomness of the consumers’ demand, where often information on the probability distribution is available. Hence in an efficient optimal control model the corresponding probability should be included and the optimal control should be such that the state that is generated by the optimal control satisfies given state constraints with large probability. We comment on the modelling of gas pipeline flow and the problems of optimal nodal control with random demand, where the aim of the optimization is to determine controls that generate states that satisfy given pressure bounds with large probability. We include the H2 norm of the control as control cost, since this avoids large pressure fluctuations which are harmful in the transport of hydrogen since they can cause embrittlement of the pipeline metal.