Numerical Optimization Using Desktop Computers

Abstract

Two computer programs were developed in advanced BASIC to perform numerical optimization of a user supplied design problem on the Hewlett Packard 9845A desktop computer. An executive program, OPCON, provides the interactive link between the computer user and the DESOP numberical optimization program. DESOP performs the numerical optimization using the sequential unconstrained minimization technique with an external penalty function. The unconstrained subproblem is solved using the Fletcher-Reeves method of conjugate directions, and using Golden Section search and polynomial interpolation in the one-dimensional search. A computer subprogram, NISCO, was developed in advanced BASIC to model a nonimaging concentrating compound parabolic trough so collector. Thermophysical, geophysical, optical and economic analyses were used to compute a life-cycle fuel savings, for a design of stated thermal capacity. NISCO was coupled to the OPCON/DESOP optimization program to find the design which maximizes the life-cycle fuel savings.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 11, 1980
Accession Number
ADA095012

Entities

People

  • Walter B. Cole

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accumulators
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Cycles
  • Economic Analysis
  • Energy
  • Engineering
  • Executives
  • Flow Rate
  • Heat Capacity
  • Life Cycles
  • Mainframe Computers
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Optimization
  • Solar Collectors
  • Solar Energy

Readers

  • Computer Science.
  • Operations Research
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.