Abstract
Large-scale optimization for sustainable and resilient energy systems In recent years, the European Union has set the ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. This objective—driven by ecological, economic, and ethical considerations—is particularly demanding due to the inherent complexity of managing modern Energy Systems (ES). As a result, the use of mathematical models and algorithms has become essential for both the design and operation of these systems. In particular, mathematical optimization plays a key role in various contexts: from the operation of power plants and distribution networks, to the short- and long-term management of energy storage, to the development of regulatory frameworks that support technical and environmental goals, and even in the multi-decade planning of new generation, storage, and distribution infrastructure. The research carried out in this project can be described along two main axes: (i) the green energy applications we aim to address; and (ii) the optimization methodologies required to tackle them. The first axis involves the development of analytical and mathematical models for subproblems arising in various areas of energy management—such as energy production scheduling, unit commitment, energy distribution, long-term energy system planning, and the management of electric vehicles, among others. As for optimization methodologies, the project focuses on the design and implementation of advanced mathematical optimization algorithms to address the complex challenges posed by energy-related applications. This includes, for instance, methods for handling stochasticity and uncertainty in input data, advanced decomposition techniques for managing large-scale problems, and Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) methods for solving highly structured subproblems. The project includes 5 Research Units, namely Università di Pisa, Università della Calabria, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Università degli Studi di Padova and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche. Results The project focused on Large-scale optimization for sustainable and resilient energy systems and was built upon the long-standing collaborations among the Research Units and their expertise in the application of Mathematical Optimization to energy systems. Its main objective was to develop mathematical optimization models and solution algorithms for a variety of distinct yet related practical problems arising in the energy sector, the aim being improving the efficiency of existing energy systems, identifying effective strategies for their restructuring, and reducing their energy footprint. The research activity was organized along two main directions: - from an application-oriented perspective, the study of practically relevant contexts requiring sophisticated optimization techniques; - from a methodological perspective, the identification of the most appropriate optimization techniques to improve the performance of the systems under consideration. Within this framework, the Bologna Research Unit investigated mathematical models and algorithmic approaches for the following problems: - the train rescheduling problem under delays; - the train timetabling problem; - a variant of the tool switching problem; - a task scheduling problem arising in High-Performance Computing (HPC) applications. All these applications are characterized from the fact that the involved systems are highly energy-intensive, and that optimizing an appropriate objective function can lead to significant energy savings. From a methodological standpoint, a variety of optimization techniques were used within the project. In particular, integer linear programming models, heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms, as well as decomposition-based approaches, including column generation and Benders decomposition, were developed and investigated. The outcomes of the project are reflected in the publication of scientific articles and in the dissemination of the research results at major international conferences in the field.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Michele Monaci
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Energia Elettrica e dell'Informazione "Guglielmo Marconi"
Coordinator:
Università di PISA(Italy)
Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 33.750,00
Project Duration in months: 24
Start Date:
28/09/2023
End Date:
28/02/2026
