Notes on the Dimension of the Solution Space in Typical Electrical Engineering Optimization Problems

Abstract

Nowadays, optimization methodologies based on combinatorial strategies (i.e., metaheuristic methods) and exact methods can be easily found through-out the scientific literature in all areas of engineering, including electrical, mechanical, chemical, computational, and food engineering, among others. The common denominator in these areas of research corresponds to the complexity of the optimization models, as well as to the large dimensions of the solution space where these models are defined [1]. In addition, most of these models combine binary (also integer) decision variables with continuous ones into nonlinear non-convex formulations, which complicates the application of exact solution methods.