LSU Researchers Awarded NSF Grant to Address Optimization in Infrastructure Systems
August 29, 2023
BATON ROUGE, LA – A team of LSU researchers from electrical and computer engineering and physics was recently awarded nearly $500,000 from the National Science Foundation for a project to develop quantum computing-inspired algorithms that will address optimization problems appearing in various critical infrastructure systems, including power systems.
Examples of these problems include optimizing power flow, planning for transmission network expansion, diagnosing faults, and ensuring grid resilience. These issues are difficult for classical computers to solve efficiently and oftentimes require a significant amount of time and resources. Quantum computing’s unique ability to handle vast amounts of data simultaneously through quantum bits, or qubits, enables it to explore multiple potential solutions at the same time, potentially leading to exponential speedup in solving complex optimization problems.
Leading the project as principal investigator is Amin Kargarian, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. He is joined by co-principal investigators Ramachandran Vaidyanathan, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and Omar Magana-Loaiza, associate professor of physics.
“Power system problems are incredibly important, as they directly impact our daily lives, ensuring a reliable electricity supply for our homes, businesses, and industries,” Kargarian said. “However, these problems, such as optimal power flow and renewable energy integration, are complex and time-consuming for traditional computers to solve efficiently, leading to higher costs and less reliable energy delivery.
“Quantum computing, with its exceptional computational power, offers a promising solution by quickly and accurately addressing these challenges. By leveraging quantum computers, we can achieve faster responses to changing energy demands; reduce operational costs; integrate renewable energy sources more effectively; and ultimately create a more stable, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy system, benefiting society as a whole.”
Kargarian added that he believes the work done on this project will advance understanding of quantum algorithms for optimization and revolutionize the way researchers approach and solve complex real-world problems in various domains.
It should be added that there is another member of the team, not officially listed on the grant, Kargarian’s Ph.D. student, Reza Mahroo. His technical contributions, Kargarian said, were invaluable in providing preliminary results and innovative ideas for the grant proposal.
One final component of the project involves educational and outreach activities with K-12 and college students. Kargarian said the team envisions several such activities, including partnering with local organizations focused on the success of underserved high school students and partnering with the Louisiana Art & Science Museum to show children concepts of quantum mechanics and physics.
Like us on Facebook (@lsuengineering) or follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@lsuengineering).
###
Contact: Joshua Duplechain
Director of Communications
225-578-5706
josh@lsu.edu
Latest College of Engineering News
- LSU Computer Science Student Builds Interactive Lobby ExperienceMay 10, 2024BATON ROUGE, La. – The lobbies of LSU's Music & Dramatic Arts Building, School of Music Building, and Tiger Band Hall will soon feature a helpful new interactive digital kiosk experience for students and patrons alike, built by LSU College of Engineering undergraduate student Caleb Langley.
- LSU Electrical, Computer Engineering Seniors Design Virtual Lab for Remote ExperimentsMay 13, 2024BATON ROUGE, LA - As part of their senior capstone project, four LSU Electrical and Computer Engineering seniors designed a virtual lab that will allow LSU Mechanical Engineering students to conduct pipe-flow experiments from a remote location. The project's sponsor, LSU Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department Chair and Professor Dimitris Nikitopoulos, thought of the project when students were stuck at home during the pandemic. The group's efforts are funded by Chevron.
- Mechanical Engineering Seniors Design Equipment for B-52s at Barksdale AFBMay 10, 2024BATON ROUGE, LA - As part of their senior capstone project, six LSU Mechanical Engineering seniors have been working with Barksdale Airforce Base in Bossier City, La., to design an apparatus that will enable airmen to more easily work on or change out the engines on their B-52 bombers. Considering Barksdale AFB houses 26 B-52s, and each B-52 has eight engines, the students' design should definitely come in handy.
- College of Engineering Honors Five at Evening of Engineering Excellence EventMay 8, 2024BATON ROUGE, LA - The LSU College of Engineering recently held its first Evening of Engineering Excellence event on April 25, inducting several new members into its Society for Engineering Excellence and Hall of Distinction.
- LSU Mechanical Engineering Instructor Creates ASPIRE Course for EducatorsMay 7, 2024BATON ROUGE, LA - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's...a drone. Drones are literally taking off and LSU Mechanical Engineering Senior Instructor Andrew Becnel wants students to keep up. Becnel, who is a graduate of LSU's Mechanical Engineering program and has a master's degree and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland, understands the importance of drone technology, especially in Louisiana.
- LSU Research Team Working to Increase Supply of Affordable, Resilient Housing in High-Risk AreasMay 6, 2024BATON ROUGE, LA - With hurricane season around the corner, a team of LSU researchers is exploring the feasibility of FORTIFIED® elevated manufactured homes as a solution for lower- and middle-income residents in high-risk areas. The outcomes of the project have the potential to enhance housing supply significantly, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters, offer greater safety to residents, and reduce burden on the National Flood Insurance Program and other disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief endeavors.