An approach of simultaneous strategies with two novel techniques is proposed to improve the solution accuracy of chemical dynamic optimization problems. The first technique is to handle constraints on control variables based on the finite-element collocation so as to control the approximation error for discrete optimal problems, where a set of control constraints at element knots are integrated with the procedure for optimization leading to a significant gain in the accuracy of the simultaneous strategies. The second technique is to make the mesh refinement more feasible and reliable by introducing length constraints and guideline in designing appropriate element length boundaries, so that the proposed approach becomes more efficient in adjusting elements to track optimal control profile breakpoints and ensure accurate state and control profiles. Four classic benchmarks of dynamic optimization problems are used as illustrations, and the proposed approach is compared with literature reports. The research results reveal that the proposed approach is preferable in improving the solution accuracy of chemical dynamic optimization problem.
