Thermodynamics, thermokinetics and optimal control

This paper describes powerful methods and algorithms of contemporary discrete theory of optimal control that constitute suitable theoretical and computational tools when evaluating extremal or optimal properties of thermodynamic systems. Physical or economical problems can be treated by methods of optimal control. One can also perform studies that seek thermodynamic limits and studies that evaluate how to improve existing technological units or networks. Behavior of physical or practical systems under prescribed external conditions can be predicted from suitable variational or extremum principles.