Blog
Filipe Brandāo
March 18, 2025
The Power of Baron, Enhanced by AMPL
BARON is a general nonlinear optimizer capable of solving nonconvex optimization problems to global optimality. Decision variables may be continuous, integer, or a mixture of the two. BARON has been used for applications in the chemical process industries, pharmaceuticals, energy production, engineering design, and asset management.
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BARON, which stands for ‘Branch And Reduce Optimization Navigator’, stands out in the realm of optimization software as a premier global solver. Developed by a dedicated team of experts, its inception and evolution have been driven by a commitment to tackle the most intricate and challenging optimization problems. BARON’s core strength lies in its unique ability to provide global solutions to nonconvex optimization problems, a feat that sets it apart in the field. This robust solver excels in areas where precision and reliability are paramount, particularly in chemical process optimization, energy and utility management, financial modeling, and engineering design. Its sophisticated algorithmic framework combines advanced mathematical programming techniques with rigorous local and global search methods, ensuring not just solutions, but the best possible solutions across a wide range of industries. Choosing BARON means opting for a solver that not only delivers accurate results but also offers the assurance of global optimality, making it an ideal choice for professionals who face complex, nonlinear problems in their work.
Linear and nonlinear objectives and constraints including arithmetic, logarithmic, and exponential operators, in continuous and discrete variables.
Advanced branch-and-bound for global optimization incorporating constraint propagation, interval analysis, and duality.
Global optimization for problems that have potentially many locally optimal solutions.
For Python enthusiasts, BARON is also accessible as a module with amplpy, blending seamlessly with your Python projects. Explore more about this integration at AMPL Python Integration.# Install Python API for AMPL
$ python -m pip install amplpy
# Install BARON
$ python -m amplpy.modules install BARON
Best for individuals running on one machine
$3,000 /year
$2,000 /year
Best for small applications running one process at a time
$4,500 /year
$3,000 /year
Best for large teams or applications to run multiple processes simultaneously
$7,000 /year
+$700 /additional CPU
$4,000 /year
+$400 /additional CPU
Best for individuals running on one machine
$6,000 /purchase
+ $1,200 maintenance annually
$4,000 /purchase
+ $800 maintenance annually
Best for small applications running one process at a time
$9,000 /purchase
+ $1,800 maintenance annually
$6,000 /purchase
+ $1,200 maintenance annually
Best for large teams or applications to run multiple processes simultaneously
$14,000 /purchase
+ $2,400 maintenance annually
+1,400 /additional CPU
$8,000 /purchase
+ $1,600 maintenance annually
+$800 /additional CPU
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Best for individuals running on one machine
$3,000 /yearly subscription
$6,000 /purchase
+ $1,200 maintenance annually
$2,000 /yearly subscription
$4,000 /purchase
+ $800 maintenance annually
Best for small applications running one process at a time
$4,500 /yearly subscription
$9,000 /purchase
+ $1,800 maintenance annually
$3,000 /yearly subscription
$6,000 /purchase
+ $1,200 maintenance annually
Best for large teams or applications to run multiple processes simultaneously
$7,000 /yearly subscription
+ $700 additional CPU
$14,000 /purchase
+ $2,800 maintenance annually<span style="font-size: 1rem; font-weight: normal"
+ $1,400 additional CPU
$4,000 /yearly subscription
+ $400 additional CPU
$8,000 /purchase
+ $1,600 maintenance annually<span style="font-size: 1rem; font-weight: normal"
+ $800 additional CPU
BARON downloads are available from the My Downloads page of your account at the AMPL Portal, and are included in the bundles that are used for free trials.
The integration of AMPL with the BARON solver creates a powerful combination for addressing some of the most challenging optimization problems. AMPL’s user-friendly modeling language is known for its ability to articulate complex problem structures in a straightforward manner. When coupled with BARON, renowned for its exceptional capability in global optimization, this combination becomes particularly potent. BARON’s advanced approach to tackling nonconvex problems complements AMPL’s modeling flexibility, making it an ideal choice for industries and research domains where finding the absolute best solution is paramount. The AMPL-BARON integration is especially effective in scenarios involving intricate nonlinear problems, delivering solutions that are not just feasible but globally optimal.
The synergy of AMPL and BARON extends beyond their individual technical merits. It offers a seamless experience from model formulation to solution execution, enabling users to efficiently navigate through complex optimization landscapes. This integration is particularly beneficial in fields like chemical process optimization, energy system management, financial risk assessment, and advanced engineering design, where a globally optimal solution is required. Users benefit from the robustness of BARON’s global optimization techniques, while AMPL’s modeling environment simplifies the expression of complex objectives and constraints. This powerful combination ensures that users can tackle ambitious optimization tasks with confidence, backed by the assurance of comprehensive and globally optimized solutions.
Chemical process optimization involves fine-tuning various parameters in chemical manufacturing to achieve desired outcomes. These outcomes may include maximizing product yield, minimizing waste, optimizing energy use, and ensuring safety and compliance with environmental standards. In this context, BARON serves as a powerful tool due to its proficiency in handling complex, nonlinear optimization problems, which are typical in chemical engineering processes.
BARON can model and optimize multiple interdependent variables and constraints that define a chemical process, such as reaction rates, temperature controls, and ingredient ratios. Its global optimization capability is crucial in identifying the most efficient operating conditions, avoiding suboptimal local solutions that might otherwise seem satisfactory. Moreover, BARON’s ability to deal with stochastic and dynamic models allows for more accurate predictions and adjustments in real-time operations, accommodating for uncertainties and fluctuations in raw material quality, market demand, and environmental conditions.
BARON sets a new standard in solving intricate and high-dimensional optimization problems. Excelling where other solvers might falter, it navigates through complex landscapes of variables and constraints with unmatched precision. Whether it’s dealing with multifaceted industrial challenges, advanced financial models, or sophisticated engineering designs, BARON’s robust algorithmic framework ensures that no problem is too complex. It’s not just about finding a solution; it’s about finding the best solution.
Here are some specific examples of how BARON can be used in engineering and design:
BARON, standing for Branch And Reduce Optimization Navigator, is a sophisticated solver specializing in global optimization. Its unique strength lies in its ability to find globally optimal solutions for complex, nonconvex optimization problems, distinguishing it from other solvers that may only find locally optimal solutions.
Yes, BARON seamlessly integrates with AMPL, a popular modeling language for optimization. This integration allows users to take advantage of AMPL’s intuitive modeling capabilities alongside BARON’s robust optimization algorithms, creating a powerful combination for solving complex problems.
BARON excels in solving a wide range of optimization problems, particularly those involving nonconvex and nonlinear formulations. It is ideal for applications in chemical process optimization, energy management, financial modeling, and engineering design, where finding the global optimum is crucial.
BARON is designed to be accessible to both experts and newcomers in optimization. When used with AMPL, it offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies problem formulation and solution processes, making it approachable for users with varying levels of experience.
New users have access to comprehensive documentation, including a detailed user manual and case studies. Additionally, there is a supportive community forum and a customer service team available for technical support and guidance.
BARON is equipped to efficiently handle large-scale optimization problems, thanks to its advanced algorithmic framework. It can process a high number of variables and constraints while maintaining performance and accuracy, making it suitable for complex industrial applications.
Yes, prospective users can access a trial version of BARON. This allows them to evaluate the solver’s capabilities and compatibility with their specific optimization needs before committing to a purchase.
While the cost of BARON may vary based on licensing options and usage requirements, it is competitively priced considering its advanced global optimization capabilities. Prospective users can contact the sales team for detailed pricing information and to discuss the best licensing option for their needs.
Home page for The Optimization Firm
Sahinidis Optimization Group’s BARON Software page
BARON User Manual including detailed option descriptions
