Quantum Simulation-Based Optimization of a Cooling System

Abstract: Engineering processes involve iterative design evaluations requiring numerous computationally intensive numerical simulations. Quantum algorithms promise up to exponential speedups for specific tasks relevant to numerical simulations. However, these advantages quickly vanish when considering data input and output on quantum computers. The recently introduced Quantum Simulation-Based Optimization (QuSO) algorithm circumvents this fundamental impediment by treating simulations as subproblems within a larger optimization problem. In this paper, we adapt and implement QuSO for a cooling system design problem. We validate the algorithm through statevector simulations and provide a detailed algorithmic complexity analysis indicating that the achievable speedup for this particular example is at most polynomial. Notably, we also specify the conditions under which QuSO could deliver exponential advantages. By providing this comprehensive demonstration, we highlight both the promise and practical constraints of QuSO in an engineering context, motivating further research into quantum algorithms for classical simulations and the search for suitable applications.