Firefly Algorithm, Stochastic Test Functions and Design Optimisation

Modern optimisation algorithms are often metaheuristic, and they are very promising in solving NP-hard optimization problems. In this paper, we show how to use the recently developed Firefly Algorithm to solve nonlinear design problems. For the standard pressure vessel design optimisation, the optimal solution found by FA is far better than the best solution obtained previously in literature. In addition, we also propose a few new test functions with either singularity or stochastic components but with known global optimality, and thus they can be used to validate new optimisation algorithms. Possible topics for further research are also discussed.Comment: 12 pages, 11 figure

Improvements in meta-heuristic algorithms for minimum cost design of reinforced concrete rectangular sections under compression and biaxial bending

A numerical procedure is proposed in this paper for achieving the minimum cost design of reinforced concrete rectangular sections under compression and biaxial bending by using biologically-inspired meta-heuristic optimization algorithms. The problem formulation includes the costs of concrete, reinforcement and formwork, obtaining the detailed optimum design in which the section dimensions and the reinforcement correspond to values used in practice. The formulation has been simplified in order to reduce the computational cost while ensuring the rigor necessary to achieve safe designs. The numerical procedure includes the possibility of using high-strength concrete and several design constraints, such as mínimum reinforcement and limiting the neutral axis depth. Two numerical examples are presented, drawing comparisons between the results obtained by ACI318 and EC2 standards

Linear Phase FIR Low Pass Filter Design Based on Firefly Algorithm

In this paper, a linear phase Low Pass FIR filter is designed and proposed based on Firefly algorithm. We exploit the exploitation and exploration mechanism with a local search routine to improve the convergence and get higher speed computation. The optimum FIR filters are designed based on the Firefly method for which the finite word length is used to represent coefficients. Furthermore, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Differential Evolution algorithm (DE) will be used to show the solution. The results will be compared with PSO and DE methods. Firefly algorithm and Parks–McClellan (PM) algorithm are also compared in this paper thoroughly. The design goal is successfully achieved in all design examples using the Firefly algorithm. They are compared with that obtained by using the PSO and the DE algorithm. For the problem at hand, the simulation results show that the Firefly algorithm outperforms the PSO and DE methods in some of the presented design examples. It also performs well in a portion of the exhibited design examples particularly in speed and quality

Chaos Firefly Algorithm With Self-Adaptation Mutation Mechanism for Solving Large-Scale Economic Dispatch With Valve-Point Effects and Multiple Fuel Options

This paper presents a new metaheuristic optimization algorithm, the firefly algorithm (FA), and an enhanced version of it, called chaos mutation FA (CMFA), for solving power economic dispatch problems while considering various power constraints, such as valve-point effects, ramp rate limits, prohibited operating zones, and multiple generator fuel options. The algorithm is enhanced by adding a new mutation strategy using self-adaptation parameter selection while replacing the parameters with fixed values. The proposed algorithm is also enhanced by a self-adaptation mechanism that avoids challenges associated with tuning the algorithm parameters directed against characteristics of the optimization problem to be solved. The effectiveness of the CMFA method to solve economic dispatch problems with high nonlinearities is demonstrated using five classic test power systems. The solutions obtained are compared with the results of the original algorithm and several methods of optimization proposed in the previous literature. The high performance of the CMFA algorithm is demonstrated by its ability to achieve search solution quality and reliability, which reflected in minimum total cost, convergence speed, and consistency