Monitoring and Control Framework for Advanced Power Plant Systems Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques

This dissertation presents the design, development, and simulation testing of a monitoring and control framework for dynamic systems using artificial intelligence techniques. A comprehensive monitoring and control system capable of detecting, identifying, evaluating, and accommodating various subsystem failures and upset conditions is presented. The system is developed by synergistically merging concepts inspired from the biological immune system with evolutionary optimization algorithms and adaptive control techniques.;The proposed methodology provides the tools for addressing the complexity and multi-dimensionality of the modern power plants in a comprehensive and integrated manner that classical approaches cannot achieve. Current approaches typically address abnormal condition (AC) detection of isolated subsystems of low complexity, affected by specific AC involving few features with limited identification capability. They do not attempt AC evaluation and mostly rely on control system robustness for accommodation. Addressing the problem of power plant monitoring and control under AC at this level of completeness has not yet been attempted.;Within the proposed framework, a novel algorithm, namely the partition of the universe, was developed for building the artificial immune system self. As compared to the clustering approach, the proposed approach is less computationally intensive and facilitates the use of full-dimensional self for system AC detection, identification, and evaluation. The approach is implemented in conjunction with a modified and improved dendritic cell algorithm. It allows for identifying the failed subsystems without previous training and is extended to address the AC evaluation using a novel approach.;The adaptive control laws are designed to augment the performance and robustness of baseline control laws under normal and abnormal operating conditions. Artificial neural network-based and artificial immune system-based approaches are developed and investigated for an advanced power plant through numerical simulation.;This dissertation also presents the development of an interactive computational environment for the optimization of power plant control system using evolutionary techniques with immunity-inspired enhancements. Several algorithms mimicking mechanisms of the immune system of superior organisms, such as cloning, affinity-based selection, seeding, and vaccination are used. These algorithms are expected to enhance the computational effectiveness, improve convergence, and be more efficient in handling multiple local extrema, through an adequate balance between exploration and exploitation.;The monitoring and control framework formulated in this dissertation applies to a wide range of technical problems. The proposed methodology is demonstrated with promising results using a high validity DynsimRTM model of the acid gas removal unit that is part of the integrated gasification combined cycle power plant available at West Virginia University AVESTAR Center. The obtained results show that the proposed system is an efficient and valuable technique to be applied to a real world application. The implementation of this methodology can potentially have significant impacts on the operational safety of many complex systems

Computational Chemotaxis in Ants and Bacteria over Dynamic Environments

Chemotaxis can be defined as an innate behavioural response by an organism to a directional stimulus, in which bacteria, and other single-cell or multicellular organisms direct their movements according to certain chemicals in their environment. This is important for bacteria to find food (e.g., glucose) by swimming towards the highest concentration of food molecules, or to flee from poisons. Based on self-organized computational approaches and similar stigmergic concepts we derive a novel swarm intelligent algorithm. What strikes from these observations is that both eusocial insects as ant colonies and bacteria have similar natural mechanisms based on stigmergy in order to emerge coherent and sophisticated patterns of global collective behaviour. Keeping in mind the above characteristics we will present a simple model to tackle the collective adaptation of a social swarm based on real ant colony behaviors (SSA algorithm) for tracking extrema in dynamic environments and highly multimodal complex functions described in the well-know De Jong test suite. Later, for the purpose of comparison, a recent model of artificial bacterial foraging (BFOA algorithm) based on similar stigmergic features is described and analyzed. Final results indicate that the SSA collective intelligence is able to cope and quickly adapt to unforeseen situations even when over the same cooperative foraging period, the community is requested to deal with two different and contradictory purposes, while outperforming BFOA in adaptive speed. Results indicate that the present approach deals well in severe Dynamic Optimization problems.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, in CEC 07 - IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, ISBN 1-4244-1340-0, pp. 1009-1017, Sep. 200

Social Algorithms

This article concerns the review of a special class of swarm intelligence based algorithms for solving optimization problems and these algorithms can be referred to as social algorithms. Social algorithms use multiple agents and the social interactions to design rules for algorithms so as to mimic certain successful characteristics of the social/biological systems such as ants, bees, bats, birds and animals.Comment: Encyclopedia of Complexity and Systems Science, 201

Nature-inspired Methods for Stochastic, Robust and Dynamic Optimization

Nature-inspired algorithms have a great popularity in the current scientific community, being the focused scope of many research contributions in the literature year by year. The rationale behind the acquired momentum by this broad family of methods lies on their outstanding performance evinced in hundreds of research fields and problem instances. This book gravitates on the development of nature-inspired methods and their application to stochastic, dynamic and robust optimization. Topics covered by this book include the design and development of evolutionary algorithms, bio-inspired metaheuristics, or memetic methods, with empirical, innovative findings when used in different subfields of mathematical optimization, such as stochastic, dynamic, multimodal and robust optimization, as well as noisy optimization and dynamic and constraint satisfaction problems

Systems and algorithms for wireless sensor networks based on animal and natural behavior

In last decade, there have been many research works about wireless sensor networks (WSNs) focused on improving the network performance as well as increasing the energy efficiency and communications effectiveness. Many of these new mechanisms have been implemented using the behaviors of certain animals, such as ants, bees, or schools of fish.These systems are called bioinspired systems and are used to improve aspects such as handling large-scale networks, provide dynamic nature, and avoid resource constraints, heterogeneity, unattended operation, or robustness, amongmanyothers.Therefore, thispaper aims to studybioinspired mechanisms in the field ofWSN, providing the concepts of these behavior patterns in which these new approaches are based. The paper will explain existing bioinspired systems in WSNs and analyze their impact on WSNs and their evolution. In addition, we will conduct a comprehensive review of recently proposed bioinspired systems, protocols, and mechanisms. Finally, this paper will try to analyze the applications of each bioinspired mechanism as a function of the imitated animal and the deployed application. Although this research area is considered an area with highly theoretical content, we intend to show the great impact that it is generating from the practical perspective.Sendra, S.; Parra Boronat, L.; Lloret, J.; Khan, S. (2015). Systems and algorithms for wireless sensor networks based on animal and natural behavior. International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks. 2015:1-19. doi:10.1155/2015/625972S1192015Iram, R., Sheikh, M. I., Jabbar, S., & Minhas, A. A. (2011). Computational intelligence based optimization in wireless sensor network. 2011 International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies. doi:10.1109/icict.2011.5983561Lloret, J., Bosch, I., Sendra, S., & Serrano, A. (2011). A Wireless Sensor Network for Vineyard Monitoring That Uses Image Processing. Sensors, 11(6), 6165-6196. doi:10.3390/s110606165Lloret, J., Garcia, M., Bri, D., & Sendra, S. (2009). A Wireless Sensor Network Deployment for Rural and Forest Fire Detection and Verification. Sensors, 9(11), 8722-8747. doi:10.3390/s91108722Dasgupta, P. (2008). A Multiagent Swarming System for Distributed Automatic Target Recognition Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics - Part A: Systems and Humans, 38(3), 549-563. doi:10.1109/tsmca.2008.918619Quwaider, M., & Biswas, S. (2012). Delay Tolerant Routing Protocol Modeling for Low Power Wearable Wireless Sensor Networks. Network Protocols and Algorithms, 4(3). doi:10.5296/npa.v4i3.2054Sendra, S., Lloret, J., Garcia, M., & Toledo, J. F. (2011). Power Saving and Energy Optimization Techniques for Wireless Sensor Neworks (Invited Paper). Journal of Communications, 6(6). doi:10.4304/jcm.6.6.439-459Liu, M., & Song, C. (2012). Ant-Based Transmission Range Assignment Scheme for Energy Hole Problem in Wireless Sensor Networks. International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks, 8(12), 290717. doi:10.1155/2012/290717Riva, G., & Finochietto, J. M. (2012). Pheromone-based In-Network Processing for Wireless Sensor Network Monitoring Systems. Network Protocols and Algorithms, 4(4). doi:10.5296/npa.v4i4.2206Garcia, M., Sendra, S., Lloret, J., & Canovas, A. (2011). Saving energy and improving communications using cooperative group-based Wireless Sensor Networks. Telecommunication Systems, 52(4), 2489-2502. doi:10.1007/s11235-011-9568-3Kim, J.-Y., Sharma, T., Kumar, B., Tomar, G. S., Berry, K., & Lee, W.-H. (2014). Intercluster Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network in Dense Environment. International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks, 10(4), 457402. doi:10.1155/2014/457402Dressler, F., & Akan, O. B. (2010). A survey on bio-inspired networking. Computer Networks, 54(6), 881-900. doi:10.1016/j.comnet.2009.10.024Atakan, B., & Akan, O. B. (2006). Immune System Based Distributed Node and Rate Selection in Wireless Sensor Networks. 2006 1st Bio-Inspired Models of Network, Information and Computing Systems. doi:10.1109/bimnics.2006.361806Di Pietro, R., & Verde, N. V. (2011). Introducing epidemic models for data survivability in Unattended Wireless Sensor Networks. 2011 IEEE International Symposium on a World of Wireless, Mobile and Multimedia Networks. doi:10.1109/wowmom.2011.5986165Marwaha, S., Indulska, J., & Portmann, M. (2009). Biologically Inspired Ant-Based Routing in Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANET): A Survey. 2009 Symposia and Workshops on Ubiquitous, Autonomic and Trusted Computing. doi:10.1109/uic-atc.2009.95Jha, V., Khetarpal, K., & Sharma, M. (2011). A survey of nature inspired routing algorithms for MANETs. 2011 3rd International Conference on Electronics Computer Technology. doi:10.1109/icectech.2011.5942042Fernandez-Marquez, J. L., Di Marzo Serugendo, G., Montagna, S., Viroli, M., & Arcos, J. L. (2012). Description and composition of bio-inspired design patterns: a complete overview. Natural Computing, 12(1), 43-67. doi:10.1007/s11047-012-9324-yCamilo, T., Carreto, C., Silva, J. S., & Boavida, F. (2006). An Energy-Efficient Ant-Based Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 49-59. doi:10.1007/11839088_5Selvakennedy, S., Sinnappan, S., & Shang, Y. (2006). T-ANT: A Nature-Inspired Data Gathering Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks. Journal of Communications, 1(2). doi:10.4304/jcm.1.2.22-29Almshreqi, A. M. S., Ali, B. M., Rasid, M. F. A., Ismail, A., & Varahram, P. (2012). An improved routing mechanism using bio-inspired for energy balancing in wireless sensor networks. The International Conference on Information Network 2012. doi:10.1109/icoin.2012.6164367Chen, G., Guo, T.-D., Yang, W.-G., & Zhao, T. (2006). An improved ant-based routing protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks. 2006 International Conference on Collaborative Computing: Networking, Applications and Worksharing. doi:10.1109/colcom.2006.361893Okdem, S., & Karaboga, D. (2006). Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Ant Colony Optimization. First NASA/ESA Conference on Adaptive Hardware and Systems (AHS’06). doi:10.1109/ahs.2006.63Salehpour, A.-A., Mirmobin, B., Afzali-Kusha, A., & Mohammadi, S. (2008). An energy efficient routing protocol for cluster-based wireless sensor networks using ant colony optimization. 2008 International Conference on Innovations in Information Technology. doi:10.1109/innovations.2008.4781748Wen, Y., Chen, Y., & Pan, M. (2008). Adaptive ant-based routing in wireless sensor networks using Energy*Delay metrics. Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE A, 9(4), 531-538. doi:10.1631/jzus.a071382Liao, W.-H., Kao, Y., & Wu, R.-T. (2011). Ant colony optimization based sensor deployment protocol for wireless sensor networks. Expert Systems with Applications, 38(6), 6599-6605. doi:10.1016/j.eswa.2010.11.079Pavai, K., Sivagami, A., & Sridharan, D. (2009). Study of Routing Protocols in Wireless Sensor Networks. 2009 International Conference on Advances in Computing, Control, and Telecommunication Technologies. doi:10.1109/act.2009.133Juan, L., Chen, S., & Chao, Z. (2007). Ant System Based Anycast Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks. 2007 International Conference on Wireless Communications, Networking and Mobile Computing. doi:10.1109/wicom.2007.603Wang, C., & Lin, Q. (2008). Swarm intelligence optimization based routing algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks. 2008 International Conference on Neural Networks and Signal Processing. doi:10.1109/icnnsp.2008.4590326Jiang, H., Wang, M., Liu, M., & Yan, J. (2012). A quantum-inspired ant-based routing algorithm for WSNs. Proceedings of the 2012 IEEE 16th International Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD). doi:10.1109/cscwd.2012.6221881Okazaki, A. M., & Frohlich, A. A. (2011). Ant-based Dynamic Hop Optimization Protocol: A routing algorithm for Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks. 2011 IEEE GLOBECOM Workshops (GC Wkshps). doi:10.1109/glocomw.2011.6162356Hui, X., Zhigang, Z., & Xueguang, Z. (2009). A Novel Routing Protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Ant Colony Optimization. 2009 International Conference on Environmental Science and Information Application Technology. doi:10.1109/esiat.2009.460AbdelSalam, H. S., & Olariu, S. (2012). BEES: BioinspirEd backbonE Selection in Wireless Sensor Networks. IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems, 23(1), 44-51. doi:10.1109/tpds.2011.100Da Silva Rego, A., Celestino, J., dos Santos, A., Cerqueira, E. C., Patel, A., & Taghavi, M. (2012). BEE-C: A bio-inspired energy efficient cluster-based algorithm for data continuous dissemination in Wireless Sensor Networks. 2012 18th IEEE International Conference on Networks (ICON). doi:10.1109/icon.2012.6506592Neshat, M., Sepidnam, G., Sargolzaei, M., & Toosi, A. N. (2012). Artificial fish swarm algorithm: a survey of the state-of-the-art, hybridization, combinatorial and indicative applications. Artificial Intelligence Review, 42(4), 965-997. doi:10.1007/s10462-012-9342-2Antoniou, P., Pitsillides, A., Blackwell, T., & Engelbrecht, A. (2009). Employing the flocking behavior of birds for controlling congestion in autonomous decentralized networks. 2009 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation. doi:10.1109/cec.2009.4983153Ruihua, Z., Zhiping, J., Xin, L., & Dongxue, H. (2011). Double cluster-heads clustering algorithm for wireless sensor networks using PSO. 2011 6th IEEE Conference on Industrial Electronics and Applications. doi:10.1109/iciea.2011.5975688Kulkarni, R. V., Venayagamoorthy, G. K., & Cheng, M. X. (2009). Bio-inspired node localization in wireless sensor networks. 2009 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics. doi:10.1109/icsmc.2009.5346107Kulkarni, R. V., & Venayagamoorthy, G. K. (2010). Bio-inspired Algorithms for Autonomous Deployment and Localization of Sensor Nodes. IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, Part C (Applications and Reviews), 40(6), 663-675. doi:10.1109/tsmcc.2010.2049649Xin Song, Cuirong Wang, Wang, J., & Bin Zhang. (2010). A hierarchical routing protocol based on AFSO algorithm for WSN. 2010 International Conference On Computer Design and Applications. doi:10.1109/iccda.2010.5541265Gao, X. Z., Wu, Y., Zenger, K., & Huang, X. (2010). A Knowledge-Based Artificial Fish-Swarm Algorithm. 2010 13th IEEE International Conference on Computational Science and Engineering. doi:10.1109/cse.2010.49Wang, L., & Ma, L. (2011). A hybrid artificial fish swarm algorithm for Bin-packing problem. Proceedings of 2011 International Conference on Electronic & Mechanical Engineering and Information Technology. doi:10.1109/emeit.2011.6022829Yiyue, W., Hongmei, L., & Hengyang, H. (2012). Wireless Sensor Network Deployment Using an Optimized Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm. 2012 International Conference on Computer Science and Electronics Engineering. doi:10.1109/iccsee.2012.453Yang, X.-S. (2010). A New Metaheuristic Bat-Inspired Algorithm. Studies in Computational Intelligence, 65-74. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-12538-6_6Goyal, S., & Patterh, M. S. (2013). Performance of BAT Algorithm on Localization of Wireless Sensor Network. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTERS & TECHNOLOGY, 6(3), 351-358. doi:10.24297/ijct.v6i3.4481Krishnanand, K. N., & Ghose, D. (2006). Glowworm swarm based optimization algorithm for multimodal functions with collective robotics applications. Multiagent and Grid Systems, 2(3), 209-222. doi:10.3233/mgs-2006-2301Apostolopoulos, T., & Vlachos, A. (2011). Application of the Firefly Algorithm for Solving the Economic Emissions Load Dispatch Problem. International Journal of Combinatorics, 2011, 1-23. doi:10.1155/2011/523806Liao, W.-H., Kao, Y., & Li, Y.-S. (2011). A sensor deployment approach using glowworm swarm optimization algorithm in wireless sensor networks. Expert Systems with Applications, 38(10), 12180-12188. doi:10.1016/j.eswa.2011.03.053Sun, Y., Jiang, Q., & Zhang, K. (2012). A clustering scheme for Reachback Firefly Synchronicity in wireless sensor networks. 2012 3rd IEEE International Conference on Network Infrastructure and Digital Content. doi:10.1109/icnidc.2012.6418705Zungeru, A. M., Ang, L.-M., & Seng, K. P. (2012). Termite-Hill. International Journal of Swarm Intelligence Research, 3(4), 1-22. doi:10.4018/jsir.2012100101KumarE, S., S. M., K., & Kumar B. P., V. (2014). Clustering Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks based on Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) Animal's Social Behavior. International Journal of Computer Applications, 87(8), 20-27. doi:10.5120/15229-3754Breza, M., & McCann, J. A. (2008). Lessons in Implementing Bio-inspired Algorithms on Wireless Sensor Networks. 2008 NASA/ESA Conference on Adaptive Hardware and Systems. doi:10.1109/ahs.2008.72Aziz, N. A. B. A., Mohemmed, A. W., & Sagar, B. S. D. (2007). Particle Swarm Optimization and Voronoi diagram for Wireless Sensor Networks coverage optimization. 2007 International Conference on Intelligent and Advanced Systems. doi:10.1109/icias.2007.4658528Falcon, R., Li, X., Nayak, A., & Stojmenovic, I. (2012). A harmony-seeking firefly swarm to the periodic replacement of damaged sensors by a team of mobile robots. 2012 IEEE International Conference on Communications (ICC). doi:10.1109/icc.2012.6363859Antoniou, P., & Pitsillides, A. (2010). A bio-inspired approach for streaming applications in wireless sensor networks based on the Lotka–Volterra competition model. Computer Communications, 33(17), 2039-2047. doi:10.1016/j.comcom.2010.07.020Benahmed, K., Merabti, M., & Haffaf, H. (2012). Inspired Social Spider Behavior for Secure Wireless Sensor Networks. International Journal of Mobile Computing and Multimedia Communications, 4(4), 1-10. doi:10.4018/jmcmc.2012100101Alrajeh, N. A., & Lloret, J. (2013). Intrusion Detection Systems Based on Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Wireless Sensor Networks. International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks, 9(10), 351047. doi:10.1155/2013/351047Hussain, S., Matin, A. W., & Islam, O. (2007). Genetic Algorithm for Hierarchical Wireless Sensor Networks. Journal of Networks, 2(5). doi:10.4304/jnw.2.5.87-97Hussain, S., Matin, A. W., & Islam, O. (2007). Genetic Algorithm for Energy Efficient Clusters in Wireless Sensor Networks. Fourth International Conference on Information Technology (ITNG’07). doi:10.1109/itng.2007.97Ferentinos, K. P., & Tsiligiridis, T. A. (2007). Adaptive design optimization of wireless sensor networks using genetic algorithms. Computer Networks, 51(4), 1031-1051. doi:10.1016/j.comnet.2006.06.013Jia, J., Chen, J., Chang, G., & Tan, Z. (2009). Energy efficient coverage control in wireless sensor networks based on multi-objective genetic algorithm. Computers & Mathematics with Applications, 57(11-12), 1756-1766. doi:10.1016/j.camwa.2008.10.036Nan, G.-F., Li, M.-Q., & Li, J. (2007). Estimation of Node Localization with a Real-Coded Genetic Algorithm in WSNs. 2007 International Conference on Machine Learning and Cybernetics. doi:10.1109/icmlc.2007.4370265Saleem, K., Fisal, N., Abdullah, M. S., Zulkarmwan, A. B., Hafizah, S., & Kamilah, S. (2009). Proposed Nature Inspired Self-Organized Secure Autonomous Mechanism for WSNs. 2009 First Asian Conference on Intelligent Information and Database Systems. doi:10.1109/aciids.2009.75Jabbari, A., & Lang, W. (2010). Advanced Bio-inspired Plausibility Checking in a Wireless Sensor Network Using Neuro-immune Systems: Autonomous Fault Diagnosis in an Intelligent Transportation System. 2010 Fourth International Conference on Sensor Technologies and Applications. doi:10.1109/sensorcomm.2010.24Ponnusamy, V., & Abdullah, A. (2010). Biologically Inspired (Botany) Mobile Agent Based Self-Healing Wireless Sensor Network. 2010 Sixth International Conference on Intelligent Environments. doi:10.1109/ie.2010.46Li, J., Cui, Z., & Shi, Z. (2012). An Improved Artificial Plant Optimization Algorithm for Coverage Problem in WSN. Sensor Letters, 10(8), 1874-1878. doi:10.1166/sl.2012.2627Sendra, S., Llario, F., Parra, L., & Lloret, J. (2014). Smart Wireless Sensor Network to Detect and Protect Sheep and Goats to Wolf Attacks. Recent Advances in Communications and Networking Technology, 2(2), 91-101. doi:10.2174/22117407112016660012Sendra, S., Granell, E., Lloret, J., & Rodrigues, J. J. P. C. (2013). Smart Collaborative Mobile System for Taking Care of Disabled and Elderly People. Mobile Networks and Applications, 19(3), 287-302. doi:10.1007/s11036-013-0445-zGarcia, M., Sendra, S., Lloret, G., & Lloret, J. (2011). Monitoring and control sensor system for fish feeding in marine fish farms. IET Communications, 5(12), 1682-1690. doi:10.1049/iet-com.2010.0654Sendra, S., Lloret, J., Rodrigues, J. J. P. C., & Aguiar, J. M. (2013). Underwater Wireless Communications in Freshwater at 2.4 GHz. IEEE Communications Letters, 17(9), 1794-1797. doi:10.1109/lcomm.2013.072313.131214Lloret, J., Sendra, S., Ardid, M., & Rodrigues, J. J. P. C. (2012). Underwater Wireless Sensor Communications in the 2.4 GHz ISM Frequency Band. Sensors, 12(4), 4237-4264. doi:10.3390/s12040423

Comprehensive Taxonomies of Nature- and Bio-inspired Optimization: Inspiration versus Algorithmic Behavior, Critical Analysis and Recommendations

In recent years, a great variety of nature- and bio-inspired algorithms has been reported in the literature. This algorithmic family simulates different biological processes observed in Nature in order to efficiently address complex optimization problems. In the last years the number of bio-inspired optimization approaches in literature has grown considerably, reaching unprecedented levels that dark the future prospects of this field of research. This paper addresses this problem by proposing two comprehensive, principle-based taxonomies that allow researchers to organize existing and future algorithmic developments into well-defined categories, considering two different criteria: the source of inspiration and the behavior of each algorithm. Using these taxonomies we review more than three hundred publications dealing with nature-inspired and bio-inspired algorithms, and proposals falling within each of these categories are examined, leading to a critical summary of design trends and similarities between them, and the identification of the most similar classical algorithm for each reviewed paper. From our analysis we conclude that a poor relationship is often found between the natural inspiration of an algorithm and its behavior. Furthermore, similarities in terms of behavior between different algorithms are greater than what is claimed in their public disclosure: specifically, we show that more than one-third of the reviewed bio-inspired solvers are versions of classical algorithms. Grounded on the conclusions of our critical analysis, we give several recommendations and points of improvement for better methodological practices in this active and growing research field.Comment: 76 pages, 6 figure

Design and validation of structural health monitoring system based on bio-inspired algorithms

The need of ensure the proper performance of the structures in service has made of structural health monitoring (SHM) a priority research area. Researchers all around the world have focused efforts on the development of new ways to continuous monitoring the structures and analyze the data collected from the inspection process in order to provide information about the current state and avoid possible catastrophes. To perform an effective analysis of the data, the development of methodologies is crucial in order to assess the structures with a low computational cost and with a high reliability. These desirable features can be found in biological systems, and these can be emulated by means of computational systems. The use of bio-inspired algorithms is a recent approach that has demonstrated its effectiveness in data analysis in different areas. Since these algorithms are based in the emulation of biological systems that have demonstrated its effectiveness for several generations, it is possible to mimic the evolution process and its adaptability characteristics by using computational algorithms. Specially in pattern recognition, several algorithms have shown good performance. Some widely used examples are the neural networks, the fuzzy systems and the genetic algorithms. This thesis is concerned about the development of bio-inspired methodologies for structural damage detection and classification. This document is organized in five chapters. First, an overview of the problem statement, the objectives, general results, a brief theoretical background and the description of the different experimental setups are included in Chapter 1 (Introduction). Chapters 2 to 4 include the journal papers published by the author of this thesis. The discussion of the results, some conclusions and the future work can be found on Chapter 5. Finally, Appendix A includes other contributions such as a book chapter and some conference papers.La necesidad de asegurar el correcto funcionamiento de las estructuras en servicio ha hecho de la monitorización de la integridad estructural un área de gran interés. Investigadores en todas las partes del mundo centran sus esfuerzos en el desarrollo de nuevas formas de monitorización contínua de estructuras que permitan analizar e interpretar los datos recogidos durante el proceso de inspección con el objetivo de proveer información sobre el estado actual de la estructura y evitar posibles catástrofes. Para desarrollar un análisis efectivo de los datos, es necesario el desarrollo de metodologías para inspeccionar la estructura con un bajo coste computacional y alta fiabilidad. Estas características deseadas pueden ser encontradas en los sistemas biológicos y pueden ser emuladas mediante herramientas computacionales. El uso de algoritmos bio-inspirados es una reciente técnica que ha demostrado su efectividad en el análisis de datos en diferentes áreas. Dado que estos algoritmos se basan en la emulación de sistemas biológicos que han demostrado su efectividad a lo largo de muchas generaciones, es posible imitar el proceso de evolución y sus características de adaptabilidad al medio usando algoritmos computacionales. Esto es así, especialmente, en reconocimiento de patrones, donde muchos de estos algoritmos brindan excelentes resultados. Algunos ejemplos ampliamente usados son las redes neuronales, los sistemas fuzzy y los algoritmos genéticos. Esta tesis involucra el desarrollo de unas metodologías bio-inspiradas para la detección y clasificación de daños estructurales. El documento está organizado en cinco capítulos. En primer lugar, se incluye una descripción general del problema, los objetivos del trabajo, los resultados obtenidos, un breve marco conceptual y la descripción de los diferentes escenarios experimentales en el Capítulo 1 (Introducción). Los Capítulos 2 a 4 incluyen los artículos publicados en diferentes revistas indexadas. La revisión de los resultados, conclusiones y el trabajo futuro se encuentra en el Capítulo 5. Finalmente, el Anexo A incluye otras contribuciones tales como un capítulo de libro y algunos trabajos publicados en conferencias