Multi-objective optimization and evaluation of supercritical CO_(2) Brayton cycle for nuclear power generation

The supercritical CO_(2) Brayton cycle is considered a promising energy conversion system for Generation IV reactors for its simple layout,compact structure,and high cycle efficiency.Mathematical models of four Brayton cycle layouts are developed in this study for different reactors to reduce the cost and increase the thermohydraulic performance of nuclear power generation to promote the commercialization of nuclear energy.Parametric analysis,multi-objective optimizations,and four decision-making methods are applied to obtain each Brayton scheme’s optimal thermohydraulic and economic indexes.Results show that for the same design thermal power scale of reactors,the higher the core’s exit temperature,the better the Brayton cycle’s thermo-economic performance.Among the four-cycle layouts,the recompression cycle(RC)has the best overall performance,followed by the simple recuperation cycle(SR)and the intercooling cycle(IC),and the worst is the reheating cycle(RH).However,RH has the lowest total cost of investment(C_(tot))of$1619.85 million,and IC has the lowest levelized cost of energy(LCOE)of 0.012$/(kWh).The nuclear Brayton cycle system’s overall performance has been improved due to optimization.The performance of the molten salt reactor combined with the intercooling cycle(MSR-IC)scheme has the greatest improvement,with the net output power(W_(net)),thermal efficiencyη_(t),and exergy efficiency(η_(e))improved by 8.58%,8.58%,and 11.21%,respectively.The performance of the lead-cooled fast reactor combined with the simple recuperation cycle scheme was optimized to increase C_(tot) by 27.78%.In comparison,the internal rate of return(IRR)increased by only 7.8%,which is not friendly to investors with limited funds.For the nuclear Brayton cycle,the molten salt reactor combined with the recompression cycle scheme should receive priority,and the gas-cooled fast reactor combined with the reheating cycle scheme should be considered carefully.

Multi-objective optimization strategies using adjoint method and game theory in aerodynamics

There are currently three different game strategies originated in economics： （1） Cooperative games （Pareto front）, （2） Competitive games （Nash game） and （3） Hierarchical games （Stackelberg game）. Each game achieves different equilibria with different performance, and their players play different roles in the games. Here, we introduced game concept into aerodynamic design, and combined it with adjoint method to solve multi- criteria aerodynamic optimization problems. The performance distinction of the equilibria of these three game strategies was investigated by numerical experiments. We computed Pareto front, Nash and Stackelberg equilibria of the same optimization problem with two conflicting and hierarchical targets under different parameterizations by using the deterministic optimization method. The numerical results show clearly that all the equilibria solutions are inferior to the Pareto front. Non-dominated Pareto front solutions are obtained, however the CPU cost to capture a set of solutions makes the Pareto front an expensive tool to the designer.

Multi-objective reentry trajectory optimization method via GVD for hypersonic vehicles

In the constrained reentry trajectory design of hypersonic vehicles, multiple objectives with priorities bring about more difficulties to find the optimal solution. Therefore, a multi-objective reentry trajectory optimization (MORTO) approach via generalized varying domain (GVD) is proposed. Using the direct collocation approach, the trajectory optimization problem involving multiple objectives is discretized into a nonlinear multi-objective programming with priorities. In terms of fuzzy sets, the objectives are fuzzified into three types of fuzzy goals, and their constant tolerances are substituted by the varying domains. According to the principle that the objective with higher priority has higher satisfactory degree, the priority requirement is modeled as the order constraints of the varying domains. The corresponding two-side, single-side, and hybrid-side varying domain models are formulated for three fuzzy relations respectively. By regulating the parameter, the optimal reentry trajectory satisfying priorities can be achieved. Moreover, the performance about the parameter is analyzed, and the algorithm to find its specific value for maximum priority difference is proposed. The simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for hypersonic vehicles, and the comparisons with the traditional methods and sensitivity analysis are presented.

Distributed Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers for Multi-Objective Optimization

In this paper, a distributed algorithm is proposed to solve a kind of multi-objective optimization problem based on the alternating direction method of multipliers. Compared with the centralized algorithms, this algorithm does not need a central node. Therefore, it has the characteristics of low communication burden and high privacy. In addition, numerical experiments are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

A Study on the Multi-Objective Optimization Method of Brackets in Ship Structures

The shape and size optimization of brackets in hull structures was conducted to achieve the simultaneous reduction of mass and high stress,where the parametric finite element model was built based on Patran Command Language codes.The optimization procedure was executed on Isight platform,on which the linear dimensionless method was introduced to establish the weighted multi-objective function.The extreme processing method was applied and proved effective to normalize the objectives.The bracket was optimized under the typical single loads and design waves,accompanied by the different proportions of weights in the objective function,in which the safety factor function was further established,including yielding,buckling,and fatigue strength,and the weight minimization and safety maximization of the bracket were obtained.The findings of this study illustrate that the dimensionless objectives share equal contributions to the multi-objective function,which enhances the role of weights in the optimization.

METHOD OF CENTERS ALGORITHM FORMULTI-OBJECTIVE PROGRAMMING PROBLEMS

In this paper, we consider a method of centers for solving multi-objective programming problems, where the objective functions involved are concave functions and the set of feasible points is convex. The algorithm is defined so that the sub-problems that must be solved during its execution may be solved by finite-step procedures. Conditions are given under which the algorithm generates sequences of feasible points and constraint multiplier vectors that have accumulation points satisfying the KKT conditions. Finally, we establish convergence of the proposed method of centers algorithm for solving multiobjective programming problems.

Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Target Space Partitioning Method

Considering the defects of conventional optimization methods, a novel optimization algorithm is introduced in this paper. Target space partitioning method is used in this algorithm to solve multi-objective optimization problem, thus achieve the coherent solution which can meet the requirements of all target functions, and improve the population's overall evolution level. The algorithm which guarantees diversity preservation and fast convergence to the Pareto set is applied to structural optimization problems. The empirical analysis supports the algorithm and gives an example with program.

Method of Searching for Earthquake Disaster Evacuation Routes Using Multi-Objective GA and GIS

This study treats the determination of routes for evacuation on foot in earthquake disasters as a multi-objective optimization problem, and aims to propose a method for quantitatively searching for evacuation routes using a multi-objective genetic algorithm (multi-objective GA) and GIS. The conclusions can be summarized in the following three points. 1) A GA was used to design and create an evacuation route search algorithm which solves the problem of the optimization of earthquake disaster evacuation routes by treating it as an optimization problem with multiple objectives, such as evacuation distance and evacuation time. 2) In this method, goodness of fit is set by using a Pareto ranking method to determine the ranking of individuals based on their relative superiorities and inferiorities. 3) In this method, searching for evacuation routes based on the information on present conditions allows evacuation routes to be derived based on present building and road locations.?Further, this method is based on publicly available information;therefore, obtaining geographic information similar to that of this study enables this method to be effective regardless of what region it is applied to, or whether the data regards the past or the future. Therefore, this method has high degree of spatial and temporal reproducibility.

An Enhanced Difference Method for Multi-objective Model of Cellular Base Station Antenna Configurations

In this paper, we propose a fine-grained grid-based multi-objective model which aims at optimizing base station antennas' configurations, such as transmit power, antenna tilt and antenna azimuth, in order to upgrading network performance in cellular networks. As the model is non-convex, non-smooth and discrete and computationally expensive, we use decomposition method to solve the MOP problem. We mainly focus on addressing the scalarized sub-problem after decomposition. For the scalarized sub-problem, we propose an enhanced difference method. First, difference of each component is calculated, which provides the guidance of optimization. Then an OPSO is applied to search the optimal step length. The method is applied to GSM network optimization on an area in Beijing. The effect of the application shows that proposed method has a good performance, and is effective/efficient to solve mobile network optimization problems.

Solving Multi-Objective Linear Programming Problem by Statistical Averaging Method with the Help of Fuzzy Programming Method

A multi-objective linear programming problem is made from fuzzy linear programming problem. It is due the fact that it is used fuzzy programming method during the solution. The Multi objective linear programming problem can be converted into the single objective function by various methods as Chandra Sen’s method, weighted sum method, ranking function method, statistical averaging method. In this paper, Chandra Sen’s method and statistical averaging method both are used here for making single objective function from multi-objective function. Two multi-objective programming problems are solved to verify the result. One is numerical example and the other is real life example. Then the problems are solved by ordinary simplex method and fuzzy programming method. It can be seen that fuzzy programming method gives better optimal values than the ordinary simplex method.

Solving Fuzzy Multi-Objective Linear Programming Problem by Applying Statistical Method

In this paper, the statistical averaging method and the new statistical averaging methods have been used to solve the fuzzy multi-objective linear programming problems. These methods have been applied to form a single objective function from the fuzzy multi-objective linear programming problems. At first, a numerical example of solving fuzzy multi-objective linear programming problem has been provided to validate the maximum risk reduction by the proposed method. The proposed method has been applied to assess the risk of damage due to natural calamities like flood, cyclone, sidor, and storms at the coastal areas in Bangladesh. The proposed method of solving the fuzzy multi-objective linear programming problems by the statistical method has been compared with the Chandra Sen’s method. The numerical results show that the proposed method maximizes the risk reduction capacity better than Chandra Sen’s method.

HYBRID MULTI-OBJECTIVE GRADIENT ALGORITHM FOR INVERSE PLANNING OF IMRT

The intelligent optimization of a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is combined with a gradient algorithm. The hybrid multi-objective gradient algorithm is framed by the real number. Test functions are used to analyze the efficiency of the algorithm. In the simulation case of the water phantom, the algorithm is applied to an inverse planning process of intensity modulated radiation treatment （IMRT）. The objective functions of planning target volume （PTV） and normal tissue （NT） are based on the average dose distribution. The obtained intensity profile shows that the hybrid multi-objective gradient algorithm saves the computational time and has good accuracy, thus meeting the requirements of practical applications.

Cooperative task allocation for heterogeneous multi-UAV using multi-objective optimization algorithm

The application of multiple UAVs in complicated tasks has been widely explored in recent years.Due to the advantages of flexibility,cheapness and consistence,the performance of heterogeneous multi-UAVs with proper cooperative task allocation is superior to over the single UAV.Accordingly,several constraints should be satisfied to realize the efficient cooperation,such as special time-window,variant equipment,specified execution sequence.Hence,a proper task allocation in UAVs is the crucial point for the final success.The task allocation problem of the heterogeneous UAVs can be formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem coupled with the UAV dynamics.To this end,a multi-layer encoding strategy and a constraint scheduling method are designed to handle the critical logical and physical constraints.In addition,four optimization objectives:completion time,target reward,UAV damage,and total range,are introduced to evaluate various allocation plans.Subsequently,to efficiently solve the multi-objective optimization problem,an improved multi-objective quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization(IMOQPSO)algorithm is proposed.During this algorithm,a modified solution evaluation method is designed to guide algorithmic evolution;both the convergence and distribution of particles are considered comprehensively;and boundary solutions which may produce some special allocation plans are preserved.Moreover,adaptive parameter control and mixed update mechanism are also introduced in this algorithm.Finally,both the proposed model and algorithm are verified by simulation experiments.

Multi-objective optimization and experiment of nylon cord rubber in expandable packer

Nylon cord rubber has the advantages of small residual deformation and is easy to lift and lower the tubing string in low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs.However,it is associated with low-pressure resistance and poor sealing performance.To enhance the performance of nylon cord rubber,a three-dimensional numerical model of the nylon cord rubber was established and its accuracy experimentally determined.The Plackett-Burman test,the Steepest climbing test and the Response surface method were used to acquire the polynomial response surface model connecting structural parameters with bearing and sealing pressure.Using genetic algorithms,optimal structural parameters of nylon cord rubber were determined depending on field operation.The reliability of the optimized results was verified by laboratory tests.It was shown that after optimization,the bearing capacity of the expandable packer increased by 25%while the sealing performance increased by 66%.In addition,the bearing pressure was 70 MPa while the sealing pressure was 50 MPa.These measurements effectively met the on-site requirements of high-pressure and fine fracturing in low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs.

Hybrid multi-objective optimization of microstructural and mechanical properties of B_4C/A356 composites fabricated by FSP using TOPSIS and modified NSGA-Ⅱ

A356alloy was used as the base metal to produce boron carbide(B4C)/A356composites using friction stir processing(FSP).The microstructural and mechanical properties of B4C/A356composites were optimized using artificial neural network(ANN)and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II(NSGA-II).Firstly,microstructural properties of the composites fabricated in different processing conditions were investigated.Results show that FSP parameters such as rotational speed,traverse speed and tool pin profile significantly affect the size of the primary silicon(Si)particles of the base metal,as well as the dispersion quality and volume fraction of reinforcing B4C particles in the composite layer.Higher rotational to traverse speeds ratio accompanied by threaded pin profile leads to better particles distribution,finer Si particles and smaller B4C agglomerations.Secondly,hardness and tensile tests were performed to study mechanical properties of the composites.FSP changes the fracture mechanism from brittle form in the as-received metal to very ductile form in the FSPed specimens.Then,a relation between the FSP parameters and microstructural and mechanical properties of the composites was established using ANN.A modified NSGA-II by incorporating diversity preserving mechanism called theεelimination algorithm was employed to obtain the Pareto-optimal set of FSP parameters.

Multi-objective planning model for simultaneous reconfiguration of power distribution network and allocation of renewable energy resources and capacitors with considering uncertainties

This research develops a comprehensive method to solve a combinatorial problem consisting of distribution system reconfiguration, capacitor allocation, and renewable energy resources sizing and siting simultaneously and to improve power system's accountability and system performance parameters. Due to finding solution which is closer to realistic characteristics, load forecasting, market price errors and the uncertainties related to the variable output power of wind based DG units are put in consideration. This work employs NSGA-II accompanied by the fuzzy set theory to solve the aforementioned multi-objective problem. The proposed scheme finally leads to a solution with a minimum voltage deviation, a maximum voltage stability, lower amount of pollutant and lower cost. The cost includes the installation costs of new equipment, reconfiguration costs, power loss cost, reliability cost, cost of energy purchased from power market, upgrade costs of lines and operation and maintenance costs of DGs. Therefore, the proposed methodology improves power quality, reliability and security in lower costs besides its preserve, with the operational indices of power distribution networks in acceptable level. To validate the proposed methodology's usefulness, it was applied on the IEEE 33-bus distribution system then the outcomes were compared with initial configuration.

Vector Dominating Multi-objective Evolution Algorithm for Aerodynamic-Structure Integrative Design of Wind Turbine Blade

A novel multi-objective optimization algorithm incorporating vector method and evolution strategies,referred as vector dominant multi-objective evolutionary algorithm(VD-MOEA),is developed and applied to the aerodynamic-structural integrative design of wind turbine blades.A set of virtual vectors are elaborately constructed,guiding population to fast move forward to the Pareto optimal front and dominating the distribution uniformity with high efficiency.In comparison to conventional evolution algorithms,VD-MOEA displays dramatic improvement of algorithm performance in both convergence and diversity preservation when handling complex problems of multi-variables,multi-objectives and multi-constraints.As an example,a 1.5 MW wind turbine blade is subsequently designed taking the maximum annual energy production,the minimum blade mass,and the minimum blade root thrust as the optimization objectives.The results show that the Pareto optimal set can be obtained in one single simulation run and that the obtained solutions in the optimal set are distributed quite uniformly,maximally maintaining the population diversity.The efficiency of VD-MOEA has been elevated by two orders of magnitude compared with the classical NSGA-II.This provides a reliable high-performance optimization approach for the aerodynamic-structural integrative design of wind turbine blade.

A multi-objective optimal PID control for a nonlinear system with time delay

It is generally difficult to design feedback controls of nonlinear systems with time delay to meet time domain specifications such as rise time, overshoot, and tracking error. Furthermore, these time domain specifications tend to be conflicting to each other to make the control design even more challenging. This paper presents a cell mapping method for multi-objective optimal feedback control design in time domain for a nonlinear Duffing system with time delay. We first review the multi-objective optimization problem and its formulation for control design. We then introduce the cell mapping method and a hybrid algorithm for global optimal solutions. Numerical simulations of the PID control are presented to show the features of the multi-objective optimal design. @ 2013 The Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. [doi：10.1063/2.1306306]

Multi-Objective Image Optimization of Product Appearance Based on Improved NSGA-II

A second-generation fast Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm product shape multi-objective imagery optimization model based on degradation(DNSGA-II)strategy is proposed to make the product appearance optimization scheme meet the complex emotional needs of users for the product.First,the semantic differential method and K-Means cluster analysis are applied to extract the multi-objective imagery of users;then,the product multidimensional scale analysis is applied to classify the research objects,and again the reference samples are screened by the semantic differentialmethod,and the samples are parametrized in two dimensions by using elliptic Fourier analysis;finally,the fuzzy dynamic evaluation function is used as the objective function of the algorithm,and the coordinates of key points of product contours Finally,with the fuzzy dynamic evaluation function as the objective function of the algorithm and the coordinates of key points of the product profile as the decision variables,the optimal product profile solution set is solved by DNSGA-II.The validity of the model is verified by taking the optimization of the shape scheme of the hospital connection site as an example.For comparison with DNSGA-II,other multi-objective optimization algorithms are also presented.To evaluate the performance of each algorithm,the performance evaluation index values of the five multi-objective optimization algorithms are calculated in this paper.The results show that DNSGA-II is superior in improving individual diversity and has better overall performance.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Pilots’ FFS Recurrent Training Problem

Two multi-objective programming models are built to describe Pilots’ full flight simulator (FFS) recurrent training (PFRT) problem. There are two objectives for them. One is the best matching of captains and copilots in the same aircraft type. The other is that pilots could attend his training courses at proper month. Usually the two objectives are conflicting because there are copilots who will promote to captains or transfer to other aircraft type and new trainees will enter the company every year. The main theme in the research is to find the final non-inferior solutions of PFRT problem. Graph models are built to help to analyze the problem and we convert the original problem into a longest-route problem with weighted paths. An algorithm is designed with which we can obtain all the non-inferior solutions by a graphic method. A case study is present to demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm as well.