Comparative Analysis between Modern Heuristics and Hybrid Algorithms

Purpose – The purpose of the present paper is to show a comparative analysis of classical and modern heuristics such as genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, particle swarm optimizationand bacterial chemotaxis, when they are applied to electrical engineering problems. Design/methodology/approach – Hybrid algorithms (HAs) obtained by a synergy between the previous listed heuristics, with the eventual addiction of the Tabu Search, have also been compared with the single heuristic performances. Findings – Empirically, a different sensitivity for initial values has been observed by changing type of heuristics. The comparative analysis has then been performed for two kind of problems depending on the dimension of the solution space to be inspected. All the proposed comparative analyses are referred to two corresponding different cases: Preisach hysteresis model identification (high dimension solution space) and load-flow optimization in power systems (low dimension solution space). Originality/value – The originality of the paper is to verify the performances of classical, modern and hybrid heuristics for electrical engineering applications by varying the heuristic typology and by varying the typology of the optimization problem. An original procedure to design a HA is also presented.