Multi-objective worker allocation optimisation in a multiple U-line system

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Parames Chutima ◽  
Jurairat Chimrakhang
Keyword(s):  
Solution Technique ◽  
Problem Size ◽  
Line System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Basic Model ◽  
Worker Allocation ◽  
Mathematical Computation ◽  
Operational Modes ◽  
Fixed Station

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate two operational modes of the worker allocation problem (WAP) in the multiple U-line system (MULS). Five objectives are optimised simultaneously for the most complicated operational modes, i.e. machine-dominant working and fixed-station walking. Besides, the benefits of using multiline workstations (MLWs) are investigated. Design/methodology/approach The elite non-dominated sorting differential evolutionary III (ENSDE III) algorithm is developed as a solution technique. Also, the largest remaining available time heuristic is proposed as a baseline in determining the number and utilisation of workers when the use of MLWs is not allowed. Findings ENSDE III outperforms the cutting-edged multi-objective evolutionary algorithms, i.e. multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition and non-dominated sorting differential evolutionary III, under two key Pareto metrics, i.e. generational distance and inverted generational distance, regardless of the problem size. The best-found number of workers from ENSDE III is substantially lower than the upper bound. The MULS with MLWs requires fewer workers than the one without. Research limitations/implications Although this research has extended several issues in the basic model of multiple U-line systems, some assumptions were used to facilitate mathematical computation as follows. The U-line system in this research assumed that all lines were produced only a single product. Besides, all workers were well-trained to gain the same skill. These assumptions could be extended in the future. Practical implications The implication of this research is the benefits of multiline workstations (MLWs) used in the multiple U-line system. Instead of leaving each individual line to operate independently, all lines should be working in parallel through the use of MLWs to gain benefits in terms of worker reduction, balancing worker’s workload, higher system utilisation. Originality/value This research is the first to address the WAP in the MULS with machine-dominant working and fixed-station walking modes. Worker’s fatigue due to standing and walking while working is incorporated into the model. The novel ENSDE III algorithm is developed to optimise the multi-objective WAP in a Pareto sense. The benefits of exploiting MLWs are also illustrated.

scholarly journals Efficient Multi-Objective CFD-Based Optimization Method for a Scroll Distributor

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 377
Author(s):  
Damian Obidowski ◽  
Mateusz Stajuda ◽  
Krzysztof Sobczak
Keyword(s):  
Energy Savings ◽  
Axisymmetric Flow ◽  
Geometry Optimization ◽  
Optimization Method ◽  
Problem Size ◽  
Computational Point ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Flow Problems ◽  
Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Separation Zones

An efficient approach to the geometry optimization problem of a non-axisymmetric flow channel is discussed. The method combines geometrical transformation with a computational fluid dynamics solver, a multi-objective genetic algorithm, and a response surface. This approach, through geometrical modifications and simplifications allows transforming a non-axisymmetric problem into the axisymmetric one in some specific devices i.e., a scroll distributor or a volute. It results in a significant decrease in the problem size, as only the flow in a quasi-2D section of the channel is solved. A significantly broader design space is covered in a much shorter time than in the standard method, and the optimization of large flow problems is feasible with desktop-class computers. One computational point is obtained approximately eight times faster than in full geometry computations. The method was applied to a scroll distributor. For the case under analysis, it was possible to increase flow uniformity, eradicate separation zones, and increase the overall efficiency, which was followed by energy savings of 16% for the scroll. The results indicate that this method can be successfully applied for the optimization of similar problems.

Shareholder risk-taking incentives in the presence of contingent capital

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Fatouh ◽  
Ayowande A. McCunn
Keyword(s):  
Risk Taking ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Capital Requirements ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Basic Model ◽  
Conversion Rates ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to present a model of shareholders’ willingness to exert effort to reduce the likelihood of bank distress and the implications of the presence of contingent convertible (CoCo) bonds in the liabilities structure of a bank. Design/methodology/approach This study presents a basic model about the moral hazard surrounding shareholders willingness to exert effort that increases the likelihood of a bank’s success. This study uses a one-shot game and so do not capture the effects of repeated interactions. Findings Consistent with the existing literature, this study shows that the direction of the wealth transfer at the conversion of CoCo bonds determines their impact on shareholder risk-taking incentives. This study also finds that “anytime” CoCos (CoCo bonds trigger-able anytime at the discretion of managers) have a minor advantage over regular CoCo bonds, and that quality of capital requirements can reduce the risk-taking incentives of shareholders. Practical implications This study argues that shareholders can also use manager-specific CoCo bonds to reduce the riskiness of the bank activities. The issuance of such bonds can increase the resilience of individual banks and the whole banking system. Regulators can use restrictions on conversion rates and/or requirements on the quality of capital to address the impact of CoCo bonds issuance on risk-taking incentives. Originality/value To model the risk-taking incentives, authors generally modify the asset processes to introduce components that reflect asymmetric information between CoCo holders and shareholders and/or managers. This paper follows a simpler method similar to that of Holmström and Tirole (1998).

Multi-objective structural optimization of a wind turbine blade using NSGA-II algorithm and FSI

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramazan Özkan ◽  
Mustafa Serdar Genç
Keyword(s):  
Structural Optimization ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Aerodynamic Optimization ◽  
Nsga Ii ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Optimization Study

Purpose Wind turbines are one of the best candidates to solve the problem of increasing energy demand in the world. The aim of this paper is to apply a multi-objective structural optimization study to a Phase II wind turbine blade produced by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to obtain a more efficient small-scale wind turbine. Design/methodology/approach To solve this structural optimization problem, a new Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) was performed. In the optimization study, the objective function was on minimization of mass and cost of the blade, and design parameters were composite material type and spar cap layer number. Design constraints were deformation, strain, stress, natural frequency and failure criteria. ANSYS Composite PrepPost (ACP) module was used to model the composite materials of the blade. Moreover, fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model in ANSYS was used to carry out flow and structural analysis on the blade. Findings As a result, a new original blade was designed using the multi-objective structural optimization study which has been adapted for aerodynamic optimization, the NSGA-II algorithm and FSI. The mass of three selected optimized blades using carbon composite decreased as much as 6.6%, 11.9% and 14.3%, respectively, while their costs increased by 23.1%, 29.9% and 38.3%. This multi-objective structural optimization-based study indicates that the composite configuration of the blade could be altered to reach the desired weight and cost for production. Originality/value ACP module is a novel and advanced composite modeling technique. This study is a novel study to present the NSGA-II algorithm, which has been adapted for aerodynamic optimization, together with the FSI. Unlike other studies, complex composite layup, fiber directions and layer orientations were defined by using the ACP module, and the composite blade analyzed both aerodynamic pressure and structural design using ACP and FSI modules together.

Multi-objective ant lion optimization algorithm to solve large-scale multi-objective optimal reactive power dispatch problem

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 304-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Souhil Mouassa ◽  
Tarek Bouktir
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Reactive Power ◽  
Stability Index ◽  
Active Power ◽  
Power Losses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Ant Lion Optimization ◽  
Active Power Losses

Purpose In the vast majority of published papers, the optimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) problem is dealt as a single-objective optimization; however, optimization with a single objective is insufficient to achieve better operation performance of power systems. Multi-objective ORPD (MOORPD) aims to minimize simultaneously either the active power losses and voltage stability index, or the active power losses and the voltage deviation. The purpose of this paper is to propose multi-objective ant lion optimization (MOALO) algorithm to solve multi-objective ORPD problem considering large-scale power system in an effort to achieve a good performance with stable and secure operation of electric power systems. Design/methodology/approach A MOALO algorithm is presented and applied to solve the MOORPD problem. Fuzzy set theory was implemented to identify the best compromise solution from the set of the non-dominated solutions. A comparison with enhanced version of multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOEPSO) algorithm and original (MOPSO) algorithm confirms the solutions. An in-depth analysis on the findings was conducted and the feasibility of solutions were fully verified and discussed. Findings Three test systems – the IEEE 30-bus, IEEE 57-bus and large-scale IEEE 300-bus – were used to examine the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The findings obtained amply confirmed the superiority of the proposed approach over the multi-objective enhanced PSO and basic version of MOPSO. In addition to that, the algorithm is benefitted from good distributions of the non-dominated solutions and also guarantees the feasibility of solutions. Originality/value The proposed algorithm is applied to solve three versions of ORPD problem, active power losses, voltage deviation and voltage stability index, considering large -scale power system IEEE 300 bus.

Multi-objective particle swarm optimisation approach for production-inventory control systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1037-1056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huthaifa AL-Khazraji ◽  
Colin Cole ◽  
William Guo
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Control Systems ◽  
Inventory Control ◽  
Dynamic Performance ◽  
Particle Swarm ◽  
Particle Swarm Optimisation ◽  
Inventory Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Production Inventory

Purpose This paper aims to optimise the dynamic performance of production–inventory control systems in terms of minimisation variance ratio between the order rate and the consumption, and minimisation the integral of absolute error between the actual and the target level of inventory by incorporating the Pareto optimality into particle swarm optimisation (PSO). Design/method/approach The production–inventory control system is modelled and optimised via control theory and simulations. The dynamics of a production–inventory control system are modelled through continuous time differential equations and Laplace transformations. The simulation design is conducted by using the state–space model of the system. The results of multi-objective particle swarm optimisation (MOPSO) are compared with published results obtained from weighted genetic algorithm (WGA) optimisation. Findings The results obtained from the MOPSO optimisation process ensure that the performance is systematically better than the WGA in terms of reducing the order variability (bullwhip effect) and improving the inventory responsiveness (customer service level) under the same operational conditions. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to optimising the dynamics of a single product, single-retailer single-manufacturer process with zero desired inventory level. Originality/value PSO is widely used and popular in many industrial applications. This research shows a unique application of PSO in optimising the dynamic performance of production–inventory control systems.

Reliability/risk centered cost effective preventive maintenance planning of generating units

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 2052-2079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umamaheswari E. ◽  
Ganesan S. ◽  
Abirami M. ◽  
Subramanian S.
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Maintenance ◽  
Optimization Technique ◽  
Solution Space ◽  
Fuzzy Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Statistical Measures ◽  
Highly Nonlinear ◽  
Optimal Maintenance ◽  
Maintenance Schedules

Purpose Finding the optimal maintenance schedules is the primitive aim of preventive maintenance scheduling (PMS) problem dealing with the objectives of reliability, risk and cost. Most of the earlier works in the literature have focused on PMS with the objectives of leveling reserves/risk/cost independently. Nevertheless, very few publications in the current literature tackle the multi-objective PMS model with simultaneous optimization of reliability, and economic perspectives. Since, the PMS problem is highly nonlinear and complex in nature, an appropriate optimization technique is necessary to solve the problem in hand. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The complexity of the PMS problem in power systems necessitates a simple and robust optimization tool. This paper employs the modern meta-heuristic algorithm, namely, Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO) to obtain the optimal maintenance schedules for the PMS problem. In order to extract best compromise solution in the multi-objective solution space (reliability, risk and cost), a fuzzy decision-making mechanism is incorporated with ALO (FDMALO) for solving PMS. Findings As a first attempt, the best feasible maintenance schedules are obtained for PMS problem using FDMALO in the multi-objective solution space. The statistical measures are computed for the test systems which are compared with various meta-heuristic algorithms. The applicability of the algorithm for PMS problem is validated through statistical t-test. The statistical comparison and the t-test results reveal the superiority of ALO in achieving improved solution quality. The numerical and statistical results are encouraging and indicate the viability of the proposed ALO technique. Originality/value As a maiden attempt, FDMALO is used to solve the multi-objective PMS problem. This paper fills the gap in the literature by solving the PMS problem in the multi-objective framework, with the improved quality of the statistical indices.

scholarly journals Selection methods and diversity preservation in many-objective evolutionary algorithms

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 502-519 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Martí ◽  
Eduardo Segredo ◽  
Nayat Sánchez-Pi ◽  
Emma Hart
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Evolutionary Algorithms ◽  
Euclidean Distance ◽  
Selection Methods ◽  
Selection Scheme ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Pareto Optimal Set ◽  
Diversity Preservation ◽  
Promising Line

Purpose One of the main components of multi-objective, and therefore, many-objective evolutionary algorithms, is the selection mechanism. It is responsible for performing two main tasks simultaneously. First, it has to promote convergence by selecting solutions which are as close as possible to the Pareto optimal set. And second, it has to promote diversity in the solution set provided. In the current work, an exhaustive study that involves the comparison of several selection mechanisms with different features is performed. Particularly, Pareto-based and indicator-based selection schemes, which belong to well-known multi-objective optimisers, are considered. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Each of those mechanisms is incorporated into a common multi-objective evolutionary algorithm framework. The main goal of the study is to measure the diversity preserved by each of those selection methods when addressing many-objective optimisation problems. The Walking Fish Group test suite, a set of optimisation problems with a scalable number of objective functions, is taken into account to perform the experimental evaluation. Findings The computational results highlight that the the reference-point-based selection scheme of the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III and a modified version of the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II, where the crowding distance is replaced by the Euclidean distance, are able to provide the best performance, not only in terms of diversity preservation, but also in terms of convergence. Originality/value The performance provided by the use of the Euclidean distance as part of the selection scheme indicates this is a promising line of research and, to the best of the knowledge, it has not been investigated yet.

A multi-objective supplier selection model for green supply chain network under uncertainty

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 605-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Khalilzadeh ◽  
Hadis Derikvand
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Objective Function Value ◽  
Selection Problem ◽  
Green Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Objective Model ◽  
Supplier Selection Problem

Purpose Globalization of markets and pace of technological change have caused the growing importance of paying attention to supplier selection problem. Therefore, this study aims to choose the best suppliers by providing a mathematical model for the supplier selection problem considering the green factors and stochastic parameters. This paper aims to propose a multi-objective model to identify optimal suppliers for a green supply chain network under uncertainty. Design/methodology/approach The objective of this model is to select suppliers considering total cost, total quality parts and total greenhouse gas emissions. Also, uncertainty is tackled by stochastic programming, and the multi-objective model is solved as a single-objective model by the LP-metric method. Findings Twelve numerical examples are provided, and a sensitivity analysis is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed mathematical model. Results indicate that with increasing market numbers and final product numbers, the total objective function value and run time increase. In case that decision-makers are willing to deal with uncertainty with higher reliability, they should consider whole environmental conditions as input parameters. Therefore, when the number of scenarios increases, the total objective function value increases. Besides, the trade-off between cost function and other objective functions is studied. Also, the benefit of the stochastic programming approach is proved. To show the applicability of the proposed model, different modes are defined and compared with the proposed model, and the results demonstrate that the increasing use of recyclable parts and application of the recycling strategy yield more economic savings and less costs. Originality/value This paper aims to present a more comprehensive model based on real-world conditions for the supplier selection problem in green supply chain under uncertainty. In addition to economic issue, environmental issue is considered from different aspects such as selecting the environment-friendly suppliers, purchasing from them and taking the probability of defective finished products and goods from suppliers into account.

Optimal design of a parallel robotic gripper using enhanced multi-objective ant lion optimizer with a sensitivity analysis approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 703-721
Author(s):  
Golak Bihari Mahanta ◽  
Deepak BBVL ◽  
Bibhuti B. Biswal ◽  
Amruta Rout
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Distribution Function ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Objective Functions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
The Past ◽  
Design Variables ◽  
Pick And Place ◽  
Ant Lion

Purpose From the past few decades, parallel grippers are used successfully in the automation industries for performing various pick and place jobs due to their simple design, reliable nature and its economic feasibility. So, the purpose of this paperis to design a suitable gripper with appropriate design parameters for better performance in the robotic production systems. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, an enhanced multi-objective ant lion algorithm is introduced to find the optimal geometric and design variables of a parallel gripper. The considered robotic gripper systems are evaluated by considering three objective functions while satisfying eight constraint equations. The beta distribution function is introduced for generating the initial random number at the initialization phase of the proposed algorithm as a replacement of uniform distribution function. A local search algorithm, namely, achievement scalarizing function with multi-criteria decision-making technique and beta distribution are used to enhance the existing optimizer to evaluate the optimal gripper design problem. In this study, the newly proposed enhanced optimizer to obtain the optimum design condition of the design variables is called enhanced multi-objective ant lion optimizer. Findings This study aims to obtain optimal design parameters of the parallel gripper with the help of the developed algorithms. The acquired results are investigated with the past research paper conducted in that field for comparison. It is observed that the suggested method to get the best gripper arrangement and variables of the parallel gripper mechanism outperform its counterparts. The effects of the design variables are needed to be studied for a better design approach concerning the objective functions, which is achieved by sensitivity analysis. Practical implications The developed gripper is feasible to use in the assembly operation, as well as in other pick and place operations in different industries. Originality/value In this study, the problem to find the optimum design parameter (i.e. geometric parameters such as length of the link and parallel gripper joint angles) is addressed as a multi-objective optimization. The obtained results from the execution of the algorithm are evaluated using the performance indicator algorithm and a sensitivity analysis is introduced to validate the effects of the design variables. The obtained optimal parameters are used to develop a gripper prototype, which will be used for the assembly process.

scholarly journals Bi-objective unrelated parallel machines scheduling problem with worker allocation and sequence dependent setup times considering machine eligibility and precedence constraints

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
pp. 0
Author(s):  
Reza Alizadeh Foroutan ◽  
Javad Rezaeian ◽  
Milad Shafipour
Keyword(s):  
Precedence Constraints ◽  
Setup Times ◽  
Scheduling Problem ◽  
Multi Objective ◽  
Worker Allocation ◽  
Sequence Dependent ◽  
Machine Eligibility ◽  
Sequence Dependent Setup ◽  
Dependent Setup Times ◽  
Sequence Dependent Setup Times

<p style='text-indent:20px;'>In today's competitive world, scheduling problems are one of the most important and vital issues. In this study, a bi-objective unrelated parallel machine scheduling problem with worker allocation, sequence dependent setup times, precedence constraints, and machine eligibility is presented. The objective functions are to minimize the costs of tardiness and hiring workers. In order to formulate the proposed problem, a mixed-integer quadratic programming model is presented. A strategy called repair is also proposed to implement the precedence constraints. Because the problem is NP-hard, two metaheuristic algorithms, a multi-objective tabu search (MOTS) and a multi-objective simulated annealing (MOSA), are presented to tackle the problem. Furthermore, a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm is also developed. Finally, computational experiments are carried out to evaluate different test problems, and analysis of variance is done to compare the performance of the proposed algorithms. The results show that MOTS is doing better in terms of objective values and mean ideal distance (MID) metric, while the proposed hybrid algorithm outperforms in most cases, considering other employed comparison metrics.</p>

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