Satisfactory design of cogeneration system using genetic algorithm

This paper introduces the optimum design of co-generation system (CGS) using the genetic algorithm (GA). CGS is the energy reusing system which generates more than two energies from one energy source. To design CGS, the types of machines and load scheduling should be determined. However, the optimum design of CGS is too complicated even for the expert. One of the solutions for this problem is using GA. GA is the optimization model imitating evolution of life. If the coding of the problems is proper, GA can be applicable to many problems. However, proper coding for the problems is difficult, especially for CGS, because it has three different design variables which consist of integer values and real values. To discuss the effective coding, this paper considers four models. First is simplest coding model. Second is two-step optimization model with integer coding. Third is two-step optimization model with the integer coding and the penalty method. Last is three-step optimization model with the integer. As a result of the experiments, three-step optimization model could achieve the higher energy efficiency design of CGS than the expert