Dynamic Optimization of Nonlinear Processes with an Enhanced Scatter Search Method

An enhanced scatter search method for the global dynamic optimization of nonlinear processes using the control vector parametrization (CVP) approach is presented. Sharing some features of the scatter search metaheuristic, this new method presents a simpler but more effective design which helps to overcome typical difficulties of nonlinear dynamic systems optimization such as noise, flat areas, nonsmoothness, and/or discontinuities. This new algorithm provides a good balance between robustness and efficiency in the global phase, and couples a local search procedure to accelerate the convergence to optimal solutions. Its application to four multimodal dynamic optimization problems, compared with other state-of-the-art global optimization algorithms, including an advanced scatter search design, proves its efficiency and robustness, showing a very good scalability.