A robust optimization based on adjoint variable method

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a new method to obtain robust solutions to electromagnetic optimization problems, solved with evolutional algorithms, which are insensitive to changes in design parameters such as spatial size, positioning and material constant. Design/methodology/approach Adjoint variable method is employed to evaluate the sensitivity of individuals in evolutional processes. Findings It is shown in the numerical examples, where the present method is applied to optimization of a superconducting energy storage system and C‐shape magnet, that robust solutions are actually obtained which are insensitive to deviations in spatial sizes. Originality/value Unlike usual optimization methods, the present method takes into account deviation in the design parameters due to production errors and long‐term changes. Moreover, the present method is limited to about twice the computational cost of non‐robust optimization methods.