An augmented group search optimization algorithm for optimal cooling-load dispatch in multi-chiller plants

Improper operation of a multi-chiller plant would significantly increase associated electric consumption. This paper introduces a new model to determine the optimal loading point of the chillers. To do so, optimal dispatching of multi-chiller plant is expressed as an optimization problem and associated constraints are all together accommodated in the process of optimization. The problem is tackled by a new version of a metaheuristics approach. The proposed approach is entitled as augmented group search optimization (AGSO) algorithm, which is devised to avoid drawbacks of conventional group search optimization algorithm such as trapping in the local minima. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach in comparison with available methods are studied through three well-known test cases. Numerical results demonstrate that AGSO with its strong exploration capability achieves a lower energy consumption than that of recently published methods with higher convergence speed. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.