Enhanced metaheuristic search algorithms

Many of the existing conventional optimization techniques face with difficulties specific to the search space exploration. To overcome such difficulties, metaheuristic techniques were proposed, such as the Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), the Bat Algorithm (BA) and the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA). Although all mentioned algorithms perform well, each of them has some limitations. This book presents enhanced versions of the basic implementations of GSA, BA and WOA based on elitism, hypermutation and a special exploration strategy called dynamic supervision (GSA), a special selection strategy based on the roulette rule for the BA, and a mixed shrinking-spiral updating approach for the WOA. The performance of the enhanced search algorithms has been assessed for a set of optimization problems commonly encountered in the management of power distribution systems: typical load profiles generation for medium-term electricity load forecasting; optimal reactive power compensation in MV distribution systems; reactive power compensation in distribution systems with Distributed Generation integration; power loss minimization and voltage profile improvement in distribution networks.