Hybrid genetic pattern search augmented Lagrangian algorithm : application to WWTP optimization

Abstract

An augmented Lagrangian algorithm is presented to solve a global optimization problem that arises when modeling the activated sludge system in a Wastewater Treatment Plant, attempting to minimize both investment and operation costs. It is a heuristic-based algorithm that uses a genetic algorithm to explore the search space for a global optimum and a pattern search method for the local search refinement. The obtained results have physical meaning and show the effectiveness of the proposed method.