Optimization technology of pipeline system layout sequence based on firefly algorithm

To solve the multi-pipe layout design and optimization problem in mechanical and electrical products, a pipe layout sequence optimization method based on firefly algorithm was proposed. An optimization model was constructed by constraints and optimization objective, which consisted of pipe length, number of elbows and flow resistance. Furthermore, a firefly algorithm was modified to redefine the distance and flight mechanism among fireflies, which adapted to the solution of sequence planning problem. On this basis, a combination of deterministic and stochastic method was used to generate the initial population, the path was planned by A^* algorithm with immune memory. Meanwhile, a mixed population iterative method was applied to update the population, eventually the global optimal solution could be obtained by updating the elite solution set. A prototype system was developed, and the efficiency of the algorithm was tested by TSP. The proposed method was applied to the hydraulic pipe system to verify the feasibility of proposed method.