Title: Multi objective ant colony algorithm for electrical wire routing

Authors: W.P.J. Pemarathne; T.G.I. Fernando

Addresses: Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka ' Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

Abstract: Ant colony optimisation algorithms have been applied to solve wide range of difficult combinatorial optimisation problems like routing problems, assigning problems, scheduling problems and revealed remarkable solutions. In this paper we present a novel approach of ant colony optimisation algorithm to solve the electrical cable routing problem. The study focuses on optimising wire lengths, number of bends and angles of bends. We have studied these objectives in cable routing and modified the ant colony system algorithm to get better solutions. Ants are directed to search for the optimal path between the starting and the ending points by avoiding the obstacles. While ants are navigating, they travel the paths with less number of bends and consider angles of the bends towards 90, 180, and 270 degrees. Normal walls are presented as a grid and doors, windows and other obstacles are represented as rectangles. The possible points to follow by ants are designed according to the BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) standards. The results of the simulation prove with comparisons that this method is feasible and effective for optimising the electrical wire routing.

Keywords: ant colony optimisation; electric wire routing; multi objective optimisation; BS 7671 standard.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSI.2020.106411

International Journal of Swarm Intelligence, 2020 Vol.5 No.1, pp.97 - 135

Received: 15 Mar 2019
Accepted: 15 Jul 2019
Published online: 06 Apr 2020 *

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