Genetic algorithms for hydropower waterway systems

Genetic algorithms, an optimisation method that mimics biological evolution, is applied to the design of hydropower waterway systems. When, as an illustration, a particular installation in China is considered, solutions are found close to the actual design values and so are some options that might not be found by conventional methods. The reasons for this are explored through an appraisal of the validity of common design approximations. From a wider standpoint, genetic algorithm methods are shown to be well suited to engineering design involving multiple parameters. They lead naturally to the identification of widely different ways of satisfying overall design objectives.