AVOA and ALO Algorithm for Energy-Efficient No-Idle Permutation Flow Shop Scheduling Problem: A Comparison Study

Abstract

Global energy consumption is a pressing issue and is predicted to continue increasing between 2010 and 2040. Among the various sectors, the industrial sector, particularly manufacturing, is the main driver of this increase. To effectively address this growing problem and support energy conservation efforts, reducing idle time on production-related machines is critical. The No-Idle Permutation Flow Shop Problem (NIPFSP) and, indirectly, the need to reduce energy consumption in manufacturing processes are the driving forces behind this study. The African Vultures Optimization Algorithm (AVOA) and the Ant Lion Optimizer (ALO) are two novel meta-heuristic algorithms designed to achieve this goal. The effectiveness of both AVOA and ALO was rigorously evaluated across three distinct scenarios: small, medium, and large. Statistical analysis, in the form of independent sample t-tests, was employed to compare the performance of these algorithms. We found that, while both algorithms yielded similar results in the small case, AVOA demonstrated a superior capability in optimizing the NIPFSP in the medium and large cases and, consequently, in curbing energy consumption. This implies that AVOA offers a more promising approach to addressing energy consumption concerns in the manufacturing sector, particularly in scenarios involving medium- to large-scale production processes. The implementation of such innovative meta-heuristic algorithms holds the potential to significantly contribute to global energy conservation efforts while enhancing the efficiency of industrial operations.