Sensor network design of linear processes using genetic algorithms

A generalized sensor network design algorithm for finding the optimal placement of sensors in a linear mass flow process has been developed and implemented. The algorithm developed in this work is based on a combination of concepts drawn from graph theory and genetic algorithms. The sensor network is designed to optimize a single criterion of cost, reliability or estimation accuracy, using a minimum number of sensors. Application to a steam-metering network of a methanol plant demonstrates the versatility of this method. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.