A hybrid optimization algorithm based on chaotic differential evolution and estimation of distribution

Estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) and differential evolution (DE) are two types of evolutionary algorithms. The former has fast convergence rate and strong global search capability, but is easily trapped in local optimum. The latter has good local search capability with slower convergence speed. Therefore, a new hybrid optimization algorithm which combines the merits of both algorithms, a hybrid optimization algorithm based on chaotic differential evolution and estimation of distribution (cDE/EDA) was proposed. Due to its effective nature of harmonizing the global search of EDA with the local search of DE, the proposed algorithm can discover the optimal solution in a fast and reliable manner. Chaotic policy was used to strengthen the search ability of DE. Meantime the global convergence of algorithm was analyzed with the aid of limit theorem of monotone bounded sequence. The proposed algorithm was tested through a set of typical benchmark problems. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed cDE/EDA algorithm.