Optimisation of cathodic protection systems using boundary elements and genetic algorithms

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to develop efficient algorithms for optimisation of cathodic protection systems based on the boundary element method and the application of genetic algorithms. The main objective is to optimise the location and the impressed current of the anodes, in order to provide a uniform potential distribution on the metal surface for the minimum possible power input. Realistic two- and three-dimensional problems are presented in this paper, including features such as strongly non-linear polarisation curves and infinite electrolytes.