Limiting the Velocity in the Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

Abstract

Velocity in the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (PSO) is one of its major features, as it is the mechanism used to move (evolve) the position of a particle to search for optimal solutions. The velocity is commonly regulated, by multiplying a factor to the particle’s velocity. This velocity regulation aims to achieve a balance between exploration and exploitation. The most common methods to regulate the velocity are the inertia weight and constriction factor. Here, we present a different method to regulate the velocity by changing the maximum limit of the velocity at each iteration, thus eliminating the use of a factor. Wego further and present a simpler version of the PSO algorithm that achieves competitive and, in some cases, even better results than the original PSO algorithm.