Time-varying PSO – convergence analysis, convergence-related parameterization and new parameter adjustment schemes

In this paper, a formal convergence analysis of the conventional PSO algorithms with time-varying parameters is presented. Based on this analysis, a new convergence-related parametric model for the conventional PSO is introduced. Finally, several new schemes for parameter adjustment, providing significant performance benefits, are introduced. Performance of these schemes is empirically compared to conventional PSO algorithms on a set of selected benchmarks. The tests prove effectiveness of the newly introduced schemes, especially regarding their ability to efficiently explore the search space.