Optimization of position and number of hotspot detectors using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm to estimate material levels inside a silo

To realize efficient operation of a silo, level management of internal storage is crucial. In this study, to address the existing measurement limitations, a silo hotspot detector, which is typically utilized for internal silo temperature monitoring, was employed. The internal temperature data measured using the hotspot detectors were used to train an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm to predict the level of the internal storage of the silo. The prediction accuracy was evaluated by comparing the predicted data with ground truth data. We combined the ANN model with the genetic algorithm (GA) to improve the prediction accuracy and establish efficient sensor installation positions and number to proceed with optimization. Simulation results demonstrated that the best predictive performance (up to 97% accuracy) was achieved when the ANN structure was 9-19-19-1. Furthermore, the numbers of efficient sensors and sensors positions determined using the proposed ANN-GA technique were reduced from seven to five or four, thereby ensuring economic feasibility.