A multi-objective algorithm for U-shaped disassembly line balancing with partial destructive mode

The disassembly line is the best way to deal with large-scale waste electrical and electronic equipment. Balancing of disassembly line is a hot and challenging problem in recent years. Given the uncertainty factors including corrosion and deformation of parts and components of waste products, this paper introduces the destructive mode and uncertainty disassembly time into the disassembly line and establishes a multi-objective disassembly line balancing model, considering partial destructive mode and U-shaped layout. The model aims to reduce the number of stations, balance the workload and reduce energy consumption while increasing the disassembly profit. A new multi-objective discrete flower pollination algorithm is proposed to solve the problem. Both task assignment and disassembly modes are considered in the encoding and decoding strategies of the flowers. Combining the discrete characteristics of the problem, the cross-pollination and self-pollination behaviors of the algorithm are redefined. The performance of the proposed algorithm is verified by solving two classical examples and by comparing with seven meta-heuristic algorithms. Then the proposed model and method are applied to a television disassembly line of a disassembly enterprise in China. The disassembly schemes of the proposed algorithm are superior to that of the five classical multi-objective algorithms. The results show that the proposed method can improve the performance of the disassembly line.