The paper investigates the utilisation of a Structured Genetic Algorithm (sGA) to provide a diverse global search across a preliminary, whole-system design hierarchy described by both discrete and continuous variable parameters. The objective is the development of generic global search techniques that will provide high-level decision support to the design engineer when integrated with preliminary design software describing the major elements of an engineering system. The potential of efficient concurrent, multi-level Adaptive Search (AS) across a discrete/continuous hierarchical design structure is explored and problems associated with the maintenance of a diverse search across such a discontinuous domain are discussed. Appropriate mutation regimes to encourage diversity are presented.

The design domain under investigation involves the initial stages of large-scale hydropower system design. A simple design model of the major elements of the system is outlined and results from the subsequent integration with the sGA are shown.

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