An efficient method is introduced for solving optimal control and optimal parameter selection problems of nonlinear differential-algebraic systems involving general constraints, These infinite dimensional problems are converted into the finite dimensional optimization problems by using the control parametrization technique. Moreover, the transformed time locations for the control variables are included in such problems. As a result, optimal control problems became acausal optimal parameter selection problems. A modified version of differential evolution is introduced to solve these problems. The integration of the penalty functions is used to ensure the solution onto the feasible domain of the problems. Two industrial systems, a chemical reactor and a robotics arm, are used to illustrate the robustness and effectiveness of the method. The control effects can be improved by selecting the proper time locations as observed from the simulated results.