An Optimized Nonlinear Controller Design for Boiler–Turbine System Using Evolutionary Algorithms

ABSTRACT

This paper investigates an optimized design of newly developed nonlinear controller called finite-time convergent controller to a third-order boiler–turbine dynamics. The third-order boiler–turbine dynamics only includes highly nonlinear and critical parameters of thermal plant like drum pressure, electric power and drum level; the design of controller is always a complicated task. The present work explores the possibility of application of newly developed finite-time convergent controller to a third-order boiler–turbine dynamics. The novelty of the newly developed finite-time convergent controller is complete utilization of system nonlinearities instead of cancelling or linearizing them. Also, the finite-time convergent controller ensures robustness and fast convergence. To achieve optimal performance, the tuning parameters involved in finite-time convergent controller have been optimized using evolutionary algorithm techniques. To validate the control performance of an optimized nonlinear controller design, simulations have been conducted using various evolutionary algorithm techniques and the results are reported as various case studies. To compare the performance of proposed optimized finite-time convergent controller, the fuzzy logic controller has also been designed using ANFIS for boiler–turbine system and the results are reported.

KEYWORDS:

• Boiler–turbine system
• Evolutionary algorithms
• Finite-time convergent controller
• Fuzzy logic controller: Optimal tuning parameters

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors gratefully acknowledge the management of Tamil Nadu Electricity Generation and Distribution Corporatation Limited (TANGEDCO) and Tuticorin Thermal Power Station (TTPS), Tamil Nadu, India for their constant support and encouragement to carry out this research work. The authors thank the management of National Engineering College, Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, India for providing necessary facilities to proceed this research work. The authors gratefully thank Dr. S. Baskar, Professor & Head, Department of EEE, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India for his valuable support.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

T. Piraisoodi

T. Piraisoodi received the BE degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, ME degree in Control Systems from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, and Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India, during 2000 and 2005, respectively. His current research interest includes nonlinear controller design, evolutionary algorithms, process control, and power plant optimization. At present, he is a research scholar in the Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, National Engineering College, K. R. Nagar, Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, India.

M. Willjuice Iruthayarajan

M. Willjuice Iruthayarajan received the BE degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and ME degree in Control & Instrumentation Engineering from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, Anna University, Chennai, India during 1996 and 1998, respectively. He completed his PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, during the year 2010. His current research interest includes control & instrumentation, evolutionary algorithms, process control, and power plant optimization. At present, he is working as a professor and head, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, National Engineering College, Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu, India.

E-mail: [email protected]

K. Mohaideen Abdul Kadhar

K. Mohaideen Abdul Kadhar received the BE degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering, MTech degree in Control & Instrumentation Engineering, and PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, India, during 2005, 2009, and 2016, respectively. His current research interest includes control systems, evolutionary algorithms, multi-objective optimization, and data analytics. At present, he is working as an assistant professor (SG) in Dr Mahalingam College of Engineering & Technology, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India.

E-mail: [email protected]