Modified Functional Link ANN based Controller for Thermal Processes

Abstract

In this paper, Modified Functional Link ANN (M-FLANN) based controller has been designed and implemented on simulated water bath temperature control system. The performance of this controller has been compared with Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Direct Linear Feed-through ANN (DLFANN), Functional Link ANN (FLANN) and Fuzzy Logic (FLC) and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers on the same process. Their performances have been evaluated under identical conditions with respect to set-point regulation, effect of unknown disturbances and variable lag times. It has been found that the M-FLANN controller has better performance compared to other controllers. The results have been further confirmed by implementing and comparing the four ANN controllers on Continually Stirred Tank Heater (CSTH); a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) process.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ashok Kumar Goel

Ashok Kumar Goel received BTech in Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering and MTech in Computer Science & Engineering from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), Patiala in 1985 and 1992 respectively. At present he is a doctoral candidate at the same institute. He is a life member of Indian Society for Technical Education. His research interests include Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic Systems, Genetic Algorithms and Swarm Particle Optimization. Shri Goel has authored numerous national and international research papers in the field of neural networks and fuzzy logic systems.

Shri Goel has served as senior Engineer in the industry from 1985 to 1988. He was Lecturer in Electronics and Communication Engineering at TIET, Patiala from 1988 to 1993. Presently, he is serving as Assistant Professor in Electronics and Communication at GZS College of Engineering & Technology, Bathinda since 1993.

S C Saxena

S C Saxena is the Director, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala w.e.f. June 02, 2003 and Director, Thapar Centre for Industrial Research & Development, Patiala w.e.f. January 01, 2004. Earlier, he served at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee (formerly University of Roorkee) in various capacities, for about 29 years.

Dr Saxena obtained his BE (Electrical) from Allahabad University in 1970 and ME Electrical (Meas & Inst) from IIT, Roorkee in 1973. Thereafter, the joined IIT, Roorkee as a Lecturer. He completed his PhD in 1977. The same year, he was raised to the post of Reader. Dr Saxena became Professor in 1988. He has also served as an expert at Military Technical College, Baghdad, Iraq during 1983–86 and an Advisor in AICTE, New Delhi in the year 1994.

Dr Saxena is a Member of Board of Governors of a number of National level institutions. He has been associated as Chairman/President/Vice-Chairman with a number of professional bodies. He is a fellow of The Institution of Engineers (India), fellow of Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers, and life member of Biomedical Engineering Society of India, National Institution for Quality & Reliability, Indian Society for Technology Education and Indian Society for Continuing Engineering Education.

He has guided 15 PhD and guiding 08 PhDs; guided 80 ME and more than 100 undergraduate students for their thesis and projects, published over 200 research papers, written six monographs, edited 05 conference proceedings, received ten awards including Khosla Gold Medal and cash award (two times), President of India's Prize, Jawaharlal Memorial Award, K.F. Anita Memorial Prize, organized 23 specialized courses for industry, number of International & National Conferences and Seminars and handled 10 sponsored research schemes.

Surekha Bhanot

Surekha Bhanot did her BTech and MS from BITS, Pilani in 1979 and 1983 respectively. She completed her PhD program from IIT Roorkee (then University of Roorkee) in 1995. She has been in teaching since 1979. She worked for 19 years in TIET, Patiala and is now Professor and group leader in BITS Pilani. Her areas of interest are Intelligent Instrumentation & Control.