Improved Adaptive PSO-based Gain Tuning for PID Controllers in Utility Boilers

In this paper, the stabilization and set point tracking of the utility boiler is achieved via the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller, tuned using the versions of metaheuristic Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms. The utility boiler model dynamics are based on the Bell and Astrom boiler turbine system. Initially, the non-linear mathematical model is obtained using the first principles data from the plant model. Further, Taylor series approximation is applied to linearize the non-linear equations around the equilibrium point to implement a stable controller for the plant. Finally, the PID controller gains for the plant model are determined using the PSO algorithms to achieve the desired response. For tuning the PID controller, three PSO algorithms namely standard PSO, Adaptive PSO (APSO) and Improved Adaptive PSO (IAPSO) are proposed. The performance of the proposed PSO based PID control algorithms are evaluated using error metrics such as Integral Absolute Error (IAE), Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE) and Integral Square Error (ISE). The simulation results show that the proposed APSO and IAPSO algorithms have improved performance when compared to regular PSO algorithms and are capable of optimizing the control parameters.