A novel auto-tuning method for fractional order PI/PD controllers.

Area of Science:

• Control Engineering
• Automation Systems
• Applied Mathematics

Background:

• Fractional order PID controllers are gaining research interest due to their advantages over traditional controllers.
• Classical tuning relies on process models to determine parameters like modulus, phase, and phase slope at a specific frequency.
• Model-free auto-tuning methods are valuable for fractional order PID controller design but are less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel auto-tuning method for fractional order PID controllers.
• To enable controller tuning without requiring a pre-existing mathematical model of the process.
• To ensure closed-loop system robustness through an efficient design technique.

Main Methods:

• Developed a new auto-tuning technique for fractional order controllers.
• The method employs a straightforward experiment to estimate key process frequency response characteristics (modulus, phase, phase slope).
• These estimated values are then used for computing the fractional order PID controller parameters.

Main Results:

• The proposed auto-tuning method successfully estimates the required process dynamics.
• It facilitates the computation of fractional order PID controller parameters.
• Simulation examples demonstrate the effectiveness for both integer and fractional order systems.

Conclusions:

• The novel auto-tuning approach provides a simple and efficient way to design robust fractional order PID controllers.
• It is particularly useful when a mathematical model of the process is unavailable.
• The method is validated through simulations on diverse dynamic systems.