Experimentally validated three-parameter dual-loop hybrid fractional-order-TID-PD controller for stable and...

Area of Science:

• Control Systems Engineering
• Automation and Process Control
• Fractional Order Control Theory

Background:

• Traditional control systems often face challenges in achieving robust performance for complex processes.
• Fractional order controllers offer enhanced flexibility but can increase design complexity.
• Hybrid control strategies are explored to leverage the benefits of different control approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust dual-loop hybrid Fractional Order Tilt Integral Derivative (FOTID)-Proportional Derivative (PD) controller.
• To simplify the design and tuning of advanced control systems.
• To validate the controller's effectiveness and robustness across various industrial processes.

Main Methods:

• A dual-loop architecture combining an integer-order PD controller (inner loop) and an FOTID controller (outer loop).
• Analytical design procedure using maximum sensitivity (M_s) and stability margins for tuning.
• Validation through case studies on a heat exchanger, integrating process, and cyber-physical power system, including parameter perturbation analysis.

Main Results:

• The proposed FOTID-PD controller effectively tracks step and ramp signals with good robustness.
• The controller features only three tunable parameters, determined via an analytical and graphical design procedure.
• Experimental validation on a two-tank level loop confirms the controller's practical applicability and reliability.

Conclusions:

• The hybrid FOTID-PD controller provides a robust and simplified approach to advanced process control.
• The controller demonstrates significant potential for improving performance in diverse industrial applications.
• For stable first-order plants, the framework simplifies to an FOTI controller, further enhancing its versatility.