Application of particle swarm optimization approach to improve PID performance for a gas turbine temperature control system

Classical tuning methods of Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) controller, such as the Ziegler-Nichols and Cohen-Coon tuning formula are able to tune the PID controller easily, when used in controlling linear systems. However, experimental studies have shown that these conventional methods cause unsatisfactory performance when controlling nonlinear processes. In this paper, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used in optimizing the PID controller parameters for the exhaust temperature control of a gas turbine system. Compared with the Ziegler-Nichols method, the proposed method is more effective in improving the step response characteristic, such as absolute error, rise time, and settling time.