Generalized predictive controller using Bat algorithm for double acting pneumatic cylinder

Pneumatic actuator converts air pressure into motion either in contract or in extract movement. Pneumatic actuator is also well known for its high power-to-weight ratio and easy to use. In this paper, Generalized Predictive Controller (GPC) is proposed as the control strategy for a double acting pneumatic cylinder. Two parameters related to the plant model (a and b) are needed for the controller design. Therefore, two methods are proposed to obtain the plant models, which are Reaction Curve Method (RCM) and Bat Algorithm (BA) methods. The plant models from both methods were used to access position control of the actuator using GPC algorithm. Results are presented in simulation and experimental approach. MATLAB Simulink is used as the platform to obtain the results. The results show that by using Bat Algorithm (BA), the overshoot is eliminated and steady state error is reduced compared to RCM.