Boiler-turbine control system design using a genetic algorithm

This paper discusses the application of a genetic algorithm to control system design for boiler-turbine plant. In particular we study the ability of the genetic algorithm to develop a proportional-integral (PI) controller and a state feedback controller for a nonlinear multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) plant model. The plant model is presented along with a discussion of the inherent difficulties in such controller development. A sketch of the genetic algorithm (GA) is presented and its strategy as a method of control system design is discussed. Results are presented for two different control systems that have been designed with the genetic algorithm.