Genetic algorithm tuned PID controller for process control

The main aim of this paper is to develop a PID tuning methodology for a processing plant using Genetic Algorithm. Genetic Algorithm or in short GA is a stochastic algorithm based on principles of natural selection and genetics. Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are a stochastic global search method that mimics the process of natural evolution. Genetic Algorithms have been shown to be capable of locating high performance areas in complex domains without experiencing the difficulties associated with high dimensionality or false optima as may occur with gradient decent techniques. Using genetic algorithms for the tuning of controller will result in the optimum controller being evaluated for the system every time. In this proposed work, it has been demonstrated that by employing the GA method of tuning a plant, an optimization can be achieved. The performance of proposed GA tuned plant has been compared with classically tuned plant, where the GA tuned (proportional, integral and differential) PID controller outperforms the conventionally developed PID controller.