Optimization Algorithm Based PID Controller Design for a Magnetic Levitation System

This paper proposes a design approach of PID controller based on modern heuristic and intelligent optimization techniques such as GA, PSO, Fruit-fly (FF) and newly introduced Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) for a Magnetic Levitation (MAGLEV) System. The parameter tuning of PID controller is accomplished by optimizing a suitable performance index based on ITSE (Integral-timesquare error) performance criterion using different optimization techniques. The plant output response is recorded in terms of various time domain specifications and the values are compared to establish the superiority of the proposed GWO. There is much improvement in transient response and steady-state response of the system when GWO technique is used. The controller design process is not only carried out in MATLAB simulation but also implemented in MAGLEV hardware setup for real-time validation.