A new optimized fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller for steam condenser systems has been developed, showing improved performance and efficiency thanks to the innovative sinh-cosh optimizer (SCHO). This advancement addresses key challenges faced by power plants as they strive for greater energy efficiency and reliability.
Steam condensers play a pivotal role in power plants, allowing for the efficient recovery and reuse of steam generated during power production. The performance of these condensers is intricately tied to the control of pressure dynamics, which can be notoriously difficult due to non-linear behaviors and high sensitivity to operating conditions. This research introduces the SCHO-based FOPID controller, which has yielded significant results, outperforming traditional PID controllers and providing noteworthy gains for industrial applications.
The innovative approach combines the established principles of fractional order control with the SCHO optimization technique. The SCHO algorithm itself is inspired by the mathematical sinh and cosh functions, allowing for precise tuning of control parameters and thereby enhancing system stability. Researchers successfully simulated various operational pressures of the condenser, assessing performance under dynamic loads.
Comparative analysis against other optimization techniques, including gravitational search algorithm (GSA) and whale optimization algorithm (WOA), revealed the SCHO’s distinct advantages. Specifically, the SCHO-optimized FOPID controller achieved the lowest integrated time-weighted absolute error (ITAE) of 14.8078, showing significant promise for real-world applications. This minimal error indicates superior control precision and stability.
Notably, the SCHO method also minimized the percentage overshoot at 6.06% and achieved the fastest settling time of 17.66 seconds compared to alternative methods. These metrics serve as key indicators of the controller’s capabilities, showcasing its potential to maintain optimal operational conditions efficiently. Such high performance is particularly important for power plants as they face increasing pressure to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.
During the study, additional nonlinear analyses confirmed the advantages of the SCHO-FOPID controller across several parameters, including circulating water outlet temperature and cooling water flow rate. Researchers emphasized the controller’s ability to mitigate overcooling effects and optimize heat exchange processes, which are often significant contributors to energy inefficiency.
The authors highlighted, “The SCHO-based FOPID controller offers superior and more consistent performance for the system under study.” This statement encapsulates the core of their findings, illustrating how the SCHO can effectively navigate complex dynamic environments. Overall, the ability to fine-tune system responses allows power plant operators to achieve enhanced performance and lower operational costs.
Future research directions could explore the application of SCHO-optimized controllers beyond steam condensers, potentially benefiting HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and chemical process plants. Overall, the innovative SCHO-based FOPID controller demonstrates substantial advances for steam condenser technology, presenting new opportunities for efficiency improvements and long-term sustainability within the energy sector.
Conclusively, the results of this study not only showcase the technical capabilities of the SCHO algorithm but also promise significant economic returns for the power industry as systems evolve to meet modern demands for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.