Boiler-turbine control system design using a genetic algorithm

Abstrac t- This paper discusses the application of a genetic algorithm to control system design for a 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 non-linear multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) plant model. The plant model is presented along with a discussion of the inherent d i f f i c u l t i e s in such contro l l er 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