Application of Disturbance Observer-Based Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control for Asynchronous Motors in Remote Electrical Conductivity Control of Fertigation Systems

Abstract

In addressing the control of asynchronous motors in the remote conductivity of fertigation machines, this study proposes a joint control strategy based on the Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control-Disturbance Observer (FTSMC-DO) system for asynchronous motors. The goal is to enhance the dynamic performance and disturbance resistance of asynchronous motors, particularly under low-speed operating conditions. The approach involves refining the two-degree-of-freedom internal model controller using fractional-order functions to explicitly separate the controller’s robustness and tracking capabilities. To mitigate the motor’s sensitivity to external disturbances during variable speed operations, a load disturbance observer is introduced, employing hyperbolic tangent and Fal functions for real-time monitoring and compensation, seamlessly integrated into the sliding mode controller. To address issues related to low-speed chattering typically associated with sliding mode controllers, this study introduces a revised non-singular fast terminal sliding mode surface. Additionally, guided by fuzzy control principles, the study enables real-time selection of sliding mode approaching law parameters. Experimental results from the asynchronous motor control platform demonstrate that FTSMC-DO control significantly reduces adjustment time and speed fluctuations during operation, minimizing the impact of load disturbances on the system. The system exhibits robust disturbance rejection, improved robustness, and enhanced control capability. Furthermore, field tests validate the effectiveness of the FTSMC-DO system in regulating remote electrical conductivity (EC) levels. The control time is observed to be less than 120 s, overshoot less than 16.1%, and EC regulation within 0.2 mS·cm−1 over a pipeline distance of 120 m. The FTSMC-DO control consistently achieves the desired EC levels with minimal fluctuation and overshoot, outperforming traditional PID and SMC methods. This high level of precision is crucial for ensuring optimal nutrient delivery and efficient water usage in agricultural irrigation systems, highlighting the system’s potential as a valuable tool in modern, sustainable farming practices.