Controller design for multivariable nonlinear control systems based on gradient-based ant colony optimisation

Abstract

In the present study, a swarm intelligent algorithm called gradient-based continuous ant colony optimisation (GCACO) was utilised for controller design in multi-variable nonlinear control systems. The time domain objectives subject to the frequency domain constraints were considered in the proposed procedure. In order to be able to incorporate the time domain requirements in an overall controller design technique, the appropriate linearisation techniques utilised here was the exponential input describing function (EIDF). Experimental results obtained showed that GCACO technique developed here for controller design of nonlinear multivariable feedback control systems was capable to produce optimal and practical controllers that meet the design requirement in an efficient manner and computationally acceptable amount of time.