Tuning of proportional integral derivative controller based on firefly algorithm

In this paper, a novel meta-heuristics algorithm, namely the firefly algorithm (FA), is applied to the proportional integral derivative (PID) controller parameter tuning for flow process. The controller is used to control flow rate and to maintain the desired set point. Simulation results indicate that the applied FA is effective and efficient. Good closed-loop system performance is achieved on the basis of the considered PID controllers tuning procedures. Moreover, the observed results are compared with the ones obtained by the Ziegler–Nichols method. The comparison of both meta-heuristics shows a superior performance for the FA PID controller tuning of the considered system than the Ziegler–Nichols tuned controller.