This article presents a nature-inspired optimization technique, namely the moth flame optimization (MFO) algorithm, for tuning the PID controller parameters in the variable range of split-range control scheme to regulate the temperature of the mixing process. Further, the performance of the controller using Ziegler–Nichols (Z–N) tuning method and MFO algorithm is compared for the same. In this study, the controller parameters are tuned using both the methods for various temperature setpoints, and the performance of the controller for the individual temperature setpoints is analyzed in terms of settling time and demand of utilities. Investigations are conducted on the basis of the effect of dead time in the valve and the effect of process disturbance. The performance of the controller is also investigated on the basis of utility consumption using a valve with no dead time. The results show that MFO-based tuning approach provides a significant improvement as compared to Z–N tuning method.

本文提出了一种自然启发式的优化技术，即飞蛾火焰优化（MFO）算法，用于在分段范围控制方案的可变范围内调整PID控制器参数，以调节混合过程的温度。此外，将使用齐格勒-尼科尔斯（Z-N）调整方法和MFO算法的控制器的性能进行了比较。在本研究中，使用两种方法针对各种温度设定点对控制器参数进行了调整，并根据稳定时间和公用事业需求分析了各个温度设定点的控制器性能。根据阀门中的死区时间和过程干扰的影响进行研究。还基于使用无死角时间的阀门的公用事业消耗来研究控制器的性能。结果表明，与Z–N调整方法相比，基于MFO的调整方法具有显着改进。