Genetics-based control of a MIMO boiler-turbine plant

A genetic algorithm is used to develop an optimal controller for a nonlinear, multi-input/multi-output boiler-turbine plant. The algorithm is used to train a control system for the plant over a wide operating range in an effort to obtain better performance. The results of the genetic algorithm´s controller are compared to the performance of an optimal controller designed from the linearized plant model at a nominal operating point. Because the genetic algorithm is well-suited to solving traditionally difficult optimization problems it is found that the algorithm is capable of developing the controller based on input/output information only. This controller achieves a performance comparable to the standard linear quadratic regulator