Design of Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Controller for air heater temperature control

Air heater temperature control systems generally deal with many uncertainties from their environment as well as uncertainties from the sensor measurement. Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) has many advantages in handling uncertainties. This research implemented PI-like type-2 FLC for air heater temperature control. The input variables of the type-2 FLC are error and change of error, while its output is change of control signal. The control strategy was mapped into 4 rules in the fuzzy rule base. The experiments was conducted using LabVIEW and NI USB 6009 as acquisition device for controlling the air heater mini plant. The performance of this type-2 FLC was evaluated and compared to type-1 FLC. The experiments were conducted in order to record the step responses, the responses in handling the disturbances, and the responses to set point changes. Based on these experiments, the type-2 FLC performed better step response than type-1 FLC as well as in handling the disturbances and set point changes.