Comparison of fractional and integer PID controllers tuned by genetic algorithm

Widely used in industries the traditional PID controller is without doubt the most far-reaching in industries. Although quite established, recent studies have shown a new concept for PID control, called fractional PID. Due to the nature of dynamic systems which mostly are best characterized by models of non-integer order differential equations, fractional PID is characterized by a more realistic reproduction of the nature of the system. In this paper it is presented and evaluated the performance of integer and fractional PIDs controllers tuned by genetic algorithm method applied to a level control plant. The results of simulations and practical tests are presented and through performance indicators integer and fractional PIDs controllers are compared.