Gray Wolf Optimization-Based Fractional-Order PID Controller for Synchronous Generator Voltage Regulation

Abstract

Synchronous generators are crucial in power generation systems, which are used for converting mechanical power into electrical power with consistent frequency and voltage levels. In contemporary power systems, maintaining stable voltage levels in synchronous generators is paramount to ensuring reliable and efficient operation. Traditional PID controllers often struggle with the nonlinear dynamics and varying load conditions with these systems. To design a suitable controller, system modeling is required. In this regard, the linearized model of a synchronous generator can be developed. To keep the voltage regulation within minimum voltage deviation and improve the performance, a fractional-order Proportional-Integral Derivative (FOPID) controller was implemented. To determine the optimal parameters for the FOPID controller, the Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm will be utilized, which enhancing adaptability and control precision. Using these tuned parameters of the FOPID controller, the tracking performance is tested under different scenarios. The proposed GWO FOPID controller performance is compared with, PID controller tuned using the Ziegler Nichols method under both normal conditions and in the presence of step disturbances. Quantitative performance metrics showed that, although having a slightly earlier peak time of 0.928 s the FOPID controller had a faster settling time of 3.541s and significantly less overshoot of 11.397% than the PID controller with 4.1445s settling time and 46.676% overshoot. The result also showed a lower integrated absolute error with control effort (IAEU) of 2.5963 compared to 2.9865 for the PID controller. The results confirm that the GWO-optimized FOPID controller can enhance the synchronous generator voltage regulation.