A Metaheuristic Optimization Approach for Tuning of Fractional-Order PID Controller for Speed Control of Sensorless BLDC Motor

This paper deals with a novel method for Bat Algorithm (BA) based on optimal tuning of Fractional-Order Proportional Integral Derivative (FOPID) controller for governing the rotor speed of sensorless Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motor. The BA is used for developing a novel optimization algorithm which can generate five degrees of freedom parameters namely K-p, K-i, K-d, lambda and mu of FOPID controller. The desired speed control and robust performance are achieved by using the FOPID closed loop speed controller with the help of BA for optimal tuning. The time domain specifications of a dynamic system for unit step input to FOPID controller for speed response such as peak time (t(r)), Percentage of overshoot (PO), settling time (t(s)), rise time (t(r)) have been evaluated and the steady-state error (e(ss)) of sensorless speed control of BLDC motor has been measured. The simulation results are compared with Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) optimization method and Modified Genetic Algorithm (MGA) for evaluation of transient and steady state time domain characteristics. The proposed BA-based FOPID controller optimization technique is more efficient in improving the transient characteristic performance and reducing steady state error.