An efficient tuning method for networked control systems

Abstract Sensors, controllers, and actuators in a networked control system collaborate to execute a distributed closed-loop feedback control system. Currently, NCS includes network components that remain unidentified, such as heightened latency and packet loss, which may be persistent or fluctuate over time. The current predicament stems from the increased complexity of inspection and control systems, which is attributed to the vast expansion of communication networks. Implementing proactive strategies to mitigate the effects of communication network disruptions on control systems is crucial. A comprehensive study has identified various techniques for controller development. Initiatives are underway to mitigate the impact of network-wide random delays and improve the efficiency of the NCS system. To reach this goal, this study uses a meta-heuristic optimization method called the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) along with a fuzzy-PID controller for a Networked Control System (NCS) plant. The proposed work will be evaluated under two operational scenarios of the NCS plant: one incorporating a random delay condition and the other excluding it. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated by measuring and comparing its closed-loop performance to a traditional PID controller. The outcomes for both NCS plant scenarios illustrate the efficacy of the proposed initiative regarding closed-loop performance.