A Hybrid Linear Quadratic Regulator-Based Control Strategy for Multivariable Boiler Turbine System

The current research examines the complex task of managing a Boiler-turbine system (BTS), a vital power plant component in the industry. Complex and coupled dynamics make control difficult due to non-minimum phase behavior, shrink and swell effect, high nonlinearity, and multivariable interactions because of strong coupling. This research compares two control options for addressing these issues: The linear quadratic regulator (LQR); the hybrid LQR controller which uses LQR and Proportional-Integral (PI) control. The work shows that LQR and hybrid LQR control techniques can govern the BTS despite its multivariability through simulations and analysis. The findings demonstrate the reliability and effectiveness of various control methods in attaining performance, stability and robustness using time domain specifications and the error metrics. The results prove that hybrid LQR controller is more robust in attaining better performance than regular LQR controller in terms of time domain specifications and error metrics. The rise time and settling time for hybrid LQR is less when compared to LQR controller. But a little overshoot is present in hybrid LQR controller due to accumulation of integral error. The overall error metrics is reduced with hybrid LQR controller than the stand alone LQR controller.