Flow Control of Tractor Multi-Channel Hydraulic Tester Based on AMESim and PSO-Optimized Fuzzy-PID

To improve the dynamic response, linearity, and control accuracy of the YYSCT-250-3 tractor multi-circuit hydraulic output power tester, this study develops a particle swarm optimization (PSO)-tuned fuzzy-proportional–integral–derivative (Fuzzy-PID) control strategy. By modulating the actuator-driven ball valve’s rotation angle (0–90°) in the proportional flow valve, the controller uses both the flow rate error and its rate of change between the setpoint and the flow meter feedback as fuzzy inputs to adjust the PID outputs. A detailed mathematical model of the electro-hydraulic proportional flow system is established, incorporating hydraulic resistance torque on the ball valve spool and friction coefficients to enhance accuracy. Through MATLAB/Simulink (R2022a) simulations, the PSO algorithm optimizes the fuzzy membership functions and PID gains, yielding faster response, reduced overshoot, and minimal steady-state error. The optimized controller achieved relative steady-state flow errors within ±1.0% and absolute flow control errors within ±0.5 L/min, significantly outperforming the traditional PID controller. These results demonstrate that the PSO-optimized Fuzzy-PID approach effectively addresses the flow control challenges of the YYSCT-250-3, enhancing both testing efficiency and precision. This work provides a robust theoretical framework and practical reference for rapid, high-precision flow control in multi-channel hydraulic power testing.