Optimized PID Control for Enhanced Electric Power Steering System Performance

This research investigates the application of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller for controlling an electric power steering (EPS) system equipped with a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. EPS is an advanced automotive technology to assists drivers by reducing the physical effort needed to steer a vehicle and enabling precise computer-controlled steering in autonomous vehicles. EPS systems offer significant benefits over traditional hydraulic systems, including improved energy efficiency and steering precision. While EPS systems can present challenges due to their nonlinear characteristics, this study focuses on their linear range where the PID controller’s simplicity and effectiveness are beneficial. By optimizing PID parameters, the controller achieved precise tracking, fast transient response, and minimal steady-state error. Performance evaluation using a ± 10° angle target showed a rise time of 0.155 seconds, a settling time of 0.307 seconds, and an overshoot of $\mathbf{3. 6 \%}$ for a +10° target, and a rise time of 0.155 seconds, a settling time of 0.310 seconds, and an overshoot of ${3. 3 \%}$ for a $\mathbf{- 1 0}$ target. These results show the PID controller’s capability to deliver consistent and accurate control in the EPS system, particularly when operating within its linear range.