Maximizing performance and robustness of PI and PID controllers by global optimization

This paper reports a new algorithm for global onstrained optimization and shows its application to the design of PI and PID controllers. The algorithm is described in detail, and the features that make it suited for controller design are emphasized. Various design criteria and constraints are considered, for some plant models currently used as benchmarks. The numerical results show that the algorithm performs very well in all the tested cases: its flexibility and ease of use make it a valuable alternative to classical design procedures.