This paper evaluates an evolution strategy to tune
conventional proportional plus integral plus derivative
(PID) and gain scheduling PID control algorithms. The approach
deals with the utilization of an evolution strategy with
learning acceleration by derandomized mutative step-size
control using accumulated information. This technique is
useful to obtain the following characteristics: (1) freedom
of choice of a performance index, (2) increase of the convergence
speed of evolution strategies to get a local minimum to
determine controller design parameters, and (3) flexibility
and robustness in the automatic design of controllers.
Performance analysis and experimental results are carried
out using a laboratory scale nonlinear process fan and
plate. The practical prototype contains features such as
nonminimum phase, dead time, resonant, and turbulent disturbance
behavior that motivate the utilization of intelligent control
techniques.