Linear approximant-based metaheuristic proportional-integral-derivative controller for a neutral time delay central heating system

Abstract For a test-case central heating plant, modelled as a non-linear neutral time delay system, a metaheuristic proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control scheme is proposed to control the temperature of the room using as a sole actuatable input the energy supplied to the boiler. The control scheme is based on a neutral time delay description of the linearized approximation of the process. The linearization is tested using a Euclidian norm type of error, with emphasis on the performance variable of the system, to show that it is an accurate approximation of the original process for a wide range of variables of the plant. The performance of the closed-loop system is examined via simulation experiments.