Performance Analysis of Meta-Heuristic Algorithms for Optimal PI Tuning of PFC

The popularity of the average current mode (ACM) controlled boost type power factor correction (PFC) topologies is increasing due to their suitability for power quality problems. Proportional-Integral (PI) controller method is generally used in ACM controlled boost PFC circuits which include two controllers. However, the most important complexity of ACM controlled PFC circuits is tuning the coefficients of the PI controllers optimally. Therefore, this paper proposes the optimal tuning of PI coefficients used in ACM controlled boost PFC circuits using different meta-heuristics algorithms. First, the proposed ACM controller-based boost PFC topology is analyzed in MATLAB/Simulink software by using variable loads. Then the simulation results of the Cuckoo Optimization Algorithm (COA) based ACM controlled boost PFC converter are compared with the results determined via Ziegler-Nichols (ZN), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Imperialistic Competitive Algorithm (ICA), and Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO). Finally, the experimental verification of the topology has been done using a 600 W prototype and eZdsp F28335. As COA showed better results among other evolutionary algorithms used in this paper, we used COA parameters to observe the performance of the proposed tuning method. The experimental studies have been done under different load variations similar to the simulation studies.