Experimental Validation of PI Controller Optimization Using LPO and PSO for a DC–DC Boost Converter

Abstract

This work presents the experimental validation of proportional–integral (PI) controller gains for a DC–DC boost converter obtained using two metaheuristic optimization algorithms: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Lungs Performance Optimization (LPO). The controller gains were previously determined through a simulation-based optimization procedure in which the proportional and integral gains were selected by minimizing a performance-based objective function incorporating settling time and overshoot. In the present study, the optimized gains are implemented in a physical boost converter prototype and experimentally evaluated under varying operating conditions. Their performance is compared with that of a conventional PI controller tuned using the Root Locus method. The experimental results demonstrate stable output-voltage regulation for all evaluated controllers. Under the investigated conditions, the controllers tuned using the metaheuristic approaches exhibit dynamic responses comparable to those obtained with the conventional tuning method. These results provide experimental evidence supporting the applicability of metaheuristic optimization for PI controller tuning in power electronic converters.