Real-time application of IMC-PID-FO multi-loop controllers on the coupled tanks process

The coupled tanks process is a two input-two output system. It presents a nonlinear behavior and interactions characteristic. After the nonlinear model is obtained, it is linearized around an operating point. A fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative based on the internal model control paradigm (1DOF-IMC-PID-FO) multi-loop controller is determined without considering the interactions, and a fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative based on the 2-degree-of-freedom internal model control structure (2DOF-IMC-PID-FO) multi-loop controller is determined by considering the interactions. Thus, an interactions reduction effect controller is calculated. Both controllers are implemented on a real-time process using the Real Time Windows Target of MATLAB. The objective of the control is to maintain the water level in the lower tanks at desired values. In the experiment, setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection tests are carried out to assess the performance of both 1DOF and 2DOF-IMC-PID-FO multi-loop controllers.