Performance assessment of classical and fractional controllers for transient operation of gas turbine engines

The nonlinear behaviour of gas turbine engines has motivated the development of advanced controllers for ensuring their safe and reliable operation. In this paper, the problem of controller design for a two-shaft industrial gas turbine is addressed. Specifically, a transient dynamic engine model has been developed in MATLAB/Simulink for assessing the performance behavior of the engine. Observed engine behavior during transient manoeuvres has enabled the development of a PI controller capable of ensuring a smooth gas turbine operation. The performance of the gas turbine engine implementing the developed PI controller has been also compared to a fractional PI controller. Results demonstrate and illustrate the remarkable impact that transient engine simulation has in the development of robust controllers.