Comparative Analysis of PI and PID Controllers for Level and Flow Control in Coupled Tank Systems

Abstract: The comparative study of Proportional-Integral (PI) and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers applied to level and flow control in coupled tank systems is presented in this research work. The coupled tank system, characterized by its nonlinear behavior, was selected due to its relevance in chemical processing industries where precision in liquid level control is crucial. The study evaluates the performance of both controllers under varying conditions, focusing on their ability to handle disturbances and maintain stability. Through experimental data and graphical analysis, it was observed that PID controllers, with their derivative action, provide faster response times and higher accuracy but are more sensitive to noise and harder to tune. In contrast, PI controllers, though slower, offer more stability and are easier to configure for systems where precise control is less critical. These findings highlight the trade-offs between the two control strategies, providing insights into their application depending on system requirements.