Controller design with high fidelity model for a passive maglev tray system

• Published in: International journal of precision engineering and manufacturing 2014-08, Vol.15 (8), p.1521-1528
• Main Authors: Park, Jin-Woo, Kim, Chang-Hyun, Park, Doh Young, Ahn, Changsun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Engineering; Industrial and Production Engineering; Materials Science
• ISSN: 2234-7593; 2005-4602
• DOI: 10.1007/s12541-014-0500-0

Usually, in controller design for maglev systems, only the dynamics of the magnet and the levitating object are modeled. However, reference frames, such as rails for maglev trains or magnet frames for a maglev tray system, are assumed as rigid bodies even though they have compliances. This is because the modeling of reference frames based on their design is not simple as the modeling of magnets or levitating objects. Therefore, the compliances of the reference frames are implicitly considered during the controller tuning process. Undoubtedly, controllers designed with better fidelity of system model will show better performance. This study presents an experimental way of achieving a model of a reference frame through impact tests and discusses the benefits of having a higher fidelity model in control design. The exemplary system is a passive maglev tray. Least Quadratic Regulator (LQR) control design is used to show the benefits of having a higher fidelity model. To verify the controllers in several conditions, the passive maglev tray system is designed and manufactured. Through several tests with several conditions, we will provide some suggestions for controller design of maglev systems.