A novel compensating approach for self-sensing Maglev system with controlled-PM electromagnets

This paper describes a novel compensating approach for a self-sensing (gap sensor free) Maglev system with controlled PM electromagnets. The proposed compensator consists of two parts: a hybrid observer; and a robust controller. The hybrid observer, combining a reduced-order observer and an external force observer, can estimate the steady-state gap variation even with payload change. A new reaching law-based variable structure control method is employed to the robust controller synthesis for enhancing system stability. The performance of the overall compensator is tested with a single-degree-of-freedom Maglev system. Results obtained indicate the good response of the proposed compensating scheme.