Dynamic and Robust Control of a 5-DoF Active Magnetic Lorentz-Force Bearing for Space Applications

An optimized controller for an active magnetic Lorentz-force bearing with 5 degrees of freedom (DoF) is presented to improve the behavior of bearings for space applications significantly. For this, the system description of the bearing was determined based on the differential equations and additional 3D Finite-Elements (FE) simulations. Various control concepts, suitable for space applications, have been identified. These controllers were designed according to the desired system behavior and evaluated in terms of their dynamic and robustness. Finally, the behavior of the controllers is verified by two simulations including set-point jumps, disturbances and parameter uncertainties.