Magnetic Levitation Control System from Theory to Practice

This book presents the development of a magnetic levitation system from the theoretical aspect to practical aspect. The maglev system composes of electromagnet, controller and the sensors. The electromagnet is built around a steel core been one of the best ferromagnetic material. The co-energy function of the system is used to derive it is transfer function and state space mathematical models. It was established that the system was inherently unstable. A photoconductive cell is model to be used as a sensor; it senses the vertical position of the suspended ball and converts it to voltage which is used as a control signal. Two different stabilizing controllers are designed for the system: one employs the state feedback pole placement technique, the other employs cascade phase-lead compensator. In the final, phase-lead compensator is realized and practical implemented in the system and it has successfully suspended ferromagnetic materials of different sizes and weight. Thus, the book presents the idea from perceiving to realization of a magnetic levitation control system. this can be use to teach students a practical linearization and controlling of a non-linear system.