Abstract
In this paper, a low loss magnetic levitation(Maglev) system is suggested and tested. The suggested Maglev system includes four hybrid magnets which consist of permanent magnet and coil. In the steady state, the levitated module system can be supported by attraction force generated by permanent magnet. The coil current controls only dynamic loads due to external disturbances. The module systems are designed by using finite element method(FEM) software tools such as MAXWELL and ANSYS. Also, digital control systems are designed to keep the magnet airgap at a constant value. The control systems include a VME(versa module europa)-based CPU(central processing unit) board, AD(analog to digital) board, PWM(pulse width modulation) board, 4-quadrant chopper, and sensors. In order to estimate the vertical velocity of the magnet, we use second order state observer with acceleration and gap signals as input and output signals, respectively. The characteristics of the suggested low loss Maglev system are demonstrated by experimental results showing coil current of 0A in the steady state of 3m airgap and performance specifications are satisfied for reference gap and force disturbance.
