Design of a Variable Structure Controller for an Electromagnetic Suspension System
Babagana M. Mustapha, Valentine C. Ikpo, Adam B. Bababe

Abstract
This paper presents the design of variable structure algorithm for the position control of magnetic levitation system with particular emphasis on reference signal tracking. The model considered is a third order Maglev system characterized by inherent nonlinearity, instability, time-varying operating parameters and disturbances. System robustness is one of the major challenges to the Maglev development because of the stringent performance requirements necessary for the system to be attractive for human needs. An investigation is conducted on the robustness of the control strategy for levitation in maglev system. A nonlinear state transformation in the feedback path is adopted to obtain a linear second order system in the design of control law. Simulation results obtained on the robustness show the effectiveness of the controller for reference tracking in the presence of uncertainties in the operating parameters.

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