Repulsive Magnetic Levitation Systems Using Motion Control of Magnets

Repulsive magnetic levitation systems with magnets driven by actuators were studied in this paper. In one system, a levitation magnet was driven in the direction of repulsive force to control the position and vibration of the levitated object. In another, a levitation magnet was moved in the lateral directions to stabilize the system in the manner of an inverted pendulum. The first type was studied experimentally with an experimental setup using a magnetostrictive actuator. The damping characteristic was modified well by driving the actuator in proportion to the velocity of the levitated object. The I-PD control was adopted for obtaining desired characteristics of floating position control and active damping of vibration