A Novel Magnetic-Levitation System: Design, Implementation, and Nonlinear Control

This paper concerns the design, implementation, and nonlinear velocity-tracking control of a novel magnetic-levitation (maglev) system for magnetically levitated trains. The proposed system uses only one tubular linear induction motor to produce three forces required in a maglev system: propulsion, levitation, and guidance. Classical maglev systems, on the other hand, contain a separate force-generating system to build each of these three forces. Another benefit that the proposed system offers is that there is no need to control the guidance, and particularly, the levitation forces, one of the most challenging tasks in maglev systems. The system always centers the moving part during operation and eliminates the necessity for control of the levitation and guidance forces. However, the propulsion force strongly requires some control efforts because a linear induction motor has nonlinear system dynamics. This paper gives a condensed design guideline based on the mature theory of electromagnetic launchers, particularly the linear induction launcher type. It explains the implementation process, shows experimental test results, and finally, presents a nonlinear partial state-feedback controller for the proposed system.