Model Predictive Controller Design for a Developed Electromagnetic Suspension Actuator Based on Experimental Data

In this paper, the model for a developed electromagnetic actuator is established based on experimental data. Through analysis of its simplified control system, the range of control current during vertical stroke of the actuator is derived. Due to the existing constraints of both control current and suspension working space, model predictive control (MPC) methodology is applied in active control for a quarter vehicle suspension system. The efficacy of the proposed controller is demonstrated via simulations. Compared with the conventional linear quadratic (LQ) optimal control method, MPC controller can handle the constraints in a more effective way to provide better ride comfort.