Nonlinear One-Step Predictive Control of an Active Magnetic Bearing

This paper deals with the stabilization of a five degree-of-freedom active magnetic bearing using a novel predictive nonlinear control approach. That approach is based on using a simplified nonlinear model of the bearing axes without considering couplings to synthesize a discrete-time controller. The controller is then able to stabilize the load with predetermined linear dynamics that form the control design parameters. Simulations and experimental results obtained from a laboratory bearing show the robustness of the proposed controller, both in terms of modeling errors and perturbation rejection.