A practical robust nonlinear controller for maglev levitation system

In order to explore the precise dynamic response of the maglev train and verify the validity of proposed controller, a maglev guideway-electromagnet-air spring-cabin coupled model is developed in the first step. Based on the coupled model, the stresses of the modules are analyzed, and it is pointed out that the inherent nonlinearity, the inner coupling, misalignments between the sensors and actuators, and external disturbances are the main issues that should be considered for the maglev engineering. Furthermore, a feedback linearization controller based on the mathematical model of a maglev module is derived, in which the nonlinearity, coupling and misalignments are taken into account. Then, to attenuate the effect of external disturbances, a disturbance observer is proposed and the dynamics of the estimation error is analyzed using the input-to-state stability theory. It shows that the error is negligible under a low-frequency disturbance. However, at the high-frequency range, the error is unacceptable and the disturbances can not be compensated in time, which lead to over designed fluctuations of levitation gap, even a clash between the upper surface of electromagnet and lower surface of guideway. To solve this problem, a novel nonlinear acceleration feedback is put forward to enhancing the attenuation ability of fast varying disturbances. Finally, numerical comparisons show that the proposed controller outperforms the traditional feedback linearization controller and maintains good robustness under disturbances.