Studies on Control Aspects of Active Magnetic Bearings

Abstract

The Active Magnetic Bearing (AMB) ensures complete levitation of journal from bearing obviating friction and wear thereby reducing the maintenance cost. In the AMB system the journal (rotor) is held in the desired position relative to the bearing (stator) by electromagnetic control. The Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control is the most common control method. The values of KP, KD and KI that governs the PID controller are determined using trial and error methods. In many cases the method of their determination is not explicitly described. In the present research work, a control method based on voltage control is proposed and implemented. The simplicity and accuracy of the method is demonstrated by the experimental validation.