Model predictive control of a magnetic levitation system using two-level state feedback

The magnetic levitation system is a critical part to guarantee safe and reliable operations of a maglev train. In this paper, the control strategy is proposed for the magnetic levitation system based on the model predictive control incorporating two-level state feedback. Taking advantage of the measurable state variables, that is, air gap, electromagnet acceleration, and control current through high-resolution sensor measurement, the first-level nonlinear state feedback is to linearize the unstable nonlinear magnetic levitation system, and the second-level linear state feedback is to further stabilize the system and improve the dynamic performances, which together provide a stable prediction model. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy can ensure high-precision air gap control and favorable disturbance resistance ability.