A Levitation Control Method Rejecting Disturbance from the Guide Way Step Error

Due to the installation error or the roadbed sedimentation, the guide way step error between the two neighbored guide ways is hard to be avoided completely. Our experiments show that the train levitation system will vibrate severely and even become unstable if no effective control strategy be adopted when running across a bigger guide way step error in a higher speed. In order to reject the disturbance caused by the guide way step error, based on the two-point levitation model, a new method is provided that is first identifying the guide way step error and then adjusting control strategy correspondingly. With the three-probe gap sensor, by installing one probe to the outside of the magnet end, then the guide way step error can be identified in advance. The simulation result shows that this control method can decrease the levitation gap fluctuation while passing through the guide way step.