Optimisation of controller parameters by genetic algorithm for an electromagnetic levitation system

Abstract

In this paper, a genetic algorithm (GA)-based optimisation technique for controllers of two actuator-based levitation system has been discussed. GA has a highly proven track record of optimisation of parameters for different types of control schemes. Any electromagnetic levitation system (EMLS) is inherently unstable and strongly non-linear in nature. Controllers based on linear model and designed by classical approach for any EMLS have restricted zone of operation. For a small variation of operating air-gap, there is sharp degradation of controller performance. But it is essential to design an optimised controller that will stabilise unstable EMLS and will provide satisfactory performance for a wide range of operating air-gap. This paper focuses mainly on an optimal control of a proposed two actuator-based EMLS scheme, which is composed of a stochastic technique based on GA.