Edge-Supported Magnetic Levitation System for Flexible Steel Plates

(Fundamental Consideration on the Influence of Electromagnetic Force on Levitation Stability)

Abstract

　Thin flexible steel plates are widely used in the production of industrial products. When flexible steel plates are processed or transported by rollers, the steel plates may cause minor scratches. A non-contact way of transporting steel plates using electromagnetic force has been proposed as a solution to these problems. In the previous system for magnetically levitating flexible steel plates, it was difficult to levitate thinner steel plates. To solve this problem, a magnetic levitation system by horizontal electromagnet was proposed. This system is suitable for flexible steel plates and uses electromagnets installed in the horizontal direction. It is possible to reduce the vibration of flexible steel plates because the tension force suppresses the deflection of the plates. In this paper, optimal control method was applied to proposed magnetic levitation system in order to levitate by low steady current. Moreover, levitating stability in conditions of low steady current was investigated by experiments.