Adaptive estimation of magnetic bearing parameters

As magnetic bearing applications become more complicated, the need for accurate models of the controlled bearing systems becomes more important. Ordinarily, accurate models are obtained by first levitating and then performing system identification. The method for measuring the actuator properties often involves lengthy tests that are performed manually. The paper presents initial research into using adaptive estimation to identify unknown parameters and disturbances for a simple one-dimensional magnetic bearing system. Analysis of the plant and construction of an estimator are presented with simulation results that show the estimator performance. Lastly, a more general model with hysteresis is parametrized and estimated.