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Actuators
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Actuators in Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control
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Actuators in Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control

A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825). This special issue belongs to the section "High Torque/Power Density Actuators".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 5877

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Guang-Zhong Cao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
Interests: magnetic levitation system; motor design and control; control theory; robotics; internet of things
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Zigang Deng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Traction Power, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
Interests: dynamics of high-temperature superconducting maglev train system; superconducting maglev transportation; low-vacuum-pipeline maglev transportation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Magnetic levitation is widely used in various fields, including rail transit, bearings, motors, precision motion systems, actuators, biomedicine, chemistry, and materials science. Because there is no mechanical contact, magnetic levitation systems have the advantages of friction-free motion, a multi-degree-of-freedom drive, vacuum compatibility, low response time, pollution-free operation, etc.

This Special Issue aims to provide a broad overview of the latest achievements and applications of magnetic bearings and magnetic actuators in many fields of mechanics, covering industry, automation, automotive, aerospace, and transportation. We welcome original research papers, as well as review papers focused on the current state of the art in one of the areas covered by aims and scopes of Actuators. The main topics of this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Active magnetic bearings (AMBs);
  • Passive magnetic bearings (PMBs);
  • Electrodynamic bearings (EDBs);
  • Superconducting magnetic bearings (SMBs);
  • Hybrid bearing systems;
  • Smart bearing sensors, actuators, and power electronics for magnetic bearings;
  • Self-sensing (sensorless) techniques;
  • Advanced control;
  • Rotor dynamics;
  • Safety and reliability aspects;
  • Fault detection, diagnosis, and tolerance;
  • Flywheels;
  • Ultrahigh-speed bearings;
  • Micro-bearings;
  • Electromagnetic suspensions (EMSs);
  • Electrodynamic suspensions (EDSs);
  • Diamagnetic levitation;
  • Electrostatic levitation;
  • Maglev train;
  • Magnetic transmission.

As an open access journal, Actuators has an Article Processing Charge (APC) of 2400 CHF for accepted papers. The 12th National Conference on Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control Conference (https://csve.kejie.org.cn/meeting/CSMLTVC12/) participants will receive a 20% discount on this fee.

Prof. Dr. Guang-Zhong Cao
Prof. Dr. Zigang Deng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Actuators is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • magnetic bearing
  • magnetic levitation
  • motor
  • control
  • vibration
  • applications

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 6697 KiB  
Article
Research on the Bearingless Brushless DC Motor Structure with Like-Tangential Parallel-Magnetization Interpolar Magnetic Poles and Its Air-Gap Magnetic Field Analytical Calculation
by Wenshao Bu, Zongang Fan, Jinghui Zhang and Wenqing Tao
Actuators 2025, 14(4), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14040198 - 19 Apr 2025
Viewed by 238
Abstract
This work focuses on the small Bearingless Brushless DC Motor (BL-BLDCM), to solve the problems, such as larger commutation torque ripple and difficult solution of air-gap magnetic field, a novel BL-BLDCM structure with like-tangential parallel-magnetization interpolar magnetic poles (LTPMIMPs) is proposed, which is [...] Read more.
This work focuses on the small Bearingless Brushless DC Motor (BL-BLDCM), to solve the problems, such as larger commutation torque ripple and difficult solution of air-gap magnetic field, a novel BL-BLDCM structure with like-tangential parallel-magnetization interpolar magnetic poles (LTPMIMPs) is proposed, which is abbreviated as BL-BLDCM-LTPMIMP in this work, and the analytical calculation model of its air-gap magnetic field has been investigated. First, inserting a like-tangential parallel magnetizing auxiliary magnetic pole between every two adjacent single-radial-magnetizing main poles, and forming several combination magnetic poles, each of which is composed of a radial-magnetizing main magnetic pole and two semi-auxiliary-magnetic-poles (with different magnetization directions) located on both sides. Then, by solving the Laplace equation and Poisson equation in every subdomain, and combining the relative permeability function, the analytical expressions of the air-gap magnetic fields for the BL-BLDCM-LTPMIMP was obtained. The armature reaction magnetic fields of the torque windings and suspension windings are also analyzed. Finally, through the finite element method (FEM), the correctness and computational accuracy of the analytical calculation model for the air-gap magnetic field is proven. Additionally, the comparison of electromagnetic characteristics with ordinary BL-BLDCM shows that the BL-BLDCM-LTPMIMP can not only effectively improve the amplitude and stability of electromagnetic torque on the basis of obtaining a shoulder-shrugged trapezoidal wave air-gap magnetic field but also has stable radial magnetic levitation force control characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators in Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control)
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12 pages, 5182 KiB  
Article
Testing the Influence of Null-Flux Coil Geometry Parameters on Levitation and Stability of Electrodynamic Suspension Systems Using a New Stationary Simulation Platform
by Jianru Liu, Jun Zheng and Yuhang Yuan
Actuators 2025, 14(4), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14040188 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
The geometric parameters of the Null-Flux coil (NFC) are crucial to the load capacity and economic viability of electrodynamic suspension (EDS) systems. This study investigates the influence of NFC geometry on the electromagnetic force characteristics in EDS systems. Through the electromagnetic modeling of [...] Read more.
The geometric parameters of the Null-Flux coil (NFC) are crucial to the load capacity and economic viability of electrodynamic suspension (EDS) systems. This study investigates the influence of NFC geometry on the electromagnetic force characteristics in EDS systems. Through the electromagnetic modeling of EDS mechanisms, an analytical model for EDS systems is established. Systematic experiments compare electromagnetic forces under varying NFC lengths and gaps, supported by a self-developed stationary EDS dynamic simulation platform. The results demonstrate that the average levitation force is positively correlated with the coil length, and it is larger when the coil length is close to its width. Meanwhile, the NFC length has a significant impact on the lift-to-drag ratio, while the NFC gap has a relatively smaller effect on it. This work provides a complete methodology integrating analytical modeling and experimental validation, offering practical guidelines for NFC design in maglev actuators. The findings advance EDS system optimization through quantifiable geometric criteria, particularly for transportation applications requiring precision electromagnetic force control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators in Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control)
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19 pages, 8516 KiB  
Article
A Novel Overlapped Compensation Structure and Its Effectiveness Verification for Expansion Joints in Plate-Type PMEDS Vehicles
by Shuqing Zhang, Siyi Wu, Hongfu Shi, Zhengyan Li and Zigang Deng
Actuators 2025, 14(4), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14040182 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 261
Abstract
In the plate-type permanent magnet electrodynamic suspension (PMEDS) vehicle, expansion joints in discrete conductive plates trigger the eddy current truncation effect, thereby causing an attenuation in the levitation force. To address this issue, a novel overlapped compensation structure is proposed, and its effectiveness [...] Read more.
In the plate-type permanent magnet electrodynamic suspension (PMEDS) vehicle, expansion joints in discrete conductive plates trigger the eddy current truncation effect, thereby causing an attenuation in the levitation force. To address this issue, a novel overlapped compensation structure is proposed, and its effectiveness is verified via simulation and experiment. First, the overlapped compensation structure and principle are introduced, followed by its theoretical model. Additionally, the comparative time-varying levitation force, along with its attenuation percentages, is analyzed under different guideways. Additionally, the optimal structure specifications covering overlapped thickness and length are studied, followed by a design guideline. In addition, dynamic analysis of a single bogie is carried out to analyze the effectiveness of the overlapped compensation structure in terms of vertical stability improvement. Lastly, the equivalent experiments are implemented to further confirm the proposed overlapped compensation structure. The experiment’s result reveals that compared to the original guideway expansion joint, the overlapped compensation structure can reduce levitation force attenuation by 20%. This work is expected to provide a reference for conductive plate guideway establishment in practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators in Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control)
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18 pages, 5087 KiB  
Article
Load-Current-Compensation-Based Robust DC-Link Voltage Control for Flywheel Energy Storage Systems
by Hongjin Hu, Wentao Liang, Guang-Zhong Cao, Jingbo Wei and Kun Liu
Actuators 2025, 14(2), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14020083 - 9 Feb 2025
Viewed by 812
Abstract
DC-link voltage control needs to be achieved for flywheel energy storage systems (FESSs) during discharge. However, load disturbances and model nonlinearity affect the voltage control performance. Therefore, this paper proposes a load-current-compensation-based robust DC-link voltage control method for FESSs. In the proposed method, [...] Read more.
DC-link voltage control needs to be achieved for flywheel energy storage systems (FESSs) during discharge. However, load disturbances and model nonlinearity affect the voltage control performance. Therefore, this paper proposes a load-current-compensation-based robust DC-link voltage control method for FESSs. In the proposed method, the model is linearized via load current feedforward compensation and dq-axis current-to-DC-current conversion. The uncertainty of the linear model is analyzed and an H∞ robust control method is applied to overcome the uncertainty. Furthermore, experiments involving the proposed method are conducted on a 1.2 kWh magnetic suspended FESS prototype. Compared with the general proportional integral control method, the proposed method can increase the voltage response speed by 37.1% and reduce the voltage fluctuations by 29.5%. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified experimentally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators in Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control)
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20 pages, 18170 KiB  
Article
Accurate Suspension Force Modeling and Its Control System Design Based on the Consideration of Degree-of-Freedom Interaction
by Weiyu Zhang and Aojie Xu
Actuators 2025, 14(2), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14020061 - 26 Jan 2025
Viewed by 634
Abstract
In this study, an accurate suspension force modeling method for the magnetic bearings of flywheel batteries considering degree-of-freedom (DOF) interactions and their control system is proposed to solve the problem that the traditional flywheel battery suspension force model does not consider DOF interactions, [...] Read more.
In this study, an accurate suspension force modeling method for the magnetic bearings of flywheel batteries considering degree-of-freedom (DOF) interactions and their control system is proposed to solve the problem that the traditional flywheel battery suspension force model does not consider DOF interactions, which makes the control system control effect poor. Firstly, according to the structural characteristics of the flywheel battery used, a suspension force model is established for the radial and axial magnetic bearings, which are most seriously interfered with by the torsional degrees of freedom of the flywheel battery. Next, by proposing DOF interaction factors, the complex changes due to DOF interactions are cleverly summarized into several interaction factors applied to the fundamental model to achieve accurate suspension force modeling considering DOF interactions. To better adapt the established accurate model and ensure precise control of the flywheel battery system under various working conditions, the firefly algorithm is employed to optimize the BP neural network (FA-BPNN). This optimization regulates the control system’s parameters, enabling the achievement of optimal control parameters in different scenarios and enhancing control efficiency. Compared to the flywheel battery controlled using the fundamental model, the radial and axial displacements are reduced by more than 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively, in the uphill condition using the accurate model with FA-BPNN. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators in Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control)
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18 pages, 17944 KiB  
Article
Numerical Modeling and Structure Optimization for Magnetic Levitation Planar Machine Using PCB Coils
by Han Zhang, Jiawen He, Xianze Xu, Rui Wang, Manman Xu and Fengqiu Xu
Actuators 2025, 14(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14010033 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 867
Abstract
Magnetically levitated (ML) systems that incorporate PCB coils represent a growing trend in precision machining, valued for their controllable current flow and high fill factor. The size of modern power devices is decreasing to enhance power density, minimize parasitic inductance, and reduce power [...] Read more.
Magnetically levitated (ML) systems that incorporate PCB coils represent a growing trend in precision machining, valued for their controllable current flow and high fill factor. The size of modern power devices is decreasing to enhance power density, minimize parasitic inductance, and reduce power losses. However, due to the high resistance of PCB coils, managing heat generation has become a significant area of study. This paper seeks to optimize PCB coil design to minimize power loss and control peak temperatures in ML systems, using a numerical model. An improved magnetic node model is employed to construct the magnetic fields of an ML system. The proposed optimization method considers the interdependencies among parameters to reduce overall power loss from coil resistance and switching losses in the H-bridge circuit, while enhancing heat dissipation efficiency in steady-state operation. A heuristic multi-objective optimization algorithm is employed to optimize the design of the ML actuator. The optimization process initially focuses on the PCB coils, with the magnet size held constant. Once the optimal coil parameters are identified, the magnet volume is optimized. By integrating a theoretical analysis with simulation, this approach effectively addresses the optimization challenges and achieves the desired performance for the ML actuator. Coils and magnets are constructed based on the optimized design and tested by the magnetic field simulation software Radia, confirming the feasibility of the approach. The method was also applied to a different type of ML system for comparison, demonstrating the universality of the proposed strategy. In this optimization effort, the maximum temperature reduction reached an impressive 50 °C Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators in Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control)
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34 pages, 22208 KiB  
Article
Design and Optimization of Support and Drive System for Magnetic Levitation Air Compressor for Fuel Cells
by Enhui Xing, Qi Gao, Yuanqi Dong and Wenxin Bai
Actuators 2025, 14(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/act14010026 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1034
Abstract
The 5-degree-of-freedom active magnetic bearings (5-DOF AMB) and high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor (HPMSM) were combined and applied to energy-recovery-type air compressors for fuel cells, which gives full play to the advantages of both and meets the design requirements for air compressors in [...] Read more.
The 5-degree-of-freedom active magnetic bearings (5-DOF AMB) and high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor (HPMSM) were combined and applied to energy-recovery-type air compressors for fuel cells, which gives full play to the advantages of both and meets the design requirements for air compressors in fuel cells. Based on the energy recovery air compressor for fuel cells with a power of 30 kW and a rated speed of 100,000 rpm, this paper combined 5-DOF AMB with HPMSM and used it as its support and drive system. Multi-physics field and multi-objective optimization were carried out by integrating the multi-physics field with the Multi-objective Grey Wolf Algorithm (MOGWO), and the feasibility of the design of the system and its reliability were verified using finite element software. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators in Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control)
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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2205 KiB  
Article
Linear Model Predictive Control and Back-Propagation Controller for Single-Point Magnetic Levitation with Different Gap Levitation and Back-Propagation Offline Iteration
by Ziyu Liu and Fengshan Dou
Actuators 2024, 13(9), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/act13090331 - 1 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1024
Abstract
Magnetic suspension balance systems (MSBSs) need to allow vehicle models to levitate stably in different attitudes, so it is difficult to ensure the stable performance of the system under different levitation gaps using a controller designed with single balance point linearization. In this [...] Read more.
Magnetic suspension balance systems (MSBSs) need to allow vehicle models to levitate stably in different attitudes, so it is difficult to ensure the stable performance of the system under different levitation gaps using a controller designed with single balance point linearization. In this paper, a levitation controller based on linear model predictive control and a back-propagation neural network (LMPC-BP) is proposed and simulated for single-point magnetic levitation. The deviation of the BP network is observed and compensated by an expansion state observer (ESO). The iterative BP neural network model is further updated using current data and feedback data from the ESO, and then the performance of the LMPC-BP controller is evaluated before and after the update. The simulation results show that the LMPC-BP controller can achieve stable levitation at different gaps of the single-point magnetic levitation system. With further updating and iteration of the BP network, the controller anti-jamming performance is improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Actuators in Magnetic Levitation Technology and Vibration Control)
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