Control of a rotating shaft by magnetic levitation: an experimental prototype

Abstract

The vibrations that a shaft suffers when rotating affect both the friction and subsequent wear of the shaft as well as energy consumption. The main objective of this paper is to present an experimental prototype that allows controlling the vibrations of a rotating shaft through magnetic levitation. This control is carried out with a microcontroller, electromagnets and proximity sensors. Other sensors and regulators have also been added to the model that allow parameterization and obtaining data for subsequent analysis. According to the experiments performed in the laboratory, the proposed digital controller is capable of mitigating vibrations of a rotating shaft. Although this paper presents only an academic prototype, the same technology could be applied to a wide variety of mechanisms that require rotation shafts with friction problems.