Position Control of an Electromagnetic Actuator using Model Predictive Control

The use of an electromagnetic actuator (EA) is a promising way to replace conventional mechanical actuation such as valve actuation in machines. However, in order to achieve a better performance than mechanical actuation, new control strategies have to be investigated. In this paper, a novel control algorithm based on model predictive control (MPC) is proposed that is able to satisfy all the system and the strict valve positioning requirements. Specifically, a finite set-MPC (FS-MPC) controller together with a proportional integral (PI) controller is used. Additionally, a state estimator based on the Kalman estimator is employed. Simulation results obtained on an EA model show an improved performance with respect to the existing classical control strategies.