Precision Motion Control with Active Eddy Current Damper

This paper describes the design and proof of concept for an active eddy current damper which is integrated into a single-axis linear motor. Although developments on active eddy current damper are well documented, none has been implemented in a linear motor. The advantage of such a system is two-fold. Firstly, the relative motion between the magnets and the conducting sheet produces eddy currents resulting in an electromagnetic force opposing the direction of motion; which can be utilized to suppress vibrations. Secondly, it is possible to enhance the damping effect of the system; Due to environmental noise, it is normally not possible to increase the D coefficient in a PID controller as much as desirable. The damper is thus able to supplement this damping effect to improve settling time. Here, we will present the damper design as well as the preliminary experiment results for both vibration suppression and motion damping.