Finite-time disturbance observer-based levitation control for vehicle-guideway coupling systems

In this study, a novel composite control scheme for the vehicle-guideway coupling systems is proposed, consisting of FTDOs and a FTC, aiming to address the challenges of unknown disturbances and vibration suppression. Specifically, this method adopts a single magnet-track coupling model and introduces a finite-time disturbance observer (FTDO) that utilizes only measured electromagnet-side signals to estimate unmeasurable states and unknown disturbances. Based on the estimated information provided by the FTDO, a finite-time control (FTC) scheme is developed, which simultaneously handles the problems of disturbance compensation and finite-time tracking control. Additionally, the finite-time stability of the levitation system is analyzed and proven. Finally, simulation and experimental results are given to demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of the proposed control approach.