Robustness Of Self Sensing Magnetic Bearings Using Amplifier Switching Ripple

Self–sensing magnetic bearings replace explicit position sensors with estimates obtained from measurements of coil voltage and current. The benefits include potential reductions in cost, weight, and hardware complexity. Recent results exploring the robustness limits of such systems have revealed (apparently) that they are fundamentally and substantially inferior to systems with explicit sensors. The reported limits of performance are so poor as to preclude commercial realization. The present work explores the premise that switching ripple can mitigate these limitations. If the ripple results in a periodic perturbation of bias flux, the system becomes linear periodic and can exhibit dramatically enhanced performance, making commercial realization viable. This development lays the basis for a renewed interest in self–sensing AMBs and real optimism for their future promise.