Electromagnetic linear actuator - design, manufacture and control

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to investigate different methods of obtaining high thrust forces from an electromagnetic linear actuator. It contains two prototypes, one using a variable reluctance path to create physical movement of the actuator and another which uses permanent magnets and coils to create movement. The permanent magnet prototype contains thirteen coils, each independently controlled by a pulse-width modulated signal and investigation is made into controlling these coils with respect to the position of the actuator. A software programme was written for a microcontroller to control the position which is interfaced to a personal computer via a serial communications link. Investigation is made into the theory behind both prototypes and simulated models were developed and analysed. Results were not as high as originally anticipated for Prototype 2 but with further work these forces can be significantly increased