Physically motivated lumped-parameter model for proportional magnets

ABSTRACT

The paper presents a novel physically motivated lumped-parameter model for one-dimensional simulation of proportional magnets. The model is deduced by analysing the significant physical interactions, properties of state-of-the art actuators and limitations of contemporary lumped-parameter models. The resulting model equations are taking into account the main properties of commonly used proportional magnets in the relevant field of operation, as e.g. nonlinear force and flux linkage characteristics over stroke and current, and are respecting the dominant physical effects, leading to these nonlinearities and linking the two before mentioned characteristics. This enables not only the parameterisation by a small number of independent parameters, but also physically correct parameter studies. After the model’s ability to describe the static behaviour of proportional magnets is proven by using measurement data of two off-the-shelf actuators, the paper concludes with a dynamic model validation, highlighting the good accuracy of the modelled frequency response.

KEYWORDS:

• Proportional magnet
• dynamic modelling
• parameter study
• magnetic flux linkage

Nomenclature

Table

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a Theodore von Kármán-Fellowship of the RWTH Aachen University.

Notes on contributors

Olivier Reinertz

Olivier Reinertz was born on 4 October 1984 in Eupen, Belgium. He received his diploma and his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from RWTH Aachen University, Germany. Currently, he is Scientific Director at the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Systems (IFAS) of RWTH Aachen University. His research focuses on fluid mechatronic devices and multi-domain simulation of fluid power systems.