Modeling and Control of a Fan-driven Ball Levitation System

This paper proposes the design, modeling, and control of a fan-driven ball levitation system for engineering education in control and embedded computing. The closed-loop control system for ball levitation generates a vertical upward airflow from a DC fan to suspend a lightweight ball in the air at a specific height. A mathematical model of the system is developed. After examining the Magnus effect, we proposed the implementation of a honeycomb structure upstream of the fan to promote laminar airflow, therefore reducing the influence of the Magnus effect. Simulation and experimental results show that this modification improved the efficiency and smoothness of the position control, mitigated the disturbances, and enhanced the overall stability of the system.