A Novel Hill Climb Search-Based Magnetization Control for Low Coercivity Electro-Permanent Magnet Systems

Conventional electro-permanent magnet (EPM) lifting/holding systems, typically based on NdFeB magnets, face efficiency limitations because continuous current is required either for standby condition to avoid accidentally attracting the objects around or for gently approaching and separating from sensitive iron-based target objects during gripping and releasing processes. Low Coercive Force (LCF) magnets offer an alternative, as their magnetization can be tuned with short current pulses and maintained without continuous current. However, this approach demands fast and precise flux control to eliminate the issues mentioned above. This paper introduces a novel flux control method based on the Hill Climb Search (HCS) algorithm. Once the required flux is identified, the system rapidly adjusts the magnetization of LCF magnet by applying optimized pulse trains within a short time. Experimental evaluation confirms that the proposed method effectively establishes and sustains the target magnetization level without additional current input. This approach has significant potential to advance and expand the use of Low Coercivity EPM systems as an alternative to classical systems.