Magnetic levitation of a ferromagnetic sphere using a PID controller and heuristic optimization method

Magnetic levitation technology is widely used in various engineering applications, including transportation, industrial automation, and precision systems. A major challenge in controlling magnetic levitation systems is ensuring stability and precise positioning amidst nonlinear electromagnetic interactions and external disturbances. The PID controller plays a fundamental role in regulating the electromagnetic forces required for levitation. This study focuses on optimizing the PID controller for controlling a magnetic levitation system. The research examines mathematical modelling, simulation techniques, and experimental validation to enhance stability and precision. A comprehensive analysis of magnetostatic simulations and heuristic tuning methods is performed to improve control efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that optimized PID tuning significantly improves the stability and responsiveness of the levitation system. The findings contribute to advancing control engineering by providing practical guidelines for refining PID control in dynamic and nonlinear environments.