Differential flatness applications to industrial machine control

In this article the applications of differential flatness to some industrial systems are presented. Computational methods of obtaining the flat output and the straight forward method of constructing the corresponding control law are given. Some theoretical and industrial systems are used as illustration including the third order synchronous machine model and the one degree of freedom magnetic levitation system model. Computations of the flat output are done using various approaches. The Levine’s approach is presented in such detail as to facilitate quick understanding. Computations for the synchronous machine model yielded a flat output that is a function of the load angle while the magnetic levitation model yielded a flat output that is a function of the objects’ position. Results showing the stabilization of the applied systems in fault and uncertain situations are discussed.