Active torsional vibration control of a rotor-gear box system using disturbance estimation-based control

Torsional vibration in a rotor-gearbox system can have a significant impact on the operational efficiency and reliability of electromechanical rotary systems, so the implementation of an effective vibration suppression method is essential since the use of gearbox can amplify torsional vibration. This work thus presents the development of an active torsional vibration control method using disturbance estimation-based control to suppress torsional vibration and improve the speed control performance of a rotor-gearbox system. The proposed control method considers the uncertainties associated with system dynamics and external torsional disturbances affecting the rotor-gearbox system, represented as internal and external disturbances that can be estimated using an appropriately designed Extended State Observer (ESO). Online mechanical parameter identification is incorporated into the control framework for improving control robustness against uncertainties in internal dynamics and external disturbances. A motor speed control strategy is developed using Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) to generate compensation control signals to suppress the estimated disturbances while maintaining the stability of the system. Motor control is implemented using a nonlinear state error feedback (NLSEF) that regulates the motor torque based on the compensation control signals generated by ADRC. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated, which demonstrate the ability of the developed controller to suppress torque oscillations and improve system stability, in respond to the variation in system parameters and applied torsional disturbances.