Active control for vehicle suspension using a self-powered dual-function active electromagnetic damper

Abstract

Concerning vehicle suspension techniques, active suspension tends to offer the most precise control performance compared to passive and semi-active alternatives. However, due to its high-power consumption, its practical use is often limited. This study aims to develop an innovative self-powered active suspension by assessing the performance and feasibility of a dual-function active electromagnetic damper (DF-AEMD), which is capable of providing simultaneous force tracking and energy harvesting functions. In addition to outlining its working mechanism, the DF-AEMD is utilized to track the full-loop target control force calculated from the classic linear quadratic regulator in a self-powered manner. From the force tracking standpoint, the DF-AEMD can not only provide damping forces, but also generate actuation forces, and thus achieve better tracking accuracies of target control force and control performances for vehicle suspension than the traditional semi-active damper; while from the energy harvesting aspect, sufficient energy can be harvested simultaneously to realize the self-powered active control. Systematic simulations are conducted to discuss the relationship between control performance and energy harvesting efficiency of the DF-AEMD.