An Automotive Ferrofluidic Electromagnetic System for Energy Harvesting and Adaptive Damping.

Tadas Lenkutis,Andrius Dzedzickis,Nikolaj Šešok,Vytautas Bučinskas,Darius Viržonis,Aurimas Čerškus

doi:10.3390/s22031195

Tadas Lenkutis, Andrius Dzedzickis + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s22031195

Copy DOI

Abstract

Vibration energy harvesting is receiving significant interest due to the possibility of using extra power in various machines and constructions. This paper presents an energy-harvesting system that has a structure similar to that of a linear generator but uses permanent magnets and magnetorheological fluid insets. The application of a standard vehicle example with low frequencies and amplitudes of the excitations was used for the optimization and experimental runs. The optimization for low excitation amplitudes shows that the best magnetic field change along the slider is obtained using differentially orientated radial magnets of 5 mm in width. This configuration was used for the experimental research, resulting in 1.2–3.28 W of power generated in the coils. The power conditioning system in the experimental research was replaced by loading resistors. Nevertheless, the initial idea of energy harvesting and a damping effect was confirmed by the circuit voltage output.

Highlights

Mechanical vibrations are the transmission of oscillating physical energy in a solid material that rises during the operation of machines
Hydraulic dampers are most commonly used in the suspension systems of vehicles
We designed, optimized, and demonstrated a linear permanent magnet machine with Magnetorheological fluid (MRF) elements that works with low-frequency oscillations and can be used for operation in semi-active automotive suspension

Summary

Introduction

Mechanical vibrations are the transmission of oscillating physical energy in a solid material that rises during the operation of machines. The damping process characterized by the resistance, opposite to the direction of the system’s velocity vector, and has various forms [4] These various types of resisting force act as damping in the dynamic process and can be classified into viscous damping [5], dry friction damping [6], material or solid or hysteretic damping [7], and magnetic damping [8]. Many applications are used to achieve the most exaggerated way of creating a damping force in different types and operation modes, but hydraulic dampers are the most common [9]. This is because of their suitability for working with higher amplitudes and compact geometric shapes [10]. There are three types of automotive suspensions [9,13], known as passive (no damping control), active (using external power to create a damping force), and semi-active (control of the damping coefficient) (Figure 1)

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion