Contribution of regenerative suspension module to charge efficiency and range in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles

Abstract

Energy and transport are the two largest contributors to carbon emissions. In recent years, the transport sector has made strides in reducing its carbon footprint by producing electric vehicles that emit zero carbon. This paper investigates the use of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) with a newly developed regenerative suspension module (RSM). The RSM uses an electromechanical mechanism to obtain regenerative electrical energy from the engine and is mounted to the passive suspension system. To determine the potential energy savings of the RSM module, a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle simulated under specific road geometries, speeds, and acceleration conditions. The simulation results indicate that the Regenerative Suspension Modules (RSM) mounted on each wheel of the FCEV generate 2.5 times more energy than the regenerative braking system. This result is evaluated as an increase in efficiency and range in electric vehicles.