Energy regeneration scheme and self-powered criterion of motor-driven active suspension

The vehicle suspension is one of the most important component parts in influencing the performances of the car. In order to reduce energy consumption of active suspension, an energy regeneration scheme based on energy balance of the actuator is proposed. In the energy regeneration scheme, both the operating zones of the actuator and working modes of the suspension are divided into three parts. In different zones or modes, energy consumption of the motor and the power source is various. By switching corresponding operating electric circuits, it is realizable to accumulate energy from road vibration and supply energy to the actuator when needed. Moreover, the criterion of self-powered suspension is presented which can be employed to judge whether an active suspension can be self-powered or not. After the above analysis, a self-powered suspension with H_∞ state feedback controller is designed. Simulation is conducted and results show that performances of the self-powered active suspension are nearly the same as those of the active suspension with external energy source, and this self-powered suspension can achieve energy regeneration with acceptant ride comfort.