Bench Tests of Slow and Full Active Suspensions in Terms of Energy Consumption

Abstract

This paper is focused on the problem of active suspensions of wheeled vehicles with electro-hydraulic actuators. Two dynamic structures first with actuator connected with spring in series and second in parallel – called slow active and full active respectively – were considered. The considerations described in the paper concern physical quarter-vehicle models of suspensions. These models were constructed and installed on a rig for dynamic tests of structures. A laboratory rig enables the simulation of real conditions by disturbing investigated suspension by kinematic excitation. Research was carried out for various algorithms controlling the actuator of the active unit. For evaluation of laboratory research results, comparisons were proposed of frequency response functions and of time curves of instantaneous power taken by the active system from supply, obtained at the same excitation signals. Quantitative aggregated indicators in the form of an averaged coefficient of vibration transmissibility and power required for the active unit to achieve vibration transmissibility function were also proposed.