Dynamic analysis of an electro-hydraulic interconnected actuator energy regeneration suspension

Abstract

A hydraulic interconnected suspension with energy recovery (EHA-HIS) is proposed to enhance riding comfort and road-holding ability while converting vibration energy into usable electrical energy. This paper mainly focuses on the dynamic analysis of a vehicle suspension model integrated with the EHA-HIS. The mathematical model of EHA-HIS is established based on the system structure analysis. The characteristics of the EHA-HIS are given based on a parameter analysis including the input and structural parameters under a sinusoidal excitation. Thereafter, vehicles equipped with the EHA-HIS and traditional suspensions are compared in terms of dynamic performance, and the simulation is implemented to study the energy harvesting performance of a vehicle with the EHA-HIS. The simulation results suggest that the damping force and harvested power are proportional to the frequency and amplitude of the sinusoidal input. The simulation also shows that the piston diameter has the greatest influence on the characteristics of the EHA-HIS. The analysis indicates that EHA-HIS can recover vibration energy while improving vehicle dynamic performance, and the harvestable power increases with the road grade and vehicle speed.