A study on self-powered active suspension system using linear actuator

Presented in this project is a 2 DOF quarter car model which has been developed in MATLAB and Simulink which incorporates State Variable Feedback Control for active suspension control. The actuator used is a linear electric actuator which is internally driven by a DC motor; this enables it to be used as a generator as well. In addition to providing active suspension control, energy harvesting is also possible which makes it possible to operate the active system without an external energy source, i.e. it can be powered by its own excessive kinetic energy. A half car model has also been developed which can be used for studying self-powered system in pitch, roll and in combinations with bounce mode. A design for demonstrating self-powered active suspension is also presented with part list and concept. Results obtained from this project are in agreement with existing literature and demonstrates the concept of self-powered operation. There is also further scope for improving the simulations so as to fully utilise the potential energy available in vehicle suspensions.

Siddharth Amblimath,Aspiring researcher with a degree in MSc Automotive and Motor sport Engineering, Brunel University London.Xiao Lu, MSc Automotive and Motor sport Engineering, Brunel University London.