Energy Regeneration and Dissipation in Electromagnetic and Magneto-Rheological Shock Absorbers Based on Vibration

Abstract

Electromagnetic and magnetorheological dampers have established significant in recent years due to their flexibility and efficiency as passive or semi-active damping devices, which require minimal power. Electromagnetic dampers can operate in four control modes: passive, semi-active, active, and hybrid, allowing them to meet various damping needs without the need for large power sources. Damping in electromagnetic systems can occur in two domains, either mechanical or electrical. In the mechanical domain, an electromagnetic damper typically includes components like a permanent-magnet DC motor, a ball screw and a nut. These components facilitate mechanical energy conversion, often analysed through energy regeneration and dissipation cases. In the electrical domain, the damper’s core components coils and permanent magnets work together to generate electric energy, which varies based on control modes. In the fully passive mode within the electrical domain, the damper produces an electric load passively without external control. In the semi-active mode, a controlled voltage is applied to adjust the damping force dynamically based on road surface conditions, allowing the system to respond to changing demands for improved ride comfort. Adjusting the magnetic field strength directly influences damping characteristics, creating a roughly circular, nonlinear damping response as voltage increases. As a result, both damping force and power dissipation increase, peaking at the maximum damping rate, aligning with vehicle dynamics to enhance comfort and stability. These electromagnetic dampers demonstrate a promising approach to adaptive suspension systems, effectively balancing energy efficiency, ride comfort, and dynamic stability across different operating conditions.