Mode control of motorized active suspension damper for ride quality and energy efficiency

Abstract

This paper presents a mode control algorithm of motorized active suspension damper (MASD) for ride quality and energy efficiency. The control algorithm has been developed based on a Full-car model. The model consists of front and rear half-car dynamics. The proposed control algorithm consists of supervisory, upper-level and lower-level controllers. The control modes, such as passive and roll control modes are determined in the supervisory controller. The upper-level controller derives damping force using linear quadratic control theory. The lower level controller determines actuator input. At the same time, state estimators, vehicle body velocity estimator, suspension state estimator, are designed to estimate vehicle states used to control the actuator. The performance of the proposed mode control algorithm has been evaluated through simulations. It has been shown that the proposed MASD control algorithm improves the ride quality and energy efficiency.

Motorized vehicle active suspension damper control with dynamic friction and actuator delay compensation for a better ride quality

“…This greatly reduces power consumption in comparison with unnecessary use in the active mode. 12,13 The active mode is activated if the sprung-mass acceleration is larger than the threshold value, 1 m/s 2 . The passive mode mostly uses the motor reaction force to generate the damping force.…”

“…5 A considerable amount of research for passive, active and semiactive suspensions has been performed and reported in the past literature. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] It is now well accepted that a suitable advanced vehicle suspension system can best be achieved with the use of an active control system. Use of optimal control theory for designing active vehicle suspension systems have been proposed by many researchers.…”

“…It is widely known that there is a tradeoff between the improvements in performance and the energy consumption. 32 In order to cope with this issue, Shin et al 13 proposed a mode control algorithm which reduces the energy consumption by activating the active control mode only if the vehicle body experiences excessive motion. In normal driving situations, the passive mode is activated and no energy is consumed.…”