Abstract
A novel suspension system, the hydraulic integrated interconnected regenerative suspension (HIIRS), has been proposed recently. This paper demonstrates the vibration and energy harvesting characteristics of the HIIRS. The HIIRS model is established as a set of coupled, frequency-dependent equations with the hydraulic impedance method. The mechanical-fluid boundary condition in the double-acting cylinders is modelled as an external force on the mechanical system and a moving boundary on the fluid system. By integrating the HIIRS into a half car model, its free and forced vibration analyses are conducted and compared with an equivalent traditional off-road vehicle. Results show that the natural frequency and the damping ratio of the HIIRS-equipped vehicle are within a proper range of a normal off-road vehicle. The root mean square values of the bounce and roll acceleration of the HIIRS system are, respectively, 64.62 and 11.21% lower than that of a traditional suspension. The average energy harvesting power are 186.93, 417.40 and 655.90 W at the speeds of 36, 72 and 108 km/h for an off-road vehicle on a Class-C road. The results indicate that the HIIRS system can significantly enhance the vehicle dynamics and harvest the vibration energy simultaneously.