Co-simulation for the Power Generation Characteristics of an Electromagnetic Linear Actuator used in Active Suspensions

Compared to passive suspensions, active suspensions with electromagnetic linear actuator (EMLA) not only has higher performance in active force control, but also can regenerate energy form road disturbances. In this study, the characteristics of a new designed EMLA were investigated under generator mode by precisely co-simulating the quarter active suspension with single degree of freedom. This model, which consists of sprung mass, EMLA imported from Maxwell and a spring in parallel with the EMLA, is built in Simplorer. Simulation results show that the mechanical power and electric power of the EMLA are both proportional to the frequency and amplitude of excitation. The efficiency, defined as the ratio of electric energy to mechanical energy, decreases with the increase of frequency while nonlinearly changes with the increase of stroke. The yielded maximal efficiency of 94% occur sat the frequency of 2 Hzand the stroke ranges of6mm to 9mm