Rig Design and Experimental Energy Harvesting from Automotive Suspension System Using Mechanics and Hydraulics

Abstract

From the day first of invention of fuel engines, its lower efficiency and environmental concerns were always problematic. Only 30-40% of total heat energy of fuels is used in engines for mechanical work and rest of all is lost. Vibrational energy of shocks can be converted to electrical energy by means of some mechanical setup. This setup will consist of a to-and-fro motion to rotary motion convertor. An alternator will be deployed that will be powered by this rotary motion caused by suspension system and it will ultimately power the battery or the accessories directly. Aim of the project was to design a testing rig so that the variable data of vibrational amplitude can be applied to the shock absorber along with the power harvesting mechanism for experimental analysis. To test all that setup a testing rig was be designed that will be equipped with shock absorber, a motion converting mechanism, an alternator and a pneumatic actuator that will be a tool for applying real time obtained data. It was not possible to apply variable data with the cam follower mechanism, so a pneumatic cylinder is used along with power supply. To apply data acquired automatically, Arduino is used along with MOSFET and SD card module. Energy harvested was calculated and the effect on the stiffness of shock absorber after adding power harvesting mechanism is also analyzed.