POWER FROM SUSPENSION
- The kinetic energy from the suspension of a car can be converted to obtain electrical energy that is otherwise not utilised.
- Shock absorbers have reciprocating motion in them. Though the reciprocating distance is less, the suspending mass is very high i.e. the mass of total vehicle. When vehicle is running on the road, the shock absorbers are working due to uneven roads, application of brakes or sudden acceleration.
- So this reciprocating motion of shock absorbers can be converted into electrical energy.
- Due to bumps and vibrations from normal driving, the sliding tubes or rotating generator can produce an electric voltage. When installed in a medium-sized passenger car traveling at 60 mph, the shock absorber can generate 100-400 watts of energy under normal driving conditions, and up to 1600 watts on particularly rough roads. Trucks, rail cars, and off-road vehicles get a return of 1-10 kilowatts, depending on road quality.
- The harvested energy is then used to charge the battery and power the vehicle’s electronics, which is typically 250-350 watts with optional electronic systems turned off. This energy reduces the load on the vehicle’s alternator, which usually has a capacity about 500-600 watts. In this way, the harvested energy could increase fuel efficiency by 1-4% in conventional cars and by 8% in hybrid vehicles. As a side benefit, the shock absorber also creates a smoother ride due to the ability to adjust the suspension damping and implement self-powered vibration control.
