Increasing distance for electric hybrids

[LelandTC]

Anyone think about adding induction coils in the suspension system to return some charge to the battery?
Using gravity to generate electric current may allow increased mileage per charge without creating drag. Thoughts?

 

[MikeHalloran]

Better; replace the shock absorbers with generators, adjust the damping with excitation.
Downside; only increases range on bumpy roads.
Bigger downside; adds cost, weight, complexity, and failure modes.






Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[patprimmer]

I suspect it might add a lot of weight and cost for a minor improvement.

It has to be less than the difference between driving on a smooth road vs driving on a bumpy road all other conditions being the same.

Regards
Pat
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[GregLocock]

I haven't seen any estimates of the power absorbed in shocks, it must be of the order of hundreds of watts on a reasonably rough road. (It wouldn't be hard to work out, but I'm feeling lazy)

Let's see 20mm at 2Hz is a velocity of 0.25 m/s, and you might get 1000 N/m/s damping, so that is a power of .25^2*1000, 60W, per shock, on a reasonably rough road.







Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[izzmus]

That would have an interesting negative-feedback loop as regards to fuel taxes and highway funds. The worse the roads, the more fuel the cars use, and the more revenue is generated so they can repair the roads.

 

[cibachrome]

I believe the Bose suspension system incorporates regen in the manner you inquired about.

 

[GregLocock]

Frankly I suspect you'd be better off recalibrating your suspension to use less damping, rather than adding the complexity of electric damping.

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.