Design and Control of a Linear Electromagnetic Actuator for Active Vehicle Suspension

Linear electromagnetic actuator (LEA) based active suspension has superior controllability and bandwidth, provides shock load isolation between vehicle chassis and wheel due to absence of any mechanical transmission, and therefore has a much great potential in terms of improving ride performance and comfort, vehicle safety, and manoeuvrability. It also has the ability to recover energy that is dissipated in the shock absorber in the passive systems, and results in a much more energy efficient suspension. This paper discusses the issues pertinent to the design, integration and control of a LEA based active vehicle suspension unit, including the choice of linear electromagnetic actuator technologies and actuator topologies, design optimisation, integration with passive components and control strategies for improving riding comfort.