Fault Tolerance in an Active Suspension System with a Linear Permanent Magnet Actuator for Automotive Applications

This paper investigates the problem of the fault tolerance in an active suspension system with a linear permanent magnet synchronous motor (LPMSM) as actuator, that is used in both electric and internal-combustion vehicles. Specifically, a new technique is proposed that alters the control method of the LPMSM drive when an open-circuit fault is detected. Therefore, the motor drive can compensate the fault and continue to operate with the other two phases providing highly effective suspension performance, as in the healthy operation. This is accomplished by changing the control scheme of the LPMSM, so it can behave as a typical passive dumper. Thus, with the auxiliary action of the main spring, the proposed fault tolerant suspension system can continue to provide safety and high riding comfort to the passengers, until its repair. The feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed fault tolerant technique is verified in a simulation model, utilizing the Matlab/Simulink software and several simulation results are presented to validate the above achievements.