Simulation and characterization of an integrated MR damper with energy harvesting and embedded channels

Combined with two objectives of vibration reduction and energy harvesting, an integrated magnetorheological (MR) damper with energy harvesting and embedded channels is presented in this research. The effects of different structural parameters on the magnetic flux density and damping performance of the damping module are investigated using the finite element method. In addition, the effects of different frequencies, amplitudes, currents, and external resistances on the damping and energy harvesting characteristics of the proposed damper are experimentally studied. Simulation results demonstrate that the damping force first increases and then decreases with the increase of inner cylinder thickness and magnetic isolation height, increases with the increase of coil turns and current size, and decreases with the increase of outer cylinder thickness and magnetic isolation width. Simulation values of the damping force of the damping module are in good agreement with experimental data. Experimental results indicate that the damping force of the energy harvesting module drops as the external resistance rises. The output voltage of the energy harvesting module increases with the raise of external resistance. The average output power and the energy harvesting efficiency of the new damper reach 7.3 W and 53.5 % when A = 10 mm, f = 2 Hz, and R = 5 Ω.