Energy Flow Characteristics Analysis-Based Switching Control Strategy for Vehicle Suspension With Multifunction Electromagnetic Damper

Multifunction suspensions that integrate active, semiactive, and energy-regeneration modes, along with mode-switching-based control strategies, have been widely studied to improve ride comfort and handling stability across various road conditions. However, simple mode-switching may limit the potential for further enhancing the dynamic and economic performance of multifunction suspensions. This article introduces, for the first time, an innovative energy flow analysis method that divides the energy flow diagram into distinct regions based on the damping coefficient range, harvested energy range, and consumed energy range of a typical multifunction electromagnetic damper (MFEMD). Using this energy flow analysis method, this article developed two control strategies for the MFEMD system to meet the performance requirements for both smooth and rough roads. Unlike traditional mode-switching, these control strategies are designed based on energy flow region-switching, enhancing the versatility of control strategies. Finally, a switching control strategy is devised based on the matching relationship between distinct road conditions and the designed control strategies. A small-scale half-car MFEMD suspension experimental platform is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies. Experimental results demonstrate that the energy flow region-switching-based control strategies outperform traditional mode-switching-based control strategies in terms of energy savings and vibration control performances. Additionally, the switching control system achieves good suspension dynamic and economic performance across various road types, highlighting potential for future applications.