Regenerative Suspension System for Vehicle-Based Electrical Power

Abstract

Power Generating Suspension is an innovative vehicle suspension technology that converts mechanical energy produced due to road irregularities into useful electrical energy. In conventional suspension systems, vibrations and shocks caused by uneven road surfaces are dissipated as heat, resulting in energy loss. The power generating suspension system utilizes mechanisms such as electromagnetic, hydraulic, or piezoelectric energy harvesting to transform this wasted mechanical energy into electrical power. The generated energy can be stored in batteries or super capacitors and used to power on board electronic devices, sensors, lighting systems, or to support auxiliary loads in electric and hybrid vehicles. This system not only improves overall energy efficiency but also contributes to reduced fuel consumption and lower environmental impact. Despite challenges such as increased system complexity and initial cost, power generating suspension systems offers promising solution for sustainable and energy-efficient transportation in modern vehicles.

Introduction

The rapid expansion of the automotive industry has increased energy consumption and environmental pollution, creating a need for efficient energy management systems. One significant source of wasted energy in vehicles is the suspension system, where mechanical vibrations caused by road irregularities are dissipated as heat through dampers.

The Power Generating Suspension System addresses this issue by harvesting vibration energy from the suspension and converting it into electrical energy instead of wasting it. Using technologies such as electromagnetic generators, hydraulic systems, and piezoelectric materials, the system captures vertical suspension motion and converts it into usable power. This energy is conditioned, stored in batteries or supercapacitors, and used to operate auxiliary components like lighting, sensors, infotainment systems, and control modules.

The system operates in three main stages: mechanical vibration generation, mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion, and electrical conditioning and storage. Importantly, it maintains ride comfort and stability while generating power. Advanced designs also support adaptive damping, improving vehicle performance.

Applications include electric vehicles (extending battery range), hybrid vehicles (reducing engine load), smart and autonomous vehicles (powering sensors and control systems), military vehicles (supporting onboard electronics), off-road and heavy-duty vehicles (higher energy harvesting potential), and vehicle health monitoring systems.

Although challenges such as cost, complexity, and durability remain, ongoing research is addressing these issues. Overall, power generating suspension systems represent a promising step toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and intelligent vehicle design.

Conclusion

Power generating suspension systems offer a promising solution for recovering wasted mechanical energy generated by vehicle suspension vibrations. By integrating energy harvesting mechanisms such as electromagnetic, hydraulic, or piezoelectric systems into the suspension assembly, these systems convert vibration energy into useful electrical power without significantly affecting ride comfort or vehicle stability. Although challenges related to system complexity, cost, and durability still exist, continuous advancements in materials, control strategies, and power electronics are expected to enhance their performance and reliability. The adoption of power generating suspension systems can significantly contribute to energy-efficient, sustainable, and smart transportation technologies in the future.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Dr. H. S. Kulat, Atharv Pawade, Ashray Jagtap, Omprakash Unhone, Abhishek Arbat, Prathamesh Dharme, Roshan Jadhav . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.