The Development of an All-Electric Active Vehicle Suspension Based on a Linear Reluctance Machine

SatCon Technology Corporation proposes to develop an all-electric vehicle suspension which utilizes a switched linear reluctance machine (LRM) and associated drive and control electronics. The low losses of switched reluctance machines, while operating under high loads and motions of varying direction, suggest that a linear version is uniquely suited for this application. The low losses indicate that it can be compactly packaged into an active suspension relative to other electric actuators without risk of overheating. Combining the LRM with the similar compactness and low loss of pulse width modulation inverters and the flexibility of a DSP-based controller permits development of an all-electric suspension which is compact, reliable, user adjustable, and adaptable to changing road or terrain conditions. Furthermore, the energy absorbed by the proposed suspension system during operation may be recovered rather than dissipated as heat, significantly improving fuel economy. During Phase I Satcon proposes to design a complete suspension system, including the LRM actuator, the drive electronics, and the programmable controller, such that various suspension control algorithuis could be easily implemented. In addition, SatCon will fabricate and test a small-scale LEN, to demonstrate the remarkable high force-to-loss ratio of this type of machine.