A novel pneumatic-mechanical energy regenerative suspension for air brake trucks

A novel energy-regenerative suspension system is proposed to convert the vibration from the road unevenness into the pneumatic potential energy for the truck's air brake. A mathematical model for the new regenerative suspension is given. Using ADAMS and Easy5, pneumatic-mechanism co-simulations are performed. The regenerative ratios are calculated for typical cases and their efficiency factors are discussed. Then the dynamics K&C performances for this new suspension are analysed comparing with the traditional leaf spring suspension. The results indicate that the new design can recycle the vibration energy efficiently and improve the ride comfort as well.