NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF REGENERATIVE SHOCK ABSORBERS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN HYBRID VEHICLES

In the automotive industry, reducing fuel consumption and energy dissipation represents a technological challenge. In conventional vehicles, a significant portion of kinetic energy is lost as heat from traditional shock absorbers due to vibrations induced by road surface irregularities. This thesis aims to numerically analyze regenerative shock absorbers, a technology capable of recovering this wasted energy and converting it into electrical energy useful for powering hybrid vehicles. The research methodology is based on the development of a two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) quarter-car model within the MATLAB/Simulink environment. This model integrates the mechanical dynamics of the suspension with the electrical behavior of the electromagnetic generator, with the aim of maximizing energy extraction. A parametric optimization was conducted through a series of numerical simulations evaluating the system's dynamic response to road excitations, such as driving over a bump. The sensitivity analysis focuses on the variation of the passive stiffness of the mechanical spring and the global electromechanical coupling constant. The comparative analysis of the results aims to identify the optimal electromechanical configuration, highlighting the fundamental dynamic compromise between maximizing recovered electric power and maintaining a high standard of ride comfort and road holding for passengers.