The optimization of the parameters of the energy recovery device from vibration of a vehicle suspension

The paper presents the numerical optimization model of the energy recovery system from a suspension of a racing vehicle. The system is based on the recovery of energy lost in the classical solutions in the viscous damper. The suspension system should provide adequate comfort to a driver, while allowing recovery of the maximum amount of energy. The goal of the research is to draw general conclusions about the optimal parameters for similar systems. The parameters selection for the energy recovery system is a difficult task. For this reason, it has been decided to build a simulation model that allows the selection of the optimal parameters of the system. The fitness function of the model is the amount of energy recovered from the system. The amount of recovered energy should be as high as possible, while ensuring a good comfort for a driver, which is necessary, to recognize the result as valid. During the optimization each set of parameters has been simulated for different road profiles with different road surface quality. The model has been prepared for the racing car, but its universality allows for the selection of optimal parameters of energy recovery system for other vehicles.