Abstract
A new method including suspension and wheel vibration energy regeneration is proposed in this study to coordinate the contradiction between vibration energy regeneration and dynamic performance of in-wheel motor electric vehicles (IWM-EVs). The influence mechanism of unsprung mass on the dynamic characteristics of IWM-EVs is investigated from the perspective of energy flow, and potential of energy regeneration of IWM-EVs is explored on this basis. A parameter sensitivity analysis of the proposed new method is conducted, and the optimal parameters are determined for a comparative simulation analysis among focus-driven electric vehicles, IWM-EVs, and IWM-EVs with linear electromagnetic dynamic vibration absorber (LEM-DVA). Results show that the proposed new method effectively improves the dynamic performance and achieves coordination between energy regeneration and dynamic performance despite its reduction of the vibration energy regeneration potential of IWM-EVs. A new structure, which integrates a linear electromagnetic damper (LEMD) and a LEM-DVA, is then proposed to implement the coordination method. The equivalent prototype and control system are designed for a hardware-in-the-loop test. The test results show good agreement with that of simulation despite some errors. This finding proves the effectiveness of the new structure in coordinating the vibration energy regeneration and dynamic performance of IWM-EVs.