Introduction

Shocks absorbers are used to deaden oscillations by absorbing the energy stored in the springs as

the wheels of an automobile move up and down. Normal shock absorbers generally don’t

support the weight of the vehicle. They moderate the dynamic wheel-load disparities and block

the wheels from lifting off the road surface. Due to motion, kinetic or dynamic energy is

generated which is then transformed into heat energy by the shock absorber. On the other hand,

this dynamic energy can be transformed into electric energy, which can afterwards be stored in a

battery. This can only be achieved by using an electrical shock absorber.

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 Construction and principle of operation

The electric shock absorber converts energy generated by motion into electric energy. This

energy is then used to charge the battery and to recover drive efficiency. It consists of a

permanent magnet linear simultaneous generator, a spring, and an electric energy saver. Fig. 1

shows the schematic of an Electrical shock absorber:

Fig.1. Simplified schematic of an electrical shock absorber (ESA).

ADVANTAGES

Energy transformed is stored in a battery, enduring its life and improving other electrical

operations in the car.

The conversion of energy starts at 0.2m/s (electrical storage starts very near the beginning of

motion).

DISADVANTAGES

Can only transform 40% of the energy generated (60%, the larger amount is lost to the heat).

Only works in electric cars.

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 Conclusion

Engineers have been looking for energy saving devices to improve the cycle of energy

transformation in order to use more than what is wasted. It is only reasonable to conclude that the

improvement of a normal shock absorber to electrical shock absorber has simply made it easier

to consume energy that was being wasted to the heat. So far, it can only take advantage of 40%

of the dynamic energy, which is better that wasting 100% of it, but the upgraded device is surely

the beginning to a path of better, trustworthy and practical improvement on shock absorbers

devices.

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 Bibliography

Benjamim, T. 2002. Amortecedores Eléctricos. Engenharia do futuro: 12-14, July 15.

Moolman, C.L & Brink, C.G.1995. Mechanical draughting N4. Johanesburgo: Lexicon publishers.

Molato, M & Arnold, M.2003. Industrial electronics N4. South Africa: Creda communications(Pty) Ltd.