Multiphysics Design of an Automotive Regenerative Eddy Current Damper

This research presents a finite element multi-physics design methodology that can be used to develop and optimise the inherent functions and geometry of an innovative regenerative eddy current (REC) damper for the suspension of B class vehicles. This methodology was inspired by a previous work which has been applied successfully for the development of an eddy current (EC) damper used for the same type of applications. It is based on a multifield finite element coupled model that can be used to fulfil the electromagnetic, thermal, and fluid dynamic field properties and boundary conditions of a REC damper, as well as its non-linear material properties and boundary conditions, while also analysing its damping performance. The proposed REC damper features a variable fail-safe damping force, while electric power is advantageously regenerated at high suspension frequencies. Its damping performance has been benchmarked against that of a regular hydraulic shock absorber (selected as a reference) by analysing the dynamic behaviour of both systems using a quarter car suspension model. The results are expressed in terms of damping force, harvested power, thermal field, comfort and handling, with reference to ISO-class roads. The optimisation analysis of the REC damper has suggested useful guidelines for the harmonisation of damping and regenerative power performances during service operation at different piston speeds

Installation of a Concentrated Solar Power System for the Thermal Needs of Buildings or Industrial Processes

Solar energy is one of the main alternatives to carbon-intensive sources of energy. However, limited attention has been devoted to small-scale (<10 kW) concentrated solar power systems, which are capable to provide high-temperature heat to buildings or industrial processes. In this work, we describe the concentrated solar power system (7.4 kW thermal power) with dual axis solar tracker installed at Politecnico di Torino. The solar concentrator system is coupled to a sensible heat storage by a plate heat exchanger. Here, we provide preliminary data on the system efficiency and compare it to typical values obtained by flat plates or evacuated tubes collectors. The generated high-temperature thermal power is suitable for both domestic hot water, heating and cooling, and industrial purposes

Integral Methodology for the Multiphysics Design of an Automotive Eddy Current Damper

The present work reports an integrated (experimental and numerical) methodology that combines the development of a finite element multiphysics model with an experimental strategy to optimally design an eddy current damper for automotive suspensions. The multiphysics model couples the whole set of time-dependent electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and fluid&ndash;wall interaction (CFD) partial differential equations. The developed FE model was validated against both literature model predictions and in-house experimental data. The electromagnetic model takes into account the magnetic material characteristics of the ferromagnetic material and iron poles. Loss separation and the Jiles&ndash;Atherton hysteresis models were invoked to determine the heat generated in the soft iron parts. The computation of the fluid&ndash;wall interaction phenomena in the air gap allowed for the prediction of the temperature field across the solid materials, including the magnets. The design of the EC damper addresses the effects of the geometries of the stator and rotor, as they are the most critical geometries for maximizing the functions of an eddy current damper. The magneto-thermal simulations suggested that the heating of the permanent magnets remains within a safe region over the investigated operational frequency range of the eddy current damper

Integral Methodology for the Multiphysics Design of an Automotive Eddy Current Damper

The present work reports an integrated (experimental and numerical) methodology that combines the development of a finite element multiphysics model with an experimental strategy to optimally design an eddy current damper for automotive suspensions. The multiphysics model couples the whole set of time-dependent electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and fluid–wall interaction (CFD) partial differential equations. The developed FE model was validated against both literature model predictions and in-house experimental data. The electromagnetic model takes into account the magnetic material characteristics of the ferromagnetic material and iron poles. Loss separation and the Jiles–Atherton hysteresis models were invoked to determine the heat generated in the soft iron parts. The computation of the fluid–wall interaction phenomena in the air gap allowed for the prediction of the temperature field across the solid materials, including the magnets. The design of the EC damper addresses the effects of the geometries of the stator and rotor, as they are the most critical geometries for maximizing the functions of an eddy current damper. The magneto-thermal simulations suggested that the heating of the permanent magnets remains within a safe region over the investigated operational frequency range of the eddy current damper