Magnetorheological damper–based positioning system with power generation

This study investigates a newly developed positioning system based on a rotary magnetorheological damper with power generation capability, comprising an electromagnetic power generator (energy extractor) generating electrical power, an magnetorheological damper which alters the damping characteristics of the system and an electrical interface, connected in between the coil of the generator and the damper control coil, which conditions the voltage output from the generator. Structural configurations of the damper and the generator are outlined, and the results of their testing and the testing done on the entire system are summarised, covering the tests conducted with and without the interface, under the idle run and under load in the assumed velocity range. The objective of the work is to examine the performance of the proposed positioning system through experiments. Results of the system testing in the uncontrolled case (passive system) and in the controlled one (semi-active system) in a purpose-built test rig are compared and discussed. Three design options of the electrical system controlling the damper are explored. In the first option, the damper is assumed to be controlled starting from the initial moment of the motor shaft’s motion, and in the second option, the control action begins at the instant when the motor shaft assumes the present position. The third variant is similar to the first one except that an additional condenser is connected behind the Graetz bridge. The results confirm the adequacy of the developed positioning system and demonstrate an improvement in control of the system’s dynamic behaviour.