On the Rebound: Scientists invent regenerative shocks

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:20:00 EST

Scientists at Tufts University have patented a shock absorber that converts compressive energy into electricity, which can then be stored in a hybrid vehicle's batteries. Called the Power-Generating Shock Absorber (PGSA), actually an electromagnetic linear generator, it uses "magnet arrays, high magnetic permeability spaces, coil winding arrays," and a linear electric motor to capture the energy of its motion and use it to charge the batteries.

The movement of a standard shock absorber creates heat, which is neutralized by the oil in the shock. In a PGSA, a linear electric motor converts the magnetic field created by the repetitive motion into electricity. Or, if you like your technology to sound science-y, it "uses an electromagnetic linear generator to convert variable frequency, repetitive intermittent linear displacement motion to useful electrical power."

The technology can be used on any vehicle that uses shocks and batteries, but its greatest application could be on trucks due to their higher mass and electricity-generation potential. Electric Truck, LLC has licensed the shock technology, which is predicted to generate between 2kW and 17kW of energy on an average road. According to the men who created it, "the percentage of recoverable power/energy for a 2,500 lb vehicle that employs four optimized design regenerative magnetic shock absorbers and whose average speed is 45 mph on a typical US highway is likely to be between 20% and 70%." Put four of those on a Prius and stay in town, and all of a sudden you're talking about interstellar gas mileage. Thanks for the tip, Paul

[Source: Gizmag via iCars]

On the Rebound: Scientists invent regenerative shocks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Maintenance 301: Front suspension/steering refresh, Part I

Eric Bryant — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:35:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance

Suspension components, charged with providing articulation while withstanding a constant beating from rough roads, live an incredibly tough life. Proper maintenance that includes regular lubrication helps, but once the odometer clicks over the sixth digit, it's often time for some fresh components. While the slow onset of wear might mask any issues, all it'll take is a spin in a newer vehicle or a look at the tread wear pattern to get some perspective on the problem.

Fortunately, for most of us, like-new handling precision can be restored with a few hours, a couple hundred bucks of parts (and maybe that much again for some specialty tools), and a skinned knuckle or two. We're going to tear into the front end of our 155,000-mile Buick Roadmaster to show you how it's done, and it might get some mild upgrades while we're at it.

Continue reading Autoblog Maintenance 301: Front suspension/steering refresh, Part I

Autoblog Maintenance 301: Front suspension/steering refresh, Part I originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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