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Audi has revealed a new shock absorber system that could make for smoother, more efficient car travel.
The technology captures the energy generated in the suspension as a car passes over potholes and bumps, putting it to use rather than losing it in the form of heat.
Called eRot, Audi’s electromechanical damper system converts kinetic energy into electricity, which can be used to power a hybrid car or electrical components. This is done using a lever arm to absorb the motion of the wheel carrier, and transmitting the force to an electric motor. Then the energy is converted into electricity.
“Every pothole, every bump, every curve induces kinetic energy in the car. Today’s dampers absorb this energy, which is lost in the form of heat,” said Dr Stefan Knirsch, board member for technical development at Audi. “With the new electromechanical damper system in the 48V electrical system, we put this energy to use. It also presents us and our customers with entirely new possibilities for adjusting the suspension.”
Audi said the recuperation output is 100-150W on average during testing on German roads – ranging from 3W on a freshly paved freeway to 613W on a rough secondary road. The technology is based on a high-output 48-volt electrical system
Under customer driving conditions, this corresponds to a cut in emissions of carbon dioxide of up to 4.8g per mile, said the firm.
Audi said: “With this future technology development we are looking beyond the electrification of the drivetrain to the electrification of the chassis. An important consideration with this technology is optimal performance and comfort on a wide variety of road surfaces globally.”
The manufacturer is testing the eRot concept with a view to bringing the technology to market in the medium to long term.