Audi is in the advanced stages of establishing a power-generating suspension system, automobile reveal can reveal. The concept stems from the now common technology of brake energy regeneration, as Audi looks to harness wasted energy as well as cut fuel consumption.
At the introduce of the new Audi A3 e-tron plug-in hybrid, Audi R&D chief Dr Ulrich Hackenberg verified Audi has effectively established a ‘generator suspension’ that will ultimately be offered in production models.
Advertisement – post continues below
• a lot of cost-effective cars
Dr Hackenberg explained: ‘What people don’t realise is that dampers get very hot. When working difficult over a bumpy road, the dampers are maybe 100 to 125 degrees. This energy is lost as warm into the atmosphere. So, we will replace the suspension with a generator.’
Though Hackenberg was coy on certain details, it’s possible Audi will incorporate a turning generator system into the damper, which is spun as the suspension compresses. Audi’s R&D supremo stated the caught electrical energy will be kept in batteries to power the car’s hybrid drive system, though it’s likewise possible the additional present might be utilized to juice the car’s ancillary electrical systems. Such a configuration would minimize resistance on the combustion engine as well as enhance fuel mileage.
• finest hybrid cars and trucks to get now
Dr. Hackenberg likewise hinted exactly how the system might be advanced for more performance-orientated cars. ‘Because we can send energy back into the damper, you will have an separately variable suspension. This can [counteract] roll [of the car’s body].
It’s uncertain when the energy suspension will make either a idea cars and truck or production debut, however Dr Hackenberg did pithily hint the innovation would be great news for the UK, because of exactly how difficult the dampers have to work on Britain’s pothole-scarred roads.
