Modelling and performance evaluation of energy harvesting linear magnetorheological (MR) damper

Abstract

In this study, an magnetorheological (MR) damper has been designed based on its energy harvesting capability which combines the key benefits of energy generation (reusing lost energy) and magnetorheological damping (controllable damping force). The energy harvesting part has a magnet and coil arrangement to generate energy. A two-dimensional axisymmetric model of the proposed magnetorheological damper is developed in COMSOL Multiphysics where different magnetic field properties are analysed generally by finite element method. Finally, the energy harvesting capability of the proposed magnetorheological damper model is tested by a universal testing machine and observed through an oscilloscope. The maximum induced output voltage was around 0.7 V.