Abstract
In this study, an Energy-Regenerative MR damper was constructed and its performance was studied experimentally. Magneto-Rheological (MR) Grease is known as a kind of smart material which can change its rheological property by applying magnetic field. When this Grease is used as working oil of a damper, this damper is called MR Grease damper. This damper is classified into semi-active type of vibration control device. Usually, MR Grease damper has an electric coil. When applying current to the coil, magnetic circuit is formed and the damping property of MR Grease damper can be changed because of the rheological property change of MR Grease. This time, an energy regenerating mechanism which was composed of a ball screw system and a generator was designed and attached to the MR Grease damper. Vibration experiment was performed in three conditions; operate the damper as a passive type of damper, operate the damper as a mechatronic type of damper, and operate the damper as a regenerative type of damper. As a result, the damping force and regenerated voltage were measured. This experiment revealed that this damper could regenerate up to 30% of vibration energy.
