Vehicle Vibration Reduction Using Hydraulic Dampers with Piezoelectric Valves

Ensuring adequate comfort and safety in vehicle motion is a subject of extensive research worldwide. Despite the implementation of new control algorithms, including those leveraging AI, the application of effective semi-active vibration dampers remains crucial for achieving optimal suspension performance. This article presents experimental studies conducted on a vehicle equipped with semi-active suspension featuring custom-designed hydraulic dampers controlled by piezoelectric valves. These innovative dampers are characterized by extremely short response times, enabling real-time adaptation to varying driving conditions. A simple control algorithm designed to operate based on real-time signals from suspension sensors is introduced and evaluated. The experimental setup, including the measurement system used during testing, is described in detail. The presented results highlight the significant potential of this approach for improving driver comfort under specific driving conditions, even without detecting road roughness ahead of the vehicle.