Electromechanical regenerative actuator with fault tolerance capability for automotive chassis applications

This paper investigates an electromechanical regenerative actuator (EMR) for automotive chassis applications. The actuator system comprises an electric machine, a ball screw and a controller. The designs of these three components are studied first. Control algorithms were then developed for both converter and inverter topologies. A prototype actuator was fabricated and tested in the lab. It was found that the regenerative system achieves the required performance, and also has the capability to regenerate power to improve real world fuel economy.