Cooperative Control of Interconnected Air Suspension Based on Energy Consumption Optimization

In this study, a cooperative control method based on model predictive control and multiagent theory is proposed to control an interconnected air suspension system with three controllable structures of interconnection mode, damping, and vehicle height. The model predictive controller is constructed based on a discrete-time state-space model. The optimal interval for suspension force is obtained through solving cost functions while satisfying a set of constraints on controlled variables and thereby reducing the coupling complexity of a multivariable control system. Deliberative agents are involved in building cost functions of interconnection mode, vehicle height adjustment, and damping force, and the energy consumption control strategy is established to realize suspension force distribution with low energy consumption. Finally, the test results show that the proposed control method can significantly improve vehicle ride comfort and restrain rollover on the premise of ensuring energy efficiency. Compared with traditional control, the peak value of the sprung mass acceleration speed decreases by 70% and the peak value of the unsprung mass acceleration speed decreases by 75% under straight-driving condition. The roll angle decreases by 40% under the steering condition. As for the traditional control, they are skyhook, imitation skyhook, and PID-PWM control strategies.