Analytical and experimental studies on active suspension system of light passenger vehicle to improve ride comfort

This paper describes the development of active suspension system of light passenger vehicle to improve ride comfort of the passengers using PID (Proportional Integral - Derivative) controller. The system is subjected to bumpy road and its performance is assessed and compared with a passive suspension system. Tuning of the controller parameters is also illustrated. Experimental verification of analytical results is carried out. It is found that ride comfort is improved by 78.03%, suspension travel has been reduced by 71.05% and road holding ability is improved by 60% with active suspension system when compared with passive suspension system. Therefore it is concluded that active suspension system with PID controller is superior to passive suspension system.