Investigation on full vehicle height control algorithm using feedback linearization method

Aiming to improve the control accuracy of the vehicle height for the air suspension system, deeply analyzing the processes of variable mass gas thermodynamics and vehicle dynamics, a nonlinear height control model of the air suspension vehicle was built. To deal with the nonlinear characteristic existing in the lifting and lowering processes, the nonlinear model of vehicle height control was linearized by using a feedback linearization method. Then, based on the linear full vehicle model, the sliding model controller was designed to achieve the control variables. Finally, the nonlinear control algorithm in the original coordinates can be achieved by the inverse transformation of coordinates. To validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the sliding mode controller, the height control processes were simulated in Matlab, i.e., the lifting and lowering processes of the air suspension vehicle were taken when vehicle was in stationary and driving at a constant speed. The simulation results show that, compared to other controllers, the designed sliding model controller based on the feedback linearization can effectively solve the “overshoot” problem, existing in the height control process, and force the vehicle height to reach the desired value, so as to greatly improve the speed and accuracy of the height control process. Besides, the sliding mode controller can well regulate the roll and pitch motions of the vehicle body, thereby improving the vehicle's ride comfort.