The present invention provides regenerative passive and semi-active
suspension systems. A regenerative suspension system generally includes
at least one regenerative damper, a module, an electric switch, and a
battery. The at least one regenerative damper converts mechanical
vibration energy within a vehicle into a voltage, which the damper passes
to the module. The module measures the voltage from the regenerative
damper, and in response, changes electric switch settings for each
regenerative damper between an open circuit, a closed circuit completed
by a power resistance, and a closed circuit completed by circuitry for
charging a battery. Additionally, the module sets electric switch levels
to adjust the damping forces within each regenerative damper.