Sometimes the speed at which motor’s function can be too much for a project. Faulty braking functionality has been known to cause mass recalls and accidents.

Dynamic Braking, almost like a failsafe generator in action, can be advantageous in these situations. This guide will show you how Dynamic Braking works and how it can help our brake systems.

What Is Dynamic Braking

Dynamic braking is the technique of electrically distributing the rotational energy of an armature of a DC motor. It allows machinery to reverse continual force that occurs when disconnected from electrical energy etc.

The inactivity from this disconnection can allow the motor to act as a sort of generator. Then, the force reverses its direction, providing a quick method of slowing down a vehicle or device.

So, by the use of a resistor and load contacts from a contactor, a motor can stop or slow down. This is done by turning the rotational energy into heat.

Braking in Cars

Braking is the process of distributing or dissipating energy. Brakes on a car use friction from brake pads to the rotors.

The design of the rotors has their cooling fans pressed between the discs. So, the rotors get hot and this heat disperses into the surrounding air.

The brakes convert the motor of the car to heat energy which dissipates into the air. The repetition of this process requires users to replace their brake pads. So, if these parts are not well-maintained they will fail over time.

Dynamic braking requires very few moving parts. Thus, it is not prone to the failure of mechanical brakes. Many machines can take advantage of dynamic braking with electric motors

DC Motor Brake

The rate at which a motor stops when detaching from an electrical energy source is minimal. The stopping process will take more time when dealing with a larger motor.

The stored energy within the motor has a high amount of rotational inertia. But, by treating the motor as a generator, we can reverse its torque pattern.

When the torque is reversed, the rotational energy is brought to the shaft, opposite of its rotational path.

As a result, the stored energy in the motor will begin to disperse. This will allow the device to come to a quick and complete stop.

Many types of machinery utilizing a DC motor can take advantage of this process. Any electric vehicle such as a tram, or a car or trolleybus, can use this function to slow motor functions to a halt.

It is also applicable to various facility devices such as pumps or conveyor belts. Most machinery that maintains a centrifugal force can slow its speed using this technique.

Dynamic Braking

Dynamic Braking is an effective method of preventing serious mechanical brake failure. If certain types of machinery, with poor fail-safe methods, break down, it could lead to serious injury or damage to personal property.

This method of braking can reduce the wear and tear of braking parts, especially ones that rely on friction. Follow our blog for more information on utilizing electrical brakes.