Electric dynamic braking is a method used to slow down or stop an electric motor by reversing its torque direction.
Understanding Dynamic Braking
Dynamic braking, also referred to as rheostatic braking, provides a way to apply a braking force to a running motor. The core principle involves using the motor itself to generate the stopping force.
Here's how it works, based on the process described:
- You essentially disconnect your running motor from its power source.
- With the power removed, the motor's rotor continues to rotate due to inertia.
- This continued rotation, while disconnected from the power supply, causes the motor's rotor to begin to rotate due to inactivity, thus functioning as a generator.
- This generated energy can be dissipated, typically through resistors, which creates a braking torque that allows you to break a motor by reversing the torque's direction.
In essence, the motor temporarily transforms into a generator, and the energy it produces as it spins down is used to create the necessary opposition (braking torque) to slow or stop its rotation.
Key Aspects of Dynamic Braking
- Reverses Torque: The braking force acts in the opposite direction of the motor's rotation.
- Disconnects Power: The motor is taken offline from its normal power supply during braking.
- Motor Acts as Generator: The kinetic energy of the rotating rotor is converted into electrical energy.
- Alternative Name: It is also known as rheostatic braking.
This technique is commonly employed in various applications where controlled deceleration of an electric motor is required.
