Article
Article
Dynamic braking
Article By:
Eckels, Arthur R. Formerly, Department of Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.207500
A technique for braking in which mechanical energy is converted to heat or electrical energy in order to slow or stop motion. An all-mechanical dynamic brake consists of rotating vanes that circulate a viscous fluid in a manner that generates heat. This is one way that the power of the wind is harnessed for space heating. An electric dynamic brake consists of an electric dynamo in which the mechanical energy is converted to electric form, and either converted to heat in a resistor or returned to the supply lines. Typically, electric braking is accomplished with the same machine that serves as the drive motor. Electric dynamic braking is employed in electric vehicles, elevators, and other electrically driven devices that start and stop frequently. See also: Wind power
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