ADVANCED REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM

ABSTRACT: Regenerative Braking System is the way of slowing vehicle by using the motors as brakes. Instead of the surplus energy of the vehicle being wasted as unwanted heat, the motors act as generators and return some of it to the overhead wires as electricity. The vehicle is primarily powered from the electrical energy generated from the generator, which burns gasoline. This energy is stored in a large battery, and used by an electric motor that provides motive force to the wheels. The regenerative barking taking place on the vehicle is a way to obtain more efficiency; instead of converting kinetic energy to thermal energy through frictional braking, the vehicle can convert a good fraction of its kinetic energy back into charge in the battery, using the same principle as an alternator.

INTRODUCTION:

Regenerative braking system is a technologically advanced braking system that has set new benchmarks in the car industry. The technology was introduced aimed at making hybrid and electric cars more efficient and powerful. Many innovative processes were tried and examined to reduce fuel consumption in the process of producing green cars. One such process was the regenerative braking system. The advanced braking system is completely different from the traditional braking system. It recaptures, stores, and reuses the energy that is lost during deceleration or braking. In conventional cars the recaptured and stored energy is used to power electrical components including headlights, car audio

system, and air conditioner whereas in hybrid cars the same energy is used to charge the battery that powers the electric motor of the car. In the process the performance of the electric motor is actually reversed to send power to the battery which is then stored for later use.In India there are not much cars that are equipped with this advanced braking system but with the entry of new green cars the technology will also become popular. Some of the cars with regenerative braking in India are Honda Civic Hybrid and Maini Reva. TYPES OF REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM There are mainly two types of regenerative braking system, The electrical and The hydraulic.

ELECTRICAL OR HYBRID REGENERATIVE BRAKING: In this type of braking system, braking is mainly accomplished by switching motors to serve the functions of a generator and convert motion into electricity. The energy that is recaptured is stored into the battery to provide almost 30% enhanced efficiency. The actual efficiency depends on many factors including the state of battery charge and number of wheels equipped to use the braking system. If in case powerful braking is required, traditional friction-based brakes are also essential. HYDRAULIC REGENERATIVE BRAKING: This type of braking system is patented by Ford Motor Company and the Eaton Corporation. When the driver applies brakes the kinetic energy of the car is used to power a reversible pump. Powered pump sends hydraulic fluid from a low pressure accumulator to a high pressure accumulator. Accumulator is a type of storage tank inside the car where pressure is created by nitrogen gas. When the fluid is pumped into the accumulator the nitrogen gas is compressed, which in turn slows down the car and brings it to a complete stop. When the driver presses the accelerator the pressurized fluid in the accumulator is used to accelerate the car. WORKING OF REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM Working of the regenerative braking system is completely difference from the conventional braking system. In the traditional braking systems the brake pads rub against the wheels and this rubbing generates excessive heat. The heat energy produced dissipates into the air, wasting up to 30% of the power generated by the cars engine. Over a period of time, friction that counteracts the forward motion and the wasted heat energy reduces the fuel efficiency of the car. Under such a situation more energy or power output is required so that the energy wasted or lost during braking can be replaced.

When such a braking system is used in the electric or hybrid car, the electric motor helps the brake to decelerate the car. When the driver applies brake friction is caused and the electric motor is placed into a reverse mode. In the reverse mode the motor generates torque that counteracts the forward momentum and finally stops the car. While decelerating or braking some amount of energy is released into the surrounding. Regenerative braking system also uses an almost similar phenomenon but the outcome and result is completely different from the traditional braking system. It comprises a motor that performs dual function of a motor as well as a generator. Both electric motors and electric generators are two different components of the same braking system but have different configurations. When the car is moving in the forward direction the motor serves as a motor and when the electric motor of a hybrid car begins to reverse direction while applying brakes, it acts as an electric generator or dynamo. When a car is cruising down the road, it generates kinetic energy that supports the forward motion of the car. When brakes are applied using the regenerative braking system the electric motor is used to decelerate the car. This places the motor in the reverse direction that eventually reverses the flow of power to stop the car. With the regenerative braking system when the electric motor stops the car the amount of kinetic energy liberated is recaptured and stored by the battery. In case of emergency the stored energy is transferred to the electric motor to power the car. Pros and Cons of Regenerative Braking Regenerative braking is an essential step towards our ultimate independence from fossil fuels. These types of brakes enable the car to be driven for longer period of time without any need of recharging and hence reduce dependency on natural resources like petrol and other alternative fuels. It also helps extend the driving range of fully electric vehicles. Moreover, the brake tends to have a longer life and lower cost of maintenance as they are used less. Regenerative braking system is much more efficient and advantageous than the traditional braking system. In terms of usage and performance there is not much difference but still the advanced braking system offers better fuel efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The main disadvantage of the regenerative braking system is that the initial cost of installing the braking system. The system is completely based on old technologies and therefore it still relies on the friction braking. When this type of braking process is used alone the affect is dramatically reduced and the performance is hampered even at lower speeds.