- Regenerative Braking recovers some of the kinetic energy that would otherwise turn into heat and instead converts it into electricity.
- It is a way of taking the wasted energy from the process of slowing down a car and using it to recharge the car’s batteries. On a normal car, braking wastes energy – but with regenerative braking, some of the energy can be reused.
How does Regenerative Braking Work?
- A Regenerative Braking System (RBS) used in automotive applications has several advantages like better braking efficiency in stop-and-go traffic which enhances fuel economy and also helps in reducing carbon emissions.
- Besides, RBS also helps in energy optimization, resulting in minimum energy wastage.
- The efficiency of HEVs and EVs will largely be determined by their ability to recover as much energy as possible while braking, with a higher degree of energy recovery lowering fuel consumption.
- The adoption of regenerative braking technology in the auto industry is increasing on account of the operating efficiency of vehicles through reduced fuel consumption and the extended range of batteries.
- The technology is also used in electric railways.
- Rail transit can be described as the frequent acceleration and braking of trains across many stations.
- This increases the potential for braking energy recovery using energy storage systems, which can recuperate and reuse braking energy from metro cars, further enhancing energy efficiency.
Advantages of RBS
The advantages of the RBS are:
- Improved fuel efficiency in hybrid and electric vehicles.
- Reduced brake wear and maintenance.
- Enhanced overall vehicle efficiency.
Disadvantages of RBS
The limitations of the RBS are:
- Limited effectiveness at low speeds.
- Initial system cost and complexity.
- Reduced regenerative braking in cold weather.
