What Is Regenerative Braking System and How Does It Work?
If you’re considering buying an electric or hybrid car, you’ve probably heard of regenerative braking. But what exactly does this term mean, and how does it feel to drive a vehicle equipped with this system? Read the blog post by Auto Simple, Chattanooga, TN, to learn more about the Regenerative Braking System and its function.
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When you press the brake pedal on your gasoline or diesel vehicle, the hydraulic fluid pushes brake pads against brake discs on each wheel (or drums on older and cheaper models). The resulting friction slows the car down while generating heat and removing the material on the pads and discs.
How Does Regenerative Braking System Work?
A car slows down in a conventional braking system due to friction between the brake pads and rotors. However, this system is highly inefficient in terms of energy conservation. When you apply the brakes, nearly all the kinetic energy propelling your car forward is lost as heat. That’s a lot of energy squandered!
This problem is solved by recapturing up to 70% of the kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. The amount of energy recovered is determined by your vehicle’s model and driving habits.
How Does RBS Produce Electricity?
Regulating the process that propels the car forward, regenerative braking converts kinetic energy into electricity. The drivetrain in electric vehicles is powered by a battery pack, which powers a motor (or motors), generating torque-rotational force on the wheels. In other words, electrical energy from the battery is converted into mechanical energy, which drives the wheels.
The energy from your spinning wheels is used to turn around the flow of electricity – from the electric motor(s) to the battery – with regenerative braking. To activate regenerative braking, remove your foot from the accelerator or, in some cases, push the brake pedal. Because the electric motor consumes energy, it not only functions as an electric generator but also helps slow your car down.
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