What are Regenerative Braking Systems?

Regenerative Braking Systems or RBSs are kinetic energy recovery systems which transfer the kinetic energy of a moving object into stored or potential energy to slow down a vehicle and help increase fuel efficiency as a result. There are various energy conversion methods in RBS which include the flywheel, spring, and much more. Each type of regenerative braking system utilises a different energy conversion/storage method and has different applications and efficiency for each type. Here is more in detail about regenerative braking systems:

More about Regenerative Braking Systems (RBS)

RBSs are fitted to a vehicle’s drive wheels or set up along the drive train. It is here that they inhibit the wheels’ motion by using mechanical torque or magnetic fields. Such methods of inhibiting motion allow for energy to be produced under braking, contrary to friction brakes that waste energy to slow the vehicle.

History

You will be surprised to know that the idea that a brake could convert the kinetic energy it absorbs into potential energy for use afterwards has been around since the 1800s. The Baku-Tbilisi-Batumi railway began the application of RBS in the 1930s. This is one instance of early usage of RBS in railway systems.

In the 1950s, the development of the gyrobus by a company called Oerlikon took place. It utilized the flywheel as a method of energy storage. The impact of gyroscopic motion on the bus led to its discontinuation soon.

In the year 1967, the American Motor Car Company (AMC) made an electrical energy regeneration brake for the AMC Amitron. RBSs have now evolved to find usage in all-electric and hybrid cars and also in some gas-powered vehicles.

Where Are They Used?

RBSs find use in nearly every electric vehicle and hybrid electric vehicle. Also, modern hybrid and electric cars make use of an electric engine to power them. This makes the application of RBS efficient and simple.

Moreover, public transportation like bullet trains and buses use RBSs. In addition, if you consider a case study of the Delhi Metro by Mitsubishi Electric India, you will find out that it too uses the regenerative braking system. The case study is about “Metro Project Delhi”, which was one of the most important urban projects at the time, planned for addressing issues of transportation and the urban environment in Delhi. It talks about the role Mitsubishi Electric India played in the project, which today is the world’s first urban rail system that the UN has certified for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.

 Used for many applications, the regenerative braking system is a type of kinetic energy recovery system that provides a number of benefits. Apart from increasing the fuel efficiency, it also reduces environmental impact and helps in saving money.