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Regenerative Braking
Context:
Driven by the desire for sustainability, regenerative braking is the latest addition to EV technology in the automotive sector.
Normal Braking: In a traditional vehicle, when you brake, the car’s kinetic energy (the energy it has while moving) is turned into heat and wasted.
Regenerative Braking
- Regenerative braking is a brake system designed to convert the kinetic energy of the wheels, typically lost as heat during braking, to a form that can be stored and used for other purposes.
- During regenerative braking, the motor operates as a generator, turning mechanical energy back to electrical energy, which is stored separately in a battery and used for other purposes.
- Regenerative braking works on the principle of the law of conservation of energy.
- Regenerative Braking claims to recapture as much as 70% of the kinetic energy typically lost from braking.
Significance of Regenerative Banking
- Energy Efficiency: Reuses energy, reducing the need for frequent battery recharges.
- Extended Range: Allows electric and hybrid vehicles to travel further on a single charge.
- Less Wear and Tear: Decreases wear on traditional brake components, lowering maintenance costs.
- Regenerative brakes are beneficial in stop-start traffic.
- Aids in reducing carbon emissions.
Challenges
- Regenerative braking alone often cannot bring a vehicle to a complete stop and needs to be supplemented by conventional braking systems.
- Regenerative brakes may not prevent vehicles from sliding backward on a downhill slope.
- The efficiency of energy recovery decreases as the vehicle’s speed slows down.
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Another way to recover energy
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