Analysis of parameter selection method of Eddy Current Brake for vehicle system

Abstract

The retarder brake system which is the main subject in this dissertation is a one of the auxiliary braking methods. An auxiliary brake is mandatory in large vehicle systems in Europe. However the traditional fluid type braking system does have a big braking power but the response time is slow. In order to reduce the response time an electrical type was developed. However despite reduce in response time, it used too much power from the vehicle system itself. A new type that had a fast response time but do not use up massive power was required. The Eddy Current Brake builds up current as the rotor rotates and uses that current to produce the braking power which is needed. Because the current is made by itself it does not require an additional source to produce torque. It can be designed to produce more current than needed and use the additional current to charge other devices. This means it can be used as a regenerating braking system. The Eddy Current Brake uses a RLC resonant circuit as a way to boost the current. Which means that it requires a specific combination between the components. The R and L is defined by the mechanical specs of the Eddy Current Brake, making it very difficult to control. However the C is added in the final process making it easy to configure. So determining the correct value of the capacitance is crucial. The main goal is to calculate the capacitance so the Eddy Current Brake operates.