Dynamic braking is a technique used in motor control to dissipate the excess energy generated by a motor when it is decelerating or coming to a stop. When the motor is in an overhauling condition (i.e., it is turning faster than the set speed by an external force), or when it is actively being decelerated, it acts as a generator, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Without a mechanism to handle this energy, it could lead to voltage spikes and potential damage to the motor or the motor drive system.
A dynamic braking resistor is one of the common methods employed to control this excess energy. It consists of a resistor, typically made of a high-resistance material, like a wire-wound ceramic or metal grid. When the motor's speed is reduced or when it is overhauling, the excess energy generated is diverted to this braking resistor.
Here's how it works:
Motor deceleration: When the motor is decelerating or overhauling, it generates a back electromotive force (back-EMF) due to its rotation. This back-EMF tries to drive the motor as a generator, producing electrical energy.
Activation of dynamic braking: To apply dynamic braking, the motor control system detects the need for braking (deceleration) and routes the generated electrical energy to the dynamic braking resistor.
Diverting excess energy: The dynamic braking resistor is connected in parallel to the motor's armature or across its terminals. The excess electrical energy from the motor is directed through this resistor. The resistor dissipates the energy in the form of heat.
Energy dissipation: As the electrical energy passes through the dynamic braking resistor, it converts into heat energy, which is then radiated into the surrounding environment.
Reduced motor speed: The dissipation of energy through the resistor helps bring the motor to a controlled stop more quickly, preventing issues like voltage spikes and protecting the motor and other components in the motor drive system from potential damage.
Dynamic braking is an efficient method for handling excess energy in motor control, especially in applications where frequent acceleration and deceleration are required. However, it's important to note that this method does not recover or store the dissipated energy; it simply converts it into heat, so it may not be the most energy-efficient solution in all cases. Other methods, such as regenerative braking systems, can be more energy-efficient as they capture and reuse the braking energy.