Electrical Engineering XYZ MCQs
Which of the following is a valid electrical braking method:
- Regenerative
- Plugging
- Dynamic
- All of these
Correct answer: 4. All of these
Explanation: The term brake means to slow down, decelerate, or to reduce speed. The term AC motor braking refers to the method of causing an AC motor to brake, or slow down.
- Regenerative Braking: Regenerative braking is a method used in electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as some electric trains and trams, to recover energy during braking. When the vehicle slows down, instead of dissipating the kinetic energy as heat through friction brakes, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy which can be stored in batteries or fed back into the electrical grid. Continue reading about regenerative braking here
- Plugging (or Reverse Regenerative Braking): Plugging is another method of electrical braking where the direction of the electric motor is reversed during braking. By reversing the polarity of the motor, it generates a braking torque opposite to the direction of motion, effectively slowing down the motor or the vehicle. Plugging is not as efficient as regenerative braking in terms of energy recovery, but it is still a valid electrical braking method. Continue reading about plugging braking method here
- Dynamic Braking: Dynamic braking is a method used in electric trains, trams, and some electric vehicles where the electric motor is turned into a generator during braking. Instead of dissipating the generated electrical energy, it is dissipated as heat through resistors or other methods. This helps in slowing down the vehicle by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy and then dissipating it as heat. Continue reading about plugging braking method here
All three of these methods are valid electrical braking methods, each with its own advantages and applications.