How Regenerative Braking Works in EVs-GRK

 


1. Introduction

Regenerative braking is an energy recovery mechanism used in Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). Unlike conventional vehicles, where braking energy is wasted as heat, EVs convert part of the vehicle’s kinetic energy back into electrical energy and store it in the battery.

This improves:

  • Energy efficiency

  • Driving range

  • Battery utilization

  • Overall vehicle performance

2. Conventional Braking vs Regenerative Braking

Conventional Braking System

In Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles:

  • When the driver presses the brake pedal, brake pads press against the disc.

  • Kinetic energy → Converted into heat energy.

  • Energy is completely wasted.

This is known as friction braking.

Regenerative Braking System

In EVs:

  • The electric motor operates in reverse mode.

  • Kinetic energy → Converted into electrical energy.

  • Energy is stored in the battery.

3. Working Principle of Regenerative Braking

The principle is based on electromagnetic induction.

Normally:

  • Battery → Supplies current → Motor rotates → Wheels move.

During regenerative braking:

  • Wheels rotate the motor.

  • Motor acts as a generator.

  • Mechanical energy → Electrical energy.

  • Electrical energy → Stored in battery.

This is similar to how a generator works.

4. Step-by-Step Working Process

  1. Driver releases accelerator or presses brake pedal

  2. Control system sends signal to motor controller.

  3. Power flow reverses:

    • Wheels → Motor

    • Motor → Generator mode

  4. AC/DC conversion through inverter.

  5. Electrical energy sent to battery pack.

  6. Vehicle slows down due to electromagnetic resistance.

5. Main Components Involved

  1. Electric Motor – Acts as motor and generator.

  2. Motor Controller/Inverter – Controls power flow.

  3. Battery Pack – Stores recovered energy.

  4. Brake Control Unit (BCU) – Coordinates regenerative and friction braking.

  5. Power Electronics – Manage voltage and current flow.

6. Energy Flow Diagram (Conceptual Representation)

During Acceleration:
Battery → Inverter → Motor → Wheels

During Regenerative Braking:
Wheels → Motor (Generator Mode) → Inverter → Battery

7. Types of Regenerative Braking

  1. Series Regenerative Braking

    • Regenerative braking first.

    • Friction braking used only when needed.

  2. Parallel Regenerative Braking

    • Both regenerative and friction braking operate together.

  3. Blended Braking

    • Smart combination controlled electronically.

    • Most common in modern EVs.

8. Advantages

  • Improves driving range (5–25% increase)

  • Reduces brake wear

  • Increases overall efficiency

  • Reduces heat loss

  • Environmentally friendly

9. Limitations

  • Cannot fully stop the vehicle alone

  • Less effective at very low speeds

  • Battery must be capable of accepting charge

  • Efficiency depends on state of charge (SOC)

10. Real-World Examples

  • Tesla Model 3 – Strong regenerative braking with one-pedal driving.

  • Nissan Leaf – Uses e-Pedal technology.

  • Toyota Prius – Hybrid system with regenerative braking.

11. Numerical Example (Simple Concept)

If a vehicle of mass 1500 kg moves at 20 m/s:

Kinetic Energy = ½ mv²
= ½ × 1500 × (20)²
= 300,000 Joules

Part of this energy can be recovered (typically 60–70% depending on system efficiency).

12. Conclusion

Regenerative braking is a key technology in electric and hybrid vehicles that significantly enhances energy efficiency and vehicle range. By converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy, it minimizes energy loss and supports sustainable transportation systems.

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