Self-Excited Induction Generator as an Auxiliary Brake for Heavy Vehicles and Its Analog Controller

Abstract

A self-excited induction generator (SEIG) can be a candidate for isolated applications because it does not require any external exciting power but can independently generate electricity. It is also a good candidate for auxiliary brakes in heavy vehicles for several reasons. First, the power efficiency in a brake system is not important as compared with motors or generators. Second, an SEIG can be controlled by a simple electrical circuit. Third, it can be used for regenerative braking. Finally, it is very robust. In this paper, an auxiliary brake for heavy vehicles is proposed by adapting an SEIG and its analog control circuit. The brake structure is the same as that in conventional eddy current brakes but operates as an SEIG. The suggested control circuit does not adopt an electric controller unit but only consists of simple electric devices. A miniature model was designed and manufactured, and the experimental results using the prototype verify that the proposed brake system, including the controller, is very useful.