Consider the following statements regarding Regenerative Braking System:

Statement I: Regenerative braking converts the kinetic energy lost during braking into electrical energy, which can be stored and reused to power the vehicle.

Statement II:In regenerative braking, the vehicle’s electric motor functions as a generator, allowing energy recovery instead of dissipating it as heat.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

The correct answer is option 1.

Key Points

Energy Recovery in Braking:

• Unlike traditional braking systems, where kinetic energy is converted into heat and lost, regenerative braking captures this energy and stores it as electrical energy for later use.
  • Hence, Statement I is correct.

• Role of the Electric Motor:

  • The electric motor in a regenerative braking system operates in reverse during braking, acting as a generator that converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electricity.
  • This recovered energy is stored in the vehicle’s battery or supercapacitor for future use.
    • Hence, Statement II is correct, and it explains Statement I.

Additional Information

Advantages of Regenerative Braking:

• Improves energy efficiency by reducing power wastage.
• Reduces wear and tear on friction brakes, lowering maintenance costs.
• Helps in reducing emissions by minimizing energy loss as heat.

Limitations:

• Less effective at low speeds due to reduced kinetic energy.
• Cannot fully replace conventional brakes and must be supplemented with traditional braking systems.