Rheostatic Braking

rheostatic braking

[¦rē·ə¦stad·ik ′brāk·iŋ] (engineering) A system of dynamic braking in which direct-current drive motors are used as generators and convert the kinetic energy of the motor rotor and connected load to electrical energy, which in turn is dissipated as heat in a braking rheostat connected to the armature.

Rheostatic Braking

 

a method of electric braking in which an electric motor operates as a generator. The kinetic energy of the motor rotor and connected load is dissipated in a starting rheostat or a special braking rheostat, and a braking torque is produced on the shaft of the machine. Rheostatic braking is usually used for the light braking or complete stoppage of a transport vehicle or moving mechanical system of comparatively small mass, where the amount of energy released in the braking is comparatively small.