Braking Resistor

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Chapter 5 - Resistor Applications

What is a Braking Resistor?

braking resistor wirewoundThe property of resistors to dissipate heat can be used to slow down a mechanical system. This process is called dynamic braking and such a resistor is called a dynamic braking resistor (or simply a brake resistor). To decelerate an electric motor, kinetic energy is transformed back into electrical energy. This energy is dissipated using a power resistor. Dynamic braking can be rheostatic and regenerative. In rheostatic braking, the energy is dissipated as heat in a resistor. In regenerative braking, the electric power is fed back in the system. The last option generally has a higher cost. Brake resistors are used for (small) motion systems, but also for large constructions such as trains or trams. A big advantage over friction braking systems is the lower wear and tear and faster deceleration.

Advantages of dynamic braking resistors over friction braking:

  • Lower wear of components.
  • Control motor voltage within safe levels.
  • Faster braking of AC and DC motors.
  • Less service required and higher reliability.

Brake Resistor Technology

Brake resistors have relatively low ohmic values and a high power rating. Therefore, the wirewound resistor is a popular solution. They often have a ceramic core and are fully welded. They are usually encased in a frame to create a safe distance from other parts. To increase power dissipation capability, the frames often include cooling fins, fans or even water cooling.

Brake Resistors for Variable Frequency Drives

Most DC motors will behave as generators as soon as they are removed from the power supply. This is due to their permanent magnets. The generated energy can be dissipated by connecting a power resistor as load. AC induction motors don’t have permanent magnets. In these motors, the rotating magnetic field in the stator induces a magnetic field. Braking resistors are used for applications where the motor speed exceeds the speed that is set by the variable frequency drive (VFD) or when fast deceleration is required. They can provide controlled braking at an increased torque. If the rotational velocity of the motor exceeds the synchronous velocity from the VFD, it will act as a generator. The surplus energy will be fed into the VFD and increase the voltage on the DC bus. The larger the speed difference between the motor and the drive, the more energy will be fed back. It is important to correctly size a braking resistor. The lower the ohmic value of a resistor, the faster it can stop the motor and the more heat it generates. To compensate for this, the resistor must be bigger or use a heat sink. The designer must design the system and select the resistor with a sufficient power rating to stay under the resistor temperature limits during braking. The resistance range is usually limited by a minimum value (to prevent over current) and a maximum value (for a low power dissipation capability).

Brake Resistors in Trains

braking resistor on roof of train

Stopping a train requires the dissipation of a lot of energy. Conventional disc brakes alone suffer from too much wear and maintenance. Dynamic braking is therefore often used as additional system. In dynamic train braking, the kinetic energy of the train is transformed into electric current at the traction motors of the locomotive. Often this system is included in addition to a friction braking system. The generated current is dissipated under the locomotive car body in large onboard banks of resistors. To protect the resistors, they are cooled by big air fans. Another protection system is thermal monitoring. Whenever the resistors become too hot, the train will switch to friction braking. Most diesel trains are now equipped with dynamic brakes, but in the past the system was used mainly in the mountains, where overheating on long descents caused overheating of the traditional brakes. When a train with dynamic brakes is passing by, one can hear the use of the brakes which make a humming sound.