Two Basic Methods Used For Braking a Motor (DC Injection

and Dynamic)

Two Basic Methods Used For Braking a Motor (DC Injection and Dynamic) (photo credit:
bearingdynamics.com.au)Braking a Motor
Two common basic methods used for braking a motor are DC injection braking and dynamic braking.
We will look at both in detail, starting with electric braking.
DC Injection BrakingDynamic Braking
1. DC Injection Braking
DC injection braking is a method of braking in which direct current (DC) is applied to the stationary
windings of an AC motor after the AC voltage is removed. This is an efficient and effective method of
braking most AC motors.
DC injection braking provides a quick and smooth braking action on all types of loads, including
high- speed and high-inertia loads.
Recall that opposite magnetic poles attract and like magnetic poles repel. This principle, when
applied to both AC and DC motors, is the reason why the motor shaft rotates.

Figure 1 DCinjection braking of a motor

In an AC induction motor, when the AC voltage is removed, the motor will coast to a standstill over a
period of time, since there is no induced field to keep it rotating. Since the coasting time may be
unacceptable, particularly in an emergency situation, electric braking can be used to provide a more
immediate stop.
By applying a DC voltage to the stationary windings once the AC is removed, a magnetic field is
created in the stator that will not change polarity.
In turn, this constant magnetic field in the stator creates a magnetic field in the rotor. Since the
magnetic field of the stator is not changing in polarity, it will attempt to stop the rotor when the
magnetic fields are aligned (N to S and S to N).
DC injection motor braking demonstration (VIDEO)
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The only thing that can keep the rotor from stopping with the first alignment is the rotational inertia
of the load connected to the motor shaft. However, since the braking action of the stator is present
at all times, the motor is braked quickly and smoothly to a standstill.
Since there are no parts that come in physical contact during braking, maintenance is kept to a
minimum.
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2. Dynamic Braking
Dynamic braking is another method for braking a motor. It is achieved by reconnecting a running
motor to act as a generator immediately after it is turned off, rapidly stopping the motor. The
generator action converts the mechanical energy of rotation to electrical energy that can be
dissipated as heat in a resistor.
Dynamic braking of a DC motor may be needed because DC motors are often used for lifting and
moving heavy loads that may be difficult to stop.
There must be access to the rotor windings in order to reconnect the motor to act as a generator. On
a DC motor, access is accomplished through the brushes on the commutator.

In this circuit, the armature terminals of the DC motor are disconnected from the power supply and
immediately connected across a resistor, which acts as a load. The smaller the resistance of the
resistor, the greater the rate of energy dissipation and the faster the motor slows down.

Figure 2
Dynamic braking is often used with electromechanical friction braking
The field windings of the DC motor are left connected to the power supply. The armature generates
a voltage referred to as counter electromotive force (CEMF). This CEMF causes current to flow
through the resistor and armature. The current causes heat to be dissipated in the resistor,
removing energy from the system and slowing the motor rotation.
The generated CEMF decreases as the speed of the motor decreases. As the motor speed
approaches zero, the generated voltage also approaches zero. This means that the braking action
lessens as the speed of the motor decreases.
As a result, a motor cannot be braked to a complete stop using dynamic braking. Dynamic braking
also cannot hold a load once it is stopped, because there is no more braking action.
For this reason, electromechanical friction brakes are sometimes used along with dynamic braking
in applications that require the load to be held, or in applications where a large heavy load is to be
stopped. This is similar to using a parachute to slow a race car before applying the brakes.
Dynamic braking for AC motors can be handled with an adjustable frequency drive.
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Reference // Basics of motors and motor control by Eaton
http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/methods-braking-motor