Characterization of Pole Location on Unipolar Axial Eddy Current Brake

Abstract

Vehicle generally require an optimal braking system, eddy current brake (ECB) can be used as an alternative to the conventional braking system. Unipolar Axial ECB was discussed in this paper. Performance of ECB is influenced by several factors, like the distance of the pole location to center of the shaft. In this paper will discuss performance of eddy current brake if the pole location is varied. Finite element method (FEM) based modeling are used to describe the eddy current change. Size and design of ECB are based on a conventional hydraulic braking system. The standard pole location will be similar to the brake pad on a conventional hydraulic braking system. It was found that some variations of the pole location affects the braking torque. It is because the eddy current turn path area become narrow on the rotor, thus affecting ECB performance.