Volume 9, Issue 1, January – 2024 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Regenerative Braking Systems
Kanak Sunil Patil ; Prasad Pandhareenath Desai
Shivaji University, Kolhapur
Abstract:- Regenerative braking systems have emerged as
a pivotal technology in the realm of transportation,
particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles. This
innovation transforms the conventional process of
braking by harnessing and repurposing kinetic energy
that is traditionally dissipated as heat. Through the
integration of specialized electric motors acting as
generators, the kinetic energy during deceleration is
converted into electrical energy. This surplus energy is
then stored in on-board batteries or other energy storage
systems, offering a sustainable means of enhancing
overall vehicle efficiency. This abstract provides an
overview of the fundamental principles underlying
regenerative braking systems, highlighting their role in
increasing energy efficiency, reducing brake wear, and
extending the driving range of electric vehicles. The paper
delves into the mechanics of regenerative braking,
exploring how the technology functions and its impact on
traditional braking systems. Furthermore, the abstract
underscores the environmental benefits of regenerative
braking, contributing to the broader discourse on
sustainable transportation solutions. As the automotive
industry continues to evolve towards greener practices,
regenerative braking systems stand as a key enabler in the
pursuit of energy conservation and reduced carbon
emissions.
Keywords:- Regenerative, Braking, Hybrid Vehicles, Kinetic
Energy Recovery System, Flywheel, Motor, Hydraulic Power
Assist (HPA)
I. INTRODUCTION
A brake, an indispensable component within the realm
of mechanical systems, assumes a critical role in motion
regulation by harnessing and absorbing energy from a moving
system. Its fundamental objective is to decelerate or bring a
moving vehicle, wheel, or axle to a complete standstill,
primarily accomplished through the application of friction.
The controlled reduction of speed or cessation of movement,
commonly known as braking, is initiated by the act of
depressing a pedal within the vehicle.
Conventional braking systems, commonly used in the
majority of vehicles, depend on friction generation to
counteract the forward momentum of the moving vehicle.
When brake pads come into contact with the wheels or a
connected disc linked to the axles, this interaction produces
significant heat energy.
However, a notable drawback of this process lies in the
dissipation of excessive heat into the surrounding air,
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constituting a significant loss up to 30 percent of the vehicle's
generated power.
This dissipation of heat, stemming from the friction
involved in braking, introduces inefficiencies and poses
challenges to the vehicle's fuel efficiency over time. The
cyclical nature of this friction-induced heat loss demands
additional energy from the engine to compensate for the
energy lost during braking events. Consequently, the overall
fuel efficiency of the vehicle diminishes, underscoring the
urgency for alternative braking systems that mitigate energy
wastage and bolster sustainability.
In response to these challenges, a revolutionary
innovation has emerged in the form of "Regenerative Braking
Systems". This technology seeks to redefine the traditional
braking paradigm by capturing and repurposing kinetic
energy that would otherwise dissipate as heat, offering a more
energy-efficient and environmentally conscious solution for
the future of transportation. This paper delves into the
intricacies of regenerative braking systems, exploring their
operational principles and the profound impact they can have
on reshaping the efficiency and sustainability of vehicular
braking.
However, it is essential to note that the effectiveness of
regenerative brakes is more pronounced at higher speeds
compared to lower speeds. In situations of regenerative brake
failure, the role of friction brakes becomes imperative to
ensure the complete cessation of the vehicle. This paper
addresses the nuanced dynamics of regenerative and friction
braking, shedding light on their interplay and the role they
collectively play in ensuring the safety and efficiency of
vehicular motion.
II. CONVERTING KINETIC ENERGY INTO
ELECTRICAL ENERGY THROUGH THE USE
OF A MOTOR
The regenerative braking system employs an electric
motor, which serves a dual purpose within the system: as an
electric motor during acceleration and as an electric generator
during braking. The operational principle hinges on the
behaviour of the electric motor, a crucial component of this
innovative braking mechanism. The electric motor is
activated when an electrical current is applied to it. a typical
scenario during the vehicle's acceleration phase. In this mode,
the motor draws electrical energy from the vehicle's battery
to propel the vehicle. When external force, such as braking,
is applied to the motor, its operation undergoes a shift, and it
transforms into a generator. This transition is pivotal for the
regenerative braking process.
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The electric to mechanical energy conversion take place
as the motor operates in one propels the vehicle forward. This
process facilitates acceleration. The mechanical to electrical
energy conversion during braking or deceleration, the motor
operates in the opposite direction, acting as a generator. In
this mode, it converts mechanical energy, generated by the
rotational force of the driving axle, into electrical energy. The
generated electrical energy is then harnessed to turn the
electric motors, effectively regenerating electric energy. This
regenerated energy is directed to the battery for storage.
While the electrical energy is being regenerated, the
regenerative resistance of the electric motors also contributes
to reducing the speed of the vehicle during braking. This dual
functionality optimizes the braking efficiency. The harvested
electrical energy is stored in the vehicle's battery, serving as
a valuable resource for future use. This stored energy can be
utilized for various purposes, including recharging the battery
and powering the vehicle during subsequent accelerations.
Fig 1: Motor-Generator RBS
III. FLYWHEEL RBS
A Flywheel Regenerative Braking System (RBS) is a
technology that harnesses the principles of kinetic energy
storage and release, utilizing a heavy, high-speed rotating disc
known as a flywheel. This innovative system is designed to
store mechanical energy during braking events and efficiently
release the stored energy for acceleration when needed. The
flywheel, serves as a mechanical energy storage device. As it
spins at high speeds, the flywheel accumulates kinetic energy,
and the amount of energy stored depends on the weight of the
flywheel and the speed of its rotation. Thrower winding upto
build force and energy before releasing the disc, the flywheel
builds up kinetic energy during rotation. The stored energy in
the flywheel is poised for release when the vehicle requires
acceleration. The direct transmission of energy that store
energy in a battery, a Flywheel RBS is more direct in its
approach. The stored mechanical energy in the flywheel is
directly transferred to the vehicle without the need for an
intermediate step. energy conversion. Efficiency
considerations in the direct transmission of energy during the
conversion process. to the vehicle is more efficient because it
avoids the energy conversion processes inherent in charging
and discharging a battery. In conventional systems,
mechanical energy during recharging is converted into
electrical energy, and during discharging, vice versa. These
conversions result in transmission losses and reduced overall
system efficiency. In Flywheel RBS, there are no
transmission losses during the transfer of energy since the
mechanical energy stored in the flywheel is directly
transferred to the vehicle in its original form. This leads to
higher overall efficiency and less energy loss in the process.
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International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Fig 2: Flywheel Regenerative Braking
IV. HYDRAULIC ASSISTED RBS
Hydraulic Power Assist (HPA) represents an innovative
regenerative braking system jointly developed by Ford Motor
Company and the Eaton Corporation.
This system utilizes hydraulic technology to recover and
store kinetic energy during braking events, offering an
alternative approach to traditional regenerative braking
systems. With the help of HPA, When the driver applies the
brakes, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is harnessed to power
a reversible pump within the Hydraulic Power Assist system.
This pump is responsible for transferring hydraulic fluid from
a low-pressure accumulator, acting as a storage tank within
the vehicle. The hydraulic fluid is sent from the moving
hydraulic fluid from a low-pressure accumulator to a high-
pressure accumulator. The pressure in the high-pressure
accumulator is generated through the compression of
nitrogen. gas within the accumulator as the hydraulic fluid is
pumped into the space formerly occupied by the gas. As
hydraulic fluid is transferred, the compressed nitrogen gas
and pressurized hydraulic fluid contribute to decelerating the
vehicle . This hydraulic pressure helps to decelerate and make
the vehicle stop. The hydraulic fluid is kept under pressure in
the high-pressure accumulator thereby storing kinetic energy
of braking. The potential energy is available for reuse as soon
as the driver accelerates it. Hydraulic fluid is ejected to help
increase the velocity of the car. This process converts the
kinetic energy that has been stored due to braking into
mechanical energy, which helps restore the vehicle speed.
The Hydraulic Power Assist system is designed to capture as
much losses due; prediction point towards a possible 80%
storage rate of lost kinetics energy during braking. This
translates into an improvement in efficiency over other
regenerative systems utilized by traditional vehicles By being
systems that are specifically designed for city driving and
where stop-and go traffic is prevalent. The efficiency of
recovering and reusing energy during frequent deceleration
and acceleration phases makes HPA a promising technology
for urban environments.
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Fig 3: Hydraulic Assisted RBS
V. REGENERATIVE BRAKING
 Efficiency
The energy efficiency of a standard car is less than 20
percent. It is also estimated that braking causes heat loss of
80 percent of the energy produced by a vehicle. This
ineffectiveness leads to higher fuel consumption and greater
environmental impact.
The miraculous aspect of regenerative braking lies in its
ability to capture a substantial portion of the wasted kinetic
energy during braking events. Instead of dissipating this
energy as heat, regenerative braking systems recover it for
reuse.
Regenerative braking has the potential to capture as
much as half of the energy that would traditionally be lost
through friction braking. This reclaimed energy can be
harnessed and utilized to propel the vehicle, reducing the need
for additional fuel consumption during subsequent
acceleration.
The implementation of regenerative braking systems
could result in a significant reduction in fuel consumption,
estimated to be between 10 to 25 percent for conventional
regenerative braking systems. This means that a considerable
portion of the energy that would otherwise be wasted is
recycled, contributing to greater fuel efficiency.
However, hydraulic regenerative brake systems show an
even greater potential for efficiency in fuel consumption. It is
estimated that these systems can save on fuel use by between
25 and 45 percent, so far bettering traditional regenerative
braking.
In a century where concerns about depleting fossil fuel
reserves and escalating fears regarding carbon emissions are
paramount, the increased efficiency offered by regenerative
braking becomes increasingly crucial. This technology aligns
with the growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly
solutions in the automotive industry.
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International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
By minimizing energy wastage and optimizing fuel
consumption, regenerative braking contributes to the
reduction of carbon emissions and environmental impact
associated with vehicular transportation. This added
efficiency is vital as the world seeks more sustainable
alternatives amid evolving energy challenges.
VI. EXPECTED OUTCOMES
 It should efficient Energy Storage.
 It should provide seamless energy retrieval.
 It is compact and easy installation.
 It possesses sufficient stopping or braking power.
 It should highly compatibility with conventional braking.
 Flexible Design for Various Vehicles achieved.
 It should increased efficiency and emission reduction.
 Cost-Effectiveness and Justifiability
 Savings in fuel consumption and potential efficiency
gains should justify the initial investment, making the
technology economically viable for vehicle owners and
manufacturers.
VII. ADVANTAGES OF REGENERATIVE
BRAKING
 Recovered and reuses kinetic energy during braking,
improved overall energy efficiency.
 Enhances the driving range of electric vehicles by
optimized energy utilization.
 Reduced fuel consumption in traditional vehicles by
harnessing braking energy.
 Minimized carbon emissions and environmental impact
associated with braking energy dissipation.
 Extends the lifespan of friction brakes, reducing
maintenance costs for vehicles.
 Ideal for urban driving conditions with frequent
deceleration and acceleration.
 Seamlessly combines with traditional braking systems for
optimal safety and efficiency.
 Below are the findings of a Regenerative;
Braking configuration with the Ultra-Capacitors on
Skoda Octavia
This introduction of regenerative braking in the city
model resulted into a 53% increase while under rural its
implementation gave rise to only 30% fuel efficiency as
depicted on Figure shown above.
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Table 1: RBS on Rural Route
Table 2: RBS on Urban Route
In the city model, a 53% increase in fuel efficiency was
achieved by this implementation of regenerative braking in
the rural model, a 30% increase in fuel efficiency was found,
as described in Figure shown above.
VIII. DISADVANTAGES OF REGENERATIVE
BRAKING
 Regenerative brakes face a limitation in matching the
generated electricity with the supply, particularly in DC
systems where voltage control is crucial. The advent of
power electronics has enabled better control, especially in
AC systems, where matching both voltage and frequency
is essential, particularly in locomotives with rectified AC
supplies for DC motors.
IJISRT24JAN560 www.ijisrt.com
International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Regenerative braking face lacks when battery are full. In
order to avoid overcharging and for safety purposes motor
controllers limit the regenerative braking torque. This
limitation is essential to prevent a situation where the
voltage of fully charged batteries could be raised above its
safe level.
 An expected outcome is the increase in the total weight of
the vehicle by approximately 24-29 kilograms. This
weight addition is attributed to the components associated
with the regenerative braking system, which can impact
the overall performance and efficiency of the vehicle.
IX. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE
 Scope:
 Conduct research aimed at enhancing regenerative
braking systems to capture more energy and improve
braking performance.
 Explore opportunities for continuous improvement in
regenerative braking technology, with a focus on refining
system efficiency, energy recovery, and braking
effectiveness.
 Investigate the potential for regenerative braking systems
to become more commonplace across various vehicle
types, ensuring widespread adoption as designers and
engineers perfect the technology.
 Explore the universal applicability of regenerative
braking systems to all types of vehicles in motion,
emphasizing the benefits of energy recapture during
braking to reduce fuel consumption and enhance overall
efficiency.
 Anticipate the integration of regenerative braking systems
with upcoming vehicle technologies, such as new types of
motors, more powerful batteries, innovative drive train
designs, and efficient electric systems.
 Focus on mitigating energy losses within regenerative
braking systems, addressing challenges and designing
solutions to maximize energy recapture and minimize
waste.
 Objectives:
 Develop technologies and methodologies to capture more
energy during braking, aiming to improve the overall
efficiency of regenerative braking systems.
 Research and implement measures to enhance braking
performance, ensuring that regenerative braking systems
stop vehicles more efficiently.
 Facilitate the widespread adoption of regenerative braking
systems by refining and perfecting the technology,
making it a common feature across various vehicle
models.
 While analyzing the scope of regenerative braking
systems that could benefit all moving vehicles by
recapturing energy spent during braking as fuel, focus on
decreasing consumption and improving efficiency.
 Investigate and integrate upcoming technologies,
including more efficient motors, powerful batteries,
advanced drive train designs, and energy-efficient electric
systems, into regenerative braking systems.
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 Anticipate and address challenges and potential problems
associated with evolving regenerative braking
technologies, focusing on continuous improvement and
refinement.
 Recognize the potential for regenerative braking systems
to play a pivotal role in improving vehicle efficiency,
making it a key technology for the future of sustainable
and energy-conscious transportation.
X. CONCLUSION
International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
[5]. Pratik Bhandari, Shubham Dubey, Sachin Kandu,
Rupesh Deshbhratar, “Regenerative Braking Systems
(RBS)”, International Journal of Scientific &
Engineering Research, Volume 8, Issue 2, February-
2017
[6]. http://energyeducation.ca/encyclopedia/Regenerative_b
raking
[7]. https://www.tesla.com/blog/magic-tesla-
roadsterregenerative-braking

In co conclusion, regenerative braking systems offer a

promising avenue for advancing the efficiency and
sustainability of vehicular braking. The exploration of electric
motor-based, flywheel, and hydraulic assisted regenerative
braking systems reveals their diverse applications and
benefits. The efficiency gains achieved through the recapture
of kinetic energy during braking contribute significantly to
reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact. While
each system has its advantages and disadvantages, their
potential to enhance overall energy efficiency in vehicles is
evident. As the automotive industry evolves towards eco-
friendly practices, the continuous improvement and
integration of regenerative braking systems become
imperative. The outcomes and objectives outlined in this
research pave the way for future advancements in
regenerative braking technology, positioning it as a pivotal
solution for sustainable and energy-conscious transportation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This research was guided by our mentor Prof. A.V. Patil

provided invaluable suggestions and support from the
project's inception, offering excellent contributions and
sharing knowledge throughout its duration. We extend our
gratitude to Dr. P. V. Mulik, Head of the Department of
Mechanical Engineering, and Mr. G. S. Kamble, Deputy
Head of Department, at Tatyasaheb Kore Institute of
Engineering and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur,
for their collaborative cooperation.

REFERENCES

[1]. Allen E. Fuhs, Hybrid Vehicles – The future of personal

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[2]. Mehrdad Ehsani,Yimin Gao and Sebastien E.Gay,
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[3]. Chibulka.J,“Kinetic Energy Recovery System by means
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[4]. Ranjan Kumar, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Indian School Of Mines, Dhanbad, “Regenerative
Brake: To Harness the Kinetic Energy of Braking”
JETIR (ISSN-2349-5162) January 2015, Volume 2,
Issue 1

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