Design, Control and Real-time Simulation of an Eddy Current Brake for High Speed Rotating Machines

An eddy current brake is a non-contact braking system that uses the principles of electromagnetic induction to create resistance. This type of brake is widely used in various applications, such as high-speed applications like railways, amusement rides, and industrial machinery due to its reliability and efficiency. An eddy current brake has been designed which consists of a DC electromagnet (EM) and a conducting disc. The coils are wounded over an E-core structure. An aluminium-made conducting disc is attached to the rotor of an induction motor which acts as the prime mover. The EM coil is energized with a DC power supply. As the conducting disc rotates in the presence of a magnetic field generated by the EM, eddy currents are induced in the disc. This eddy current sets up its own magnetic field which in turn produces an opposing force to the direction of rotation of the disc. This repulsive force produces a braking torque that slows down or halts motion. The barking torque vs. speed characteristics are observed at different DC excitations. Real-time simulation to control the eddy current brake has been also performed successfully.