In order to predict the power output of our regenerative braking system, we must first establish a relationship between an input torque that comes as a result of braking, and the power that is generated from our system. To minimize the risk of injury and to reduce the cost of experimentation, we chose to experiment using a small 12V DC motor. This motor is of a similar type to the motor we will be using in our regenerative braking system, but at a fraction of the power and cost.Â
This flywheel system is used to collect data on power efficiency of this motor, and to verify our prediction for power output of the motor when under different torque loads, and when the power is dissipated to loads of varying resistance.
Once we've developed a relationship between torque input and power output of this small-scale motor, we can apply the same relationship to estimate the power output of our larger motor which we will be implementing into our regenerative braking system.
[describe purpose of testing and what we got from it]
After testing, we determined that a lower resistance resistor resulted in a greater braking force, whereas the higher resistance resulted in a lower braking strength. However, within the range of tested resistances, a resistance of 30 ohms resulted in the greatest amount of power produced.