Electromagnetic Performance Analysis of a Novel Hybrid Excitation Eddy Current Retarder for Heavy Vehicles

To improve braking power density of the eddy current retarder, a novel hybrid excitation eddy current retarder was proposed. The work and control principle of the novel retarder were introduced. The analytical model of the novel retarder was established. The electromagnetic field model of the novel retarder was established by the finite element method. The air gap flux density and eddy current braking torque were predicted by the finite element method. The results showed that the braking torque of the novel hybrid excitation retarder was larger than that of the electric excitation retarder at the same ampere turn number.