What is the Principle of Energy Recovery in New Energy Vehicles?
2 Answers
Energy recovery in new energy vehicles involves converting the kinetic energy generated during vehicle deceleration into electrical energy, which is then stored back into the power battery instead of being wasted through friction. This process effectively increases the battery's charge. Simply put, during braking or deceleration, the drive motor is controlled to function as a generator, using the resistance generated by the generator's operation to brake the vehicle, while the converted electrical energy is stored in the battery pack. Recovery Methods: There are actually two methods of energy recovery in electric vehicles, namely braking energy recovery and coasting energy recovery. The sole criterion for distinguishing between them is whether the brake pedal is pressed. Energy recovery achieved by pressing the brake pedal is called braking energy recovery, while energy recovery achieved solely by releasing the accelerator pedal is referred to as coasting energy recovery. Principle of Braking Power Generation: During vehicle braking, the inertial energy of the moving vehicle is transmitted through the drivetrain to the drive motor, which operates in generator mode. The rotation of the drive motor's rotor shaft generates electricity through electromagnetic induction. This electricity is then fed back to the DC side via the inverter's reverse diode, charging the power battery and enabling energy regeneration. Simultaneously, the electromagnetic induction torque of the drive motor can apply a reverse torque to the drive wheels through the drivetrain, thereby generating braking force on the vehicle.
I've been driving a new energy vehicle for several years and find the energy regeneration feature quite fascinating. Every time I decelerate or brake, the system converts the kinetic energy from the wheels back into electricity stored in the battery—essentially making the motor work as a generator. This effect is most noticeable when going downhill or in traffic jams, as I can see the regeneration amount increase on the dashboard. Not only does it save energy, but it also reduces brake pad wear, whereas in conventional cars, this energy would be wasted as heat. From a driving experience perspective, it makes acceleration and deceleration smoother, almost like playing an eco-friendly game. In the long run, it saves a significant amount of money and is more environmentally friendly.