BrakeBetter – Brake Systems Experts
Electromechanical Brakes (EMB) work differently compared to traditional hydraulic or pneumatic braking systems. (In a previous post, we’ve examined the different Brake-by-Wire constellations.) EMB replaces the hydraulic actuators with electronic systems to control the brake action. Here’s a high-level overview of how EMBs function: Brake Application: An electric signal is sent from the brake system’s …
A typical brake system found in a contemporary passenger car might weigh up to 80kg. Of that figure, the foundation brake dominates, at over 80% of the weight. A typical “brake down” is shown in Table 1. Actuation 6% Modulation 11% Foundation 83% (of which) Discs 51% Callipers 31% Pads 7% Table 1: Brake system …
This St. Patrick’s Day, lets’ take a look back at a pioneering electric vehicle project, built around a breakthrough battery technology that allowed the nascent Irish government to open a whole new frontier of green transport. In preparing this entry, the support and contributions of The Irish Railways Records Society have been invaluable, and the …
The job of a brake system is to slow a vehicle by converting kinetic energy into other forms – typically heat and electricity. To do this job repeatedly and reliably, the brake system relies on its thermal capacity to soak up and subsequently dissipate the vehicles’ maximum kinetic energy at the limit of available grip …
The promise of electric vehicles has long been associated with emission free driving. And while it is true that the lack of a tailpipe dramatically improves air quality, it is not true to say that electric propulsion is free of emissions. Brakes and tyres play a significant role in local emissions from electric vehicles, and …
An overview of brake technology developments from 1920 to 2019.
An overview of Ireland’s most prolific transport engineer, Harry Ferguson.
In considering how electric vehicles will improve over the coming decades, it’s useful to consider history. Specifically, it’s worth considering the history of consumer electronics, and how mobile devices have dealt with power consumption and battery life. We will examine how the computer industry has dealt with power-hungry devices, developed solutions to suit, and look …