Retarders keep you from skidding, and they are essential safety features that help prevent accidents and improve vehicle control. In this article, we will explore the different types of retarders, their mechanisms, applications, maintenance, and safety considerations.
Retarders work by generating resistance to slow down vehicles. They are particularly useful in heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and buses, as well as in vehicles that operate in hilly or mountainous terrain.
Types of Retarders
Retarders are classified into several types based on their design and operating principles. Each type offers unique advantages and disadvantages, catering to specific vehicle applications and performance requirements.
Hydraulic Retarders
Hydraulic retarders utilize the resistance generated by hydraulic fluid to slow down vehicles. They are widely used in heavy-duty vehicles due to their high braking power and durability. The hydraulic fluid is circulated through a series of impellers and stators, creating resistance that dissipates energy as heat.
Electric Retarders
Electric retarders employ electromagnetic principles to generate resistance. They are commonly found in electric and hybrid vehicles, where they assist in regenerative braking. The electric retarder consists of a rotor and a stator, with the rotor connected to the vehicle’s driveline.
When activated, the stator generates a magnetic field that opposes the rotation of the rotor, creating resistance and slowing down the vehicle.
Exhaust Brake Retarders
Exhaust brake retarders utilize the engine’s exhaust gases to create backpressure, which resists the flow of exhaust gases and slows down the vehicle. They are primarily used in diesel-powered vehicles and are particularly effective at low speeds. The exhaust brake retarder is activated by closing a valve in the exhaust system, causing the exhaust gases to flow through a series of baffles or valves, creating resistance.
Eddy Current Retarders, Retarders keep you from skidding
Eddy current retarders generate resistance through the interaction between a rotating magnetic field and a conductive disc. They are often used in conjunction with other types of retarders, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles. The rotating magnetic field induces eddy currents in the conductive disc, which oppose the rotation of the disc and create resistance.
Transmission Retarders
Transmission retarders are integrated into the vehicle’s transmission system. They utilize hydraulic or electric mechanisms to create resistance within the transmission, slowing down the vehicle. Transmission retarders are typically used in conjunction with other types of retarders to provide additional braking power.
Mechanisms of Retarders: Retarders Keep You From Skidding
Retarders operate by generating resistance to the vehicle’s motion, slowing it down without engaging the friction brakes. This resistance is created through various mechanisms, depending on the type of retarder.
Hydraulic Retarders
Hydraulic retarders create resistance by circulating hydraulic fluid through a series of impellers and stators. As the fluid flows through the impellers, it is subjected to centrifugal force, which causes the fluid to move outward. The stators, which are stationary, oppose the outward movement of the fluid, creating resistance and dissipating energy as heat.
Electric Retarders
Electric retarders generate resistance through electromagnetic induction. When the retarder is activated, the stator creates a magnetic field that opposes the rotation of the rotor. The interaction between the magnetic field and the rotor’s eddy currents creates resistance, slowing down the vehicle.
Exhaust Brake Retarders
Exhaust brake retarders create resistance by restricting the flow of exhaust gases. When the exhaust brake is activated, a valve in the exhaust system closes, causing the exhaust gases to flow through a series of baffles or valves. The baffles or valves create resistance, which backpressures the engine and slows down the vehicle.
Eddy Current Retarders, Retarders keep you from skidding
Eddy current retarders generate resistance through the interaction between a rotating magnetic field and a conductive disc. The rotating magnetic field induces eddy currents in the conductive disc, which oppose the rotation of the disc and create resistance.
Transmission Retarders
Transmission retarders utilize hydraulic or electric mechanisms to create resistance within the transmission system. Hydraulic transmission retarders use a hydraulic pump to create resistance, while electric transmission retarders use an electric motor to generate resistance.
Question Bank
What are the different types of retarders?
There are two main types of retarders: mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical retarders use friction to slow down the vehicle, while hydraulic retarders use fluid to create resistance.
How do retarders work?
Retarders work by generating resistance to slow down the vehicle. This resistance is created by friction in mechanical retarders and by fluid in hydraulic retarders.
What are the benefits of using retarders?
Retarders offer several benefits, including reduced brake wear, improved vehicle control, and increased safety.
