dynamic braking

Noun

dynamic braking (uncountable)

1. Braking by the use of an electric traction motor as a generator when slowing a vehicle such as an electric or diesel-electric locomotive.
   • The traction motors serve as generators when dynamic braking is used, the generated output being dissipated in fan-cooled resistance banks mounted in a removable roof section. The degree of dynamic braking is under the control of the driver.1960 April, “English Electric diesels for the Sudan Railways”, in Trains Illustrated, page 218
   • On the long, continuous downgrades of East Africa dynamic braking is of special value; the traction motors are used as generators and their energy output dissipated in force-ventilated banks of resistors. This facility enables a 700-ton trailing load, for example, to be brought down a 1 in 66...1961 February, “New English Electric diesels for East Africa”, in Trains Illustrated, pages 90–91