An eddy current brake, like a conventional friction brake, is a

device used to slow or stop a moving object by dissipating its

kinetic energy as heat. However, unlike electro-mechanical brakes,
in which the drag force used to stop the moving object is provided
by friction between two surfaces pressed together, the drag force in
an eddy current brake is an electromagnetic force between a
magnet and a nearby conductive object in relative motion, due to
eddy currents induced in the conductor through electromagnetic
induction.
A conductive surface moving past a stationary magnet will have
circular electric currents called eddy currents induced in it by the
magnetic field, as described by Faraday's law of induction. By
Lenz's law, the circulating currents will create their own magnetic
field which opposes the field of the magnet. Thus the moving
conductor will experience a drag force from the magnet that
opposes its motion, proportional to its velocity. The electrical
energy of the eddy currents is dissipated as heat due to the
electrical resistance of the conductor.
In an eddy current brake the magnetic field may be created by a
permanent magnet, or an electromagnet so the braking force can
be turned on and off or varied by varying the electric current in the
electromagnet's windings. Another advantage is that since the
brake does not work by friction, there are no brake shoe surfaces
to wear out, necessitating replacement, as with friction brakes. A
disadvantage is that since the braking force is proportional to
velocity the brake has no holding force when the moving object is
stationary, as is provided by static friction in a friction brake, so in
vehicles it must be supplemented by a friction brake.
Eddy current brakes are used to slow high-speed trains and roller
coasters, to stop powered tools quickly when power is turned off,
and in electric meters used by electric utilities.

5 Applications of Eddy

Current Brakes
Mar 15, 2016
Kate Teevens

<li><i class="icon-tags"></i>Category</li>
Eddy current braking is a state of the art braking
technology that has both economic and risk management
advantages. This unique braking system takes the simple
function of magnetic and non-magnetic forces and turns it
into a high tech masterpiece. Using these forces as a
braking mechanism stems from the purposeful generation
of eddy currents in order to slow a movement. Eddy
currents are formed when a conductor moves through a
magnetic field, which generates opposing forces that swirl
within the conductor. This reaction between forces
provides the perfect conditions for smooth deceleration. If
you're interested in reading more about the science
behind eddy current technology, then you can click here to
learn more.
Eddy current braking gets its name from the swirling
motions within its conductor, just like that of an eddy
current in a river. As an innovative form of technology,
eddy current braking has many reputable qualities. It is an
ideal feature in many forms of machinery because of its
absence of physical contact between internal components,
which allows eddy current brakes to be very low
maintenance. Low maintenance makes for few
replacements, which means more money in your pocket.
The risk management improvements and economic
advantages that accompany the eddy current brake has
made it a popular choice among engineers when
developing new technologies or improving the old. This
intricate network of magnets is used more commonly than
you might think. Recognizable uses for eddy currents are
all around us. They exist in the home and in the work
place. Here are 5 familiar applications of the eddy current

brake.

1. Gym Equipment

One of the most common places we may see eddy

currents at work is while were putting ourselves to work.
Exercise equipment utilizes this innovative technology in
many ways. Modern work out machines use eddy currents
to create a smooth transition between resistance levels
and make for low maintenance machinery. This use
diminishes harmful and abrupt changes in pace which
allows for a more enjoyable work out experience as well
as producing high quality machines.
Popular equipment such as stationary exercise bikes are a
great example of eddy currents in action. Programming

the bike to simulate an uphill climb increases the drag

between the non-magnetic conductor and the permanent
magnet in the bike making it more difficult to keep
peddling. By continuing to increase the incline the eddy
currents become stronger and stronger and continue to
create a more difficult work out.
Eddy current braking can also be found in rowing
machines. Rowing machines provide eddy currents to
match the resistance implemented by the user, meaning
the harder you pull the more resistance youll experience.
This is a unique way of using this kind of technology within
work out equipment. The magnets are used to mimic the
intensity of pushing an ore through water. The person
using the machine gets to experience the strength of eddy
currents and the magnets associated with the braking
system in a hands on way.
This same idea is used in elliptical machines. Using eddy
current resistance, which provides heightened walking and
stepping machine results, increases the difficulty level of
an elliptical and allows for a better work out. Similar to the
machines previously mentioned, there are many other
uses of eddy current brakes used in common work out
machinery. This application is a modern use of eddy
currents and has contributed to the mainstreaming of eddy
current brakes in everyday life.

2. Industrial Equipment

Since the creation of eddy current braking systems, they

have been adopted into many forms of useful technology
and more importantly, industrial use. Power tools and
large industrial machinery use this technology for several
applications. One of the main uses for eddy current
breaking is in emergency shut off. Industrial factories and
even common power tools have concerns with safety,
which makes emergency shut off a must have. Moreover,
if a power tool such, as a power saw or electric drill are
shut off, the eddy currents kick in and safely bring the
machine to a halt. This type of braking is used within the
machine even in everyday use by forcing the mechanism
to stop spinning. This is a fascinating way eddy currents
are applied to everyday items that we otherwise wouldnt
suspect.

Just as we wouldnt suspect eddy currents to be used in

run of the mill power tools, they are actually used in
common home features as well. We all have meters on
our houses that are constantly recording how much power
we use everyday. Although it may seem like an unlikely
place to find complex magnets at work, electromechanical
meters are perhaps the most common place to find eddy
current technology. The meters are put into use every time
you use energy using the unique network of magnets to
propel a disk within which is then recorded by the
numbers on the meters exterior. This may not be one of
the most tangible uses of eddy current systems, however,
it is the common and the most used. Eddy currents are in
many forms of industrial equipment. Power tools and
electromechanical meters are perhaps the most popular.

3. Recreation Equipment

The uses for eddy current brake systems are countless.

Common recognizable ways theyre being used daily are
through entertainment and recreation equipment.The low
maintenance cost and remarkable safety features are
what make eddy current brakes perfect for family friendly
environments. Indoor rock climbing gyms and high ropes
courses often have auto belays in their facilities. Head
Rush Technologies TRUBLUE is the only auto belay on
the market that uses eddy current braking in order to
safely assist climbers in their decent from the top. The
eddy current brake is a climbing must because it provides
a constant slow ease in the climbers decent. The high tech
features allow auto belays to be self-regulating to provide
the same level of comfort to a wide range of weights. This
interchangeability is what makes the eddy current braking

system such a valuable asset to auto belay manufacturers

and family attractions
A unique way the eddy current system is used for
recreational purposes is their appearance in zip line
brakes. The zipSTOP Zip Line Brake is currently the only
zip line brake that uses this intricate system. This type of
brake is preferred by zip line facilities because of its low
cost of ownership and ability to accommodate a wider
range of customers. Using eddy currents in this way
eliminates the use of rider participation in the zip line
braking process, which increases safety features and
allows riders to sit back and enjoy the ride. The unique
qualities of eddy current zip line brakes allow riders to
achieve higher speeds in a safe and exciting manner
Free fall devices are another type of recreational
equipment that use this unique braking system. A free fall
device is a mechanism that utilizes gravity and the riders
weight to create a true free falling feeling. The QUICKjump
Free Fall Device is a unique unit that uses eddy currents
exclusively as a part of Head Rushs patented braking
technology. They include eddy current braking to catch the
participant and slowly lower them to the ground
comfortably. Free fall systems, zip line breaks, and auto
belays are a great way to put eddy current braking to the
test!

4. Rides and Roller Coasters

Extreme uses for the eddy current brake are seen in

amusement parks and entertainment centers all over.
Whether this is in roller coasters or other rides, braking
technology such as this is vital to amusement parks
around the world.
Modern roller coasters adapted this kind of technology to
allow for a smoother and safer stop for its riders. The highspeed experience makes for maximum fun but also
requires an extremely safe braking system such as the
eddy current breaking system. Eddy currents allow roller
coasters to change speed and direction quickly while
remaining safe for everyone on board. By harnessing the
force produced of opposing magnetic fields, the roller
coaster train will decelerate when the it rolls over spots on
the tract that induce eddy current thermal technology. This

system is typically used at the end of rollercoasters or

after the train undergoes a tremendous drop or increase in
speed. Similar to the use of eddy currents in a rowing
machine; the faster a roller coaster train is, the faster it will
decelerate. The long-term use of this high tech equipment
is ideal for all amusement facilities because it is unaffected
by weather and requires very low maintenance. Popular
rides such as Disneylands Tower of Terror and Six Flags
Superman use this innovative technology to catch the
falling haunted elevator and slow a speeding super car
in order to provide the ultimate exhilarating experience for
those on board.
The use of eddy current braking doesnt stop there.
Amusement parks use this technology in other attractions
such as free fall rides. Free fall rides are the ultimate
experience to feel a rush of excitement while experiencing
eddy current braking in all its glory. FlightLine is a free fall
ride produced by Head Rush Technologies that uses eddy
current braking and provides the ultimate thrilling
experience. While jumping from a height of up to eight
stories, the eddy current braking technology will catch
your fall with unmatched comfort. The only way to
experience the true free falling feeling as associated with
sky-diving is with devices such as this. Eddy current
braking makes free fall devices the safest way to
experience a true free fall as well as providing the
maximum thrill. The long-term affordability and popularity
among thrill seekers is what makes this kind of attraction
so popular in entertainment facilities.The advanced eddy
current technology, soft catch, and true thrilling feeling
make free fall devices and roller coaster designs an
unconventional yet exhilarating experience.

5. High Speed Electric Trains

Transportation technology has adopted the innovations in

eddy current braking to create safer braking systems and
new high-speed railways. Eddy current braking is a
remarkable option for transit systems because of its low
cost of maintenance and resistance to harsh weather
conditions.
Eddy currents are a safe way to decelerate a moving train
while providing constant comfort and ease for passengers.
By adopting this type of technology, commuter, highspeed, and even streetcar trains have been able to reach
new speeds and provide safety levels that are better than
before. In a world with such a high population of
commuters, new transit systems have been sought out in
order to accommodate a larger number of people who are
willing to commute via public transportation.

Many new trains have mastered the use of eddy current

braking to produce convenient, safe, and fast travel. Highspeed trains were developed in the 1960s but have
developed greatly to create a new experience for a more
high tech world. The opening of Eurostar in 1994 marked
the existence of one of the first and most well known
international high-speed trains. Running at speeds of 186
miles per hour, the Eurostar can transport passengers
from London to Paris in just 2 hours and 20 minutes. The
creation of the Eurostar allowed for eddy current braking
to be used by millions.
In more recent improvements, engineers behind highspeed railways have harnessed the reaction used in eddy
current braking to create eddy current linear tracks that
allow trains to move up to 300 miles per hour. These types
of high-speed trains are sparse and still in the early stages
of development. However, this type of eddy current
technology is planning on being used in the production of
a train connecting the San Francisco Bay Area to Sothern
California areas such as Los Angeles and San Diego. The
creation of this high-speed railway will create a solution for
the growing population in California as well as contribute
to diminishing the environmental damage produced by
cars. This is a modern use for high-speed trains that is a
fascinating application of the eddy current brake.
Eddy current braking technology is a useful tool in a
growing world. Innovations in exercise equipment,
industrial tools, entertainment, roller coasters, and
transportation are just the tip of the iceberg. As new
advancements are being produced a safer and more
efficient world is being born. The eddy current brake can
be applied to many things in our everyday world, even
more than we might expect. Take notice of everyday
applications of this high tech innovation!