HOW IT WORKS
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The Telma Retarder has three or four circuits which adapt the braking load to driving conditions. It is operated by automatic control, manual control or a combination of both.
The retarder fits into the clriveline between the gearbox and the axle. It delivers up to 80% of normal braking, enough to bring the vehicle almost to a standstill. Two rotors turn with the transmission shaft; between them is the stator, containing the coils, which is fixed to the chassis.
Electricity is fed to coils with alternate polarities, creating a magnetic field through the rotors. This field generates eddy currents which block rotor rotation and thus oppose rotation of the transmission shaft.
These inductive currents convert the braking energy of the vehicle in the rotors into heat. Cooling is helped by fins.