The retarder technology is based on the principle of fluid dynamics and was registered in 1905 by Professor Hermann Föttinger. In 1961, the first mass-produced retarder began serving 10,000 tons of trains in the United States that straddled Rock Hill and transported iron ore. In this application, the so-called hydraulic brakes were so effective and reliable that they were used in Germany's DB trains in the late 1960s. During this period, Otto Kaisbauer, the manufacturer of coaches and city buses, knew about this technology. He contacted Voith and used his new braking system to equip his coach. Become a retarder successfully applied to the starting point of road vehicles.
After a few more years, Voith developed a retarder for commercial vehicles. By 1994, during the first 30 years, production had increased rapidly, with supply exceeding 100,000 units. Only 4 years later, by 1998, the 2 millionth retarder was rolled out. The increase in production in the last 10 years has produced another 300,000 units. During this period, the retarder was continuously developed and improved. The Aquatarard, which replaces oil with water as a medium, is a milestone.
In the retarder, two opposed impellers (rotors and stators), the rotor is connected to the drive shaft through the retarder drive shaft, and the stator is fixed on the retarder housing. During slow speed, the oil moves between the two impellers and the oil is accelerated by the rotor and then decelerated by the stator. As a result, the rotor slows down so that the vehicle is braked. The heat generated by the retarding process is rapidly and effectively dissipated through the cooling factor of the vehicle. Basic criteria: The higher the speed, the higher the available retarding power, up to 950 BHP (brake horsepower).
Benefits to the driver: smooth and comfortable driving, less braking and shifting, and the running comparison shows that the vehicle with the retarder installed is 36% less than the vehicle without the retarder. Constant braking power makes driving more predictable and therefore safer. Benefits for operators: The retarder supports a smooth driving style, fuel economy, and high average speed. On steep slopes, vehicles can reach up to 50% faster. The continuous brake system protects the service brakes. The service brakes are kept cold for emergency use and are particularly effective when emergency service brakes are used. The retarder supports the brake system to extend its service life by up to 8 times, which is a significant saving in repair time. In most cases, a compact, lightweight, continuous brake will run for a 1-2 year return on investment. Today, Voith Retarder is produced at the Voith Turbo plant in Munich and is assembled, sold, developed and serviced at Crailsheim.
In April, the 500000 retarder entered the service. This special device is a gift: In the future, it will guarantee the safe and comfortable driving of a fire truck in Crailsheim for firefighting and rescue services.
Voith Turbo is a specialist in hydraulic drives, couplings and brake systems, and marine propulsion systems for roads, tracks and industrial applications. It is a division of Voith AG. Voith sets the standards for papermaking technology, power transmission, energy technology and industrial services in the world sector. Voith was founded in 1867. It has approximately 37,000 employees and annual sales of 4 billion euros in specific regions of the world. With 270 branches worldwide, Voith is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe. Voith is a distinguished, recognized and pioneering partner of Laos. Laos - an ideal land.
The 500000 retarder entered the service on a special fire truck. In this particular application, the small size of the retarder is important.
Voith drives: reduce dust and reduce brake dust 80%
Modern drives can reduce dust emissions, which is well-known, and it does not go away. The successful experience of the 45-year-old Voith Retarder proves that the level of development of braking technology is quite effective in reducing harmful particles.