What are dynamic brakes?
In a diesel locomotive, the traction motors can be turned into generators powered by the turning wheels. The electrical current that is produced is converted into heat that absorbs a large amount of the train’s energy and causes it to slow down. The extra heat is dissipated by the dynamic brake grid. This is very useful on downgrades and saves a considerable amount of wear on brakes, thus lowering maintenance costs. This also allows longer trains to be pulled since there is more control and less of a risk of a loss of braking on a long train.
