40 Amp Blocking Diode 1N1190A
40 Amp Blocking Diode 1N1190A
Find out how to use a blocking diode with a wind turbine generator
wind | electric circuit | solarA
diode is an electronic component which permits current to flow in just one direction. Diodes are an essential part of any
wind or
solar power generation system.
Diodes and Solar Panels
Without diodes
solar panels can discharge energy from battery storage at nighttime, and current can flow between solar panels when one or more panel is under shadow. Typically one
bypass diode is fitted for each solar panel although many modern solar panels already have diodes incorporated in their circuitry. Take a look at our page on
diodes and solar panels and another on
germanium diodes to find out more about the
1N34A diode which is excellent for this application.
Diodes and Wind Turbines
For
wind turbines a diode is also very useful since in periods with little or no wind, the turbine generator can turn in reverse like a motor powered by your
battery storage.
The
1N1190A Power Rectifier diode (pictured above) is ideal for typical domestic
wind power applications in particular since it can manage
40 Amps of current and up to 600 Volts.
Using a 1N1190A Diode
The diode can simply be connected between the live / positive cable of the renewable energy system and the
battery bank. The threaded end of the diode would be clamped to the positive terminal of the battery, and the looped end connected to the live cable with a nut and bolt or some solder.
When large currents are flowing through the diode it can get hot so you should fix a heat sink to the diode (at the threaded end) to dissipate this heat. The bigger the better! Pictured above is an example of a 1N1190A fitted to a heat sink for sale on
eBay for around $7. (Click here to search for eBay for
1N1190A)
If you have difficulty finding
1N1190A diodes, then the diode pictured above can make an excellent substitute for
low voltage systems. Rated at
30 Amps this is a
Schottky diode with a forward voltage drop of just
310mV, but note that the maximum voltage rating of this diode is
40 Volts. Click here to view the eBay listings for the seller of these
30 Amp Blocking Diodes (sold at around
£1.99 each).
1N1190A Datasheet
The technical specifications of the 1N1190A rectifier can be downloaded by clicking here for the
1N1190A Datasheet.
Article Last Modified: 11:21, 2nd Sep 2008
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