Bridge Rectifier
Bridge Rectifier
Find out more about bridge rectifiers.
electronics | wind | waveFor most alternative energy applications, we require a direct current (DC) voltage to be generated - for example to charge a bank of batteries. However wind turbines and wave power generators create an alternating current (AC) voltage. This is where the
Bridge Rectifier comes in. The AC voltage generated is passed through a circuit of four diodes arranged as shown below and emerged converted into a more useful DC output.

Diodes allow electricity to flow in only one direction, but there is a small voltage lost across the a diode of 0.7V called the forward voltage drop. If the diode is wired in the wrong direction then no current (actually a very tiny current) flows across the diode. However, if the voltage is too high and goes over the diode's maximum reverse voltage, the diode will breakdown and fail.
If you would like to make your own bridge rectifier then the 1N4001 diode is perfect for most low voltage circuits where the current is less than 1A. The 1N5401 diode is used where the maximum current is 3A. They are extremely cheap at just a couple of pounds for a hundred on eBay. Click here for instructions on making your own bridge rectifier from diodes.
Article Last Modified: 15:33, 2nd Feb 2007
Comment on this Article
If you have any comments on this article, please email them to neil@reuk.co.uk.
Recommended Related Articles
People who read this article also enjoyed the following articles:
Make A Bridge Rectifier From Diodes
Make your own single or multi phase bridge rectifier from diodes
Article Last Modified: 15:33, 2nd Feb 2007
wind | electric circuit
Permanent Magnet Generator
Build a wind or water power system with around a PM Generator
Article Last Modified: 11:44, 21st Jul 2008
wind | hydro
Electricity with Stepper Motors
Find out the basics of generating electricity with stepper motors
Article Last Modified: 17:07, 10th Jun 2008
wind
Making a Bridge Rectifier
Find out how to make a bridge rectifier for your wind turbine
Article Last Modified: 16:17, 22nd Mar 2007
electronics | wind
Stepper Motor Basics
Learn more about stepper motors and their use in RE electricity generation
Article Last Modified: 09:54, 4th Apr 2007
wind | education
PVC Wind Turbine Blades
Learn how to make your own PVC wind turbine blades
Article Last Modified: 15:16, 19th Aug 2008
wind
Stepper Motor Voltage Doubler Circuit
Double the voltage from a stepper motor using two bridge rectifiers
Article Last Modified: 10:45, 9th May 2007
general | electric circuit | education
Dynamo Hubs For Wind Turbines
Dynamo Hubs and bottle dynamos for use in small DIY wind turbine generators
Article Last Modified: 12:18, 11th Apr 2009
wind | electronics
Three Phase Basics
Get an understanding of three phase wiring in wind turbine alternators
Article Last Modified: 15:13, 19th Aug 2008
wind | electric circuit | websites
blueEnergy DIY Wind Turbine Generator
View a photographic journal documenting the building of a wind turbine
Article Last Modified: 17:20, 2nd Feb 2007
wind | education