Monday, October 28, 2013

What Is A Blocking Diode

A blocking diode is a device that controls current flows inside of photovoltaic systems. It is one way that valves are used in electrical circuits, and it is very easy to use and convenient because they save a lot of time. A blocking diode is vital to maintain isolation of power supplies in normal operating situations as well as in emergency electric circuit failures. It makes sure that currents from one power supply does not find entry into another.


Function


What exactly is a blocking diode? It is a device that is used to prevent reverse electrical currents from flowing back from a specified battery bank through solar panels. A blocking diode is generally necessary only when someone is not using a charge controller.








Prevention/Solution








A blocking diode is also used for taking preventative measures. A blocking diode works to protect photovoltaic modules from voltage spikes that are created by permanent magnet producing devices like ones that are used in both hydro and wind generators. It is also necessary for every photovoltaic module to stop nighttime power draw via the modules.


Significance


Any solar energy systems with numerous panels should should consist of blocking diodes in order to protect the panels from other panels during times of panel breakdown, ground fault issues, shading, and also for isolating them away from batteries during the night.


Benefits


Why exactly is a blocking diode important? In essence, a blocking diode performs three major operations. It keeps batteries from alternating solar panels. It is used for preventing the ability of batteries to charge power grids, and it also prevent batteries from charging wind generating devices.


Warning


If you do not properly and efficiently install a blocking diode into your renewable energy system (whether that renewable energy system is solar, water or wind), your batteries will never work efficiently. Because of this, it is important to make sure that you properly and correctly install your blocking diode. Also, a blocking diode does not protect against over currents. To protect against over currents, fuses or breakers should be installed.

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