Why use A blocking diode with battery charging dynamo bicycle generator

[tennirva]

I think the current flowing through the battery isn't flat, right ? As I found on some resources, the "AC ripple" must not be too high in VRLA battery charging. Otherwise, it will reduce the battery life. :)

[bicyclegenerator]

@tennirva This problem is handled by using a charge controller which automatically opens the connection to the battery when the generator is providing too much current.

[Nachito667]

hey it looks like the dc motor is spinning the same way when its being powered by the battery and when its being used to charge the battery, is that right?

[bicyclegenerator]

@Nachito667 Yes, this is counter intuitive, but you are right. The generator pulley is spinning in the same direction when the battery is discharging as it spins when the battery is getting charged!

[toddmorrow1]

which wire from the generator hooks up to the positive battery terminal, the red or the black?

[bicyclegenerator]

@toddmorrow1 To make 100% sure of which battery is hooked up use a volt meter to check for which wire is positive and which wire is negative. If you are using the generator shown in this video from pedal power generator website then it is the red wire.

[kricotas]

can you do a video how to installed a bloking diode on solar baterys and charger controller of solar panels?

nice video!!!

[bicyclegenerator]

@kricotas OK - will do!

[coaxialgyro]

A diode is not 100%.

Add several on series and take a reading.

Good video, well explained.

[Daflaminasian]

excuse me and hope you don't mind, but what do the fuses do?

[bicyclegenerator]

@Daflaminasian I have had wires accidentally touch and go up in a huge cloud of smoke and melted copper metal - it is a very scary site when a battery is shorted with only size AWG wire - so the fuses really are important to have on both terminals if you are a beginner at this sort of thing.

[lancerooke]

Excellent demonstration. What sort of connectors did you use with the diode?? Is there a name for them?

[bicyclegenerator]

@lancerooke Those are called crimp on terminals AKA spade terminals. Home depot has them.

[lancerooke]

@bicyclegenerator Thanks!