User manual

9
a)
b)
Fig. 004: a) Silicon diode type 1N 4001; the cathode
of the diode can be recognised by the printed-on dash.
The other connection wire is the anode. The technical
current direction goes from the anode to the cathode.
b) Circuit symbol of the diode
In passage direction (circuit symbol arrow), considerable current starts owing in
the silicon diode, such as the 1N 4001, only from a voltage of approx. 0.6–0.7 V or
700 mV (millivolt) onwards.
a)
b)
Fig. 005: a) Schottky diode, b) its circuit symbol
In photovoltaic systems, low-loss Schottky diodes are usually used in two ways:
As blocking diodes and as bypass diodes. The blocking diodes prevent the
rechargeable battery from discharging through the photovoltaic modules if there
is no sunlight. The bypass diodes protect solar cells and the panel from possible
damage that may be caused by partial shading.