How to Use a Diode to Stop Battery Drainage
How to Use a Diode to Stop Battery Drainage Diodes are used in electronic circuits to prevent electrical current from flowing in more than one direction. They are also used to push electrical current from one point in the circuit to another, such as is the case in a solar cell charging circuit. When a diode is used as a means to control the direction of current flow, it is referred to as a "blocking" diode. When solar panels are exposed to light, these panels generate electricity and can charge a battery. If a blocking diode is not present, the solar panels can also drain the battery when the solar panels are not exposed to light. Things You'll Need Protective eyewear Electrical pliers Soldering iron Secondary cell (rechargeable) battery Photovoltaic (solar) cell (equal voltage to the battery) 1N4001 diode Electrical wire Electronic (rosin core) solder Instructions Put on the protective eyewear. Cut three pieces of wire, and strip each wire of 1/2 inch ...