Yet another drawback of the diode-type alternators is that diodes have a troubling little electrical nuance that can create some interesting problems with modern charging systems for batteries. #Smart battery isolator vs traditional battery isolator install#Often boat owners install higher output alternators and forget that if a diode type isolator is installed (quite often), then it may also have to be upgraded to match the higher amperage output of the new alternator. These devices all have to be rated to handle the maximum amount of amperage the system alternator is rated for. Another cause for failure with these diode types is amperage rating mismatch. That said, one of the most common causes of failure for diode type isolators is that they get mounted in a location on the boat (like engine rooms) with inherently high temperatures and/or poor air circulation. The diodes used to facilitate electrical isolation of one battery from another generate a significant amount of heat that must be radiated away by those cooling fins to prevent the diodes from burning out, causing component failure. First of all, the finned case as shown is important because these isolators get quite hot when they are in operation. Diode-type battery isolators definitely have some disadvantages compared to the more modern electronic battery combiner devices available to us today. But to your question, they are not necessarily the best choice for modern systems. This device has been a mainstay in battery systems on boats for the last 40 years or so. Answer: You’re quite right, the device in the photo is indeed what is known as a diode-type battery isolator. Diode-type isolators like this one have drawbacks compared to more modern solid-state units.
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