A kind of electrical one-way valve is formed by a cell having its electrodes
made from iron and from aluminum or zinc-aluminum alloy and having its
electrolyte made of a solution of ammonium phosphate. In actual practice,
four of these cells are used to form the rectifier so that both waves of the
alternating current may be used. The connections are shown in the figure
at the right.
Current is able to flow from the iron to the aluminum without
resistance. Upon a reversal of the direction, when current attempts to
pass from the aluminum to the iron, the aluminum electrode immediately becomes
covered with a film of aluminum hydroxide and this compound is an electrical
insulator which prevents passage of the electricity in this direction. As
soon as current again flows from the iron to the aluminum, the hydroxide film is
broken down so that the resistance vanishes.
Considering the diagram of connections, the alternating current
supply is at the top, while the direct current leads are at the bottom.
The direction of the current waves used for the positive side of the direct
current is shown in full line arrows, while the waves used for the negative of
the direct current are shown in dotted arrows. It will be seen that the
arrows of the alternating current supply line run in both directions which is,
of course, the actual case with the current impulses.
It will be seen that one side of the alternating circuit is
connected with two of the cells in such a manner that it reaches one aluminum
and one iron electrode, while the other side of the alternating supply is
similarly connected with the remaining two cells. Current impulses from an
alternating current line will pass to the iron electrode, thence to the aluminum
and, as both aluminum electrodes are connected with the positive side of the
direct circuit, the current will always flow from this positive line.
Returning from the negative side of the direct current line, as
shown by dotted arrows, the flow passes to the two iron electrodes, thence to
the two aluminum electrodes. One of these aluminum electrodes is connected
with one side of the alternating supply, while the other electrode is connected
with the other alternating current wire. The current then returns to the
side of the alternating lines that is opposite the side from which that
particular impulse started. Upon a reversal of the alternating impulse
direction, the remaining two cells will be used, but the flow will take place in
the same manner as just described.
The above is copied from Automobile Battery Care
and Repair by Harold P. Manly, 1920.
