Most linear regulators absorb the amount of energy equal to (Vin-Vout)*I where Vin is the voltage into the regulator, Vout is the regulated output voltage, and I is the current flowing through the regulator. This energy is dissipated as heat. As to much heat will burn the device out, a heatsink is needed where the die of the device cannot adequately dissipate the waste heat into the atmosphere.
lfm in heatsink is "linear feet per minute" which is a unit for measuring airflow. Heatsinks are rated to work differently at different airflow which are measured in lfm or sometimes m/s (meters per sec)
The address of the Blue River Regulators is: 3120 Nw 6Th Street, Lincoln, NE 68521-3215
The voltage regulator may be on the back of your alternator ( or on older vehicles the voltage regulator was separate / external )
Regulators gets shorts because it has its own limitations in power. When it overload the shorting starts.
You need at least a diode with a current limit of 7Amps. Best to use a 10A or more, to allow a little headroom. You are using it as a blocking diode and will therefore want a low forward voltage drop. The best type for this is a schottky type and as it is going to supply a high forward current you will need proper heat sinking.The best one I can find is a type MBR1435CTThis is in a TO220 package with a heatsink tab on it.
Heatsink assembly
Thermal compound rests between the CPU (heatspreader) and the heatsink, and is used to improve heat conductivity in areas where the two metal surfaces aren't completely flush.
Some used a simple passive heatsink, or used parts of the computer's case itself to dissipate heat. Other required no heatsink at all.
Beneath a CPU fan on a motherboard is typically the CPU (central processing unit) itself, which is housed in a socket. The CPU is mounted on a heatsink to dissipate heat generated during operation, and thermal paste is often applied between the CPU and the heatsink to enhance heat transfer. Additionally, the surrounding area may include capacitors, voltage regulators, and other components that support the CPU's functionality.
Try this DIY on removing a CPU/GPU heatsink...
The fan speed is really dependent on the size of the heatsink. A large heatsink can use a slower fan, while a smaller one will need a much faster fan.
The case of the TO-220 LM7805 regulator is device ground. If the heatsink is also ground, you do not need an insulator. If the heatsink is not ground, or if you need to maintain distinct grounds, or if the LM7805 ground is something else besides ground, you need an insulator. Its up to you, since you are responsible for system and circuit design.
Who are the regulators in the Carolinas were?
A heatsink and fan is required. Without at least a heatsink, the processor would get way too hot in a very short period of time. This overheating of the processor could permanently damage it and render it useless.
regulators
The Regulators has 480 pages.
The ISBN of The Regulators is 978-0525941903.