I was thinking about using a SSR from Sparkfun that is rated for that could switch on an off a high (40a) AC load. Would it work in my case, since of course I'd be driving a DC current instead of AC?
I could so far not find any other solution. I have tried to find logic-level MOSFETs that could be triggered by Arduino and still drive up to ca. 15A / 24V, but with no success. In case the SSR is not a good idea, would you have any other suggestion please?
Usually an SSR is AC only. It has a zero-crossing detection circuit so that it only switches on or off when the AC voltage crosses zero. DC doesn't, so it will never switch.
The datasheet on the Sparkfun site does show a possible part number for a DC version of that device. (Replace the last "A" in the part number with a "D") but I doubt that Sparkfun stocks that version. The big electronics houses such as Mouser, Farnell and Digi-Key will have hundreds of similar devices with the DC option.
A MOSFET is an option too but you will have to do a bit more work to connect wires to it and put it on a heatsink. It should not be too hard to find an appropriate device in this kind of simple 'relay' package.
I see. Indeed, I have found a few DC relays that could appearently work perfectly, but I cannot find any of them in stock anywhere nearby of Germany (where I need it), and time is for my case a pressing issue.
I might have a better bet with the Mosfets. I'm not afraid of the adaptations, heat sink and cabling needed; but I always have trouble finding a logic-level one being able to be triggered by the 5v of Arduino. This is my first time doing something with such high amperage, thus the ones I usually use for dc motors won't do. If you have any indications, I would be glad to hear. In anyway, my search continues!