Simulation and experimental research on the response of a novel high-pressure pneumatic pilot-operated solenoid valve

The high-pressure, fast response and large flow rate pneumatic solenoid valve is an important component for driving control system used in special field. Thus, a novel high-pressure pneumatic pilot-operated solenoid valve which consists of a pilot valve and a spool structured main valve is proposed to meet the requirement. Among the characteristics fast response which we are most interested in largely determines the performance of the system. In order to understand the performance of the valve, first, a mathematic model of the valve is built up. Then, a simulation diagram is developed by using Matlab/Simulink and Fluent to analyze the opening response time (ORT) of the valve. The simulation results indicate that the valve ORT increases with the increase of the inlet pressure, large exciting voltage can reduce the opening response time of the valve, and the size of the pilot valve should be optimized in order to reduce the ORT. Finally, an experimental setup is established to investigate the simulation. The experimental results agree well with the simulation results.