Experimental analysis of new high-speed powerful digital solenoid valves

► The Al-Fe soft magnetic alloy has good performance, which are suitable for using in solenoid valves. ► The maximum magnetic flux density can be got in a shortest possible time. ► With increasing the pressure load, the response time increased in a smaller scope. ► The experimental results indicated that the solenoid valve we developed has advantages. The newly developed Al–Fe soft magnetic materials were used. The structure of magnetic circuit was redesigned, in order to achieve rapid response and strong magnetic force. The application of new Al–Fe soft magnetic could effectively reduce magnetic resistance of magnetic circuit increase magnetic permeability and ensure a maximum concentration of magnetic flux in the air gap of solenoid valves. The mechanical electrical conversion efficiency of electromagnet could be significantly improved by increasing rising velocity of coil current, which would make the operating action of electromagnet faster and stronger. In our experiment, we used current tracking pulse-width modulation (PWM) control method. Experimental results indicated that the performance of the new high-speed powerful digital solenoid valve was outstanding.