DC Solenoid driving with a PWM

[kjineesh]

Hello,

I've a DC solenoid valve which is rated for 12VDC, I want to drive this coil with a PWM, constant current power supply. Can I do that?



Thanks

 

[kjineesh]

Can anyone answer this? Thanks.

 

[pauloynski]

Using PWM works fine for some solenoids but you have to keep the frequency in a region not too high to generate core losses and not too low to keep the current almost constant. 1 or 2kHz is a good starting point. And YES, you can decrese the current after latching, down to half the initial value (some testing is necessary here). Do not forget using free whelling diodes in parallel with the coil.
Regards

 

[kjineesh]

Thank You..!!

Let me check

 

[pauloynski]

You may also increase the initial current by a large amount (about 15ms) if you need faster operation without increasing heat losses.