Using the Recursive Method in OCTAVE and FEMM

Abstract

When a precise amount of flow or pressure regulation is needed, a proportional solenoid valve is the tool of choice. 
Designing the valve component, solenoid core, and coil for precise input and output ratings is necessary for 
manufacturing such valves. Magnetic qualities, application specific criteria like medical grade, temperature 
compatibility, etc. must all be taken into account when deciding on the materials for each part of the solenoid valve. To 
achieve proportional control, a linear relationship between the control input and the output of the proportional solenoid 
valve is essential. Achieving these goals relies heavily on optimizing the magnetic core. In order to achieve the required 
linearity in the plunger movement without sacrificing the actuation force on the plunger for a given size of the solenoid, 
it is essential to optimize the core geometry of the proportional solenoid. Based on performance criteria such as flow rate, 
pressure, and control needs such as the solenoid voltage and current ratings, a proportional solenoid valve is created for 
mass flow control in low pressure applications like medical oxygen ventilators. Valve components, such as medical
grade stainless steel with the necessary magnetic characteristics, are made from materials chosen on the basis of 
application needs. The optimal core shape of a proportional solenoid valve is calculated using a recursive method-based 
optimization methodology. In this paper, we show that the calculated values of plunger displacements from different 
offsets of 0 mm, 1 mm, and 2 mm from the reference position in a total stroke length of 5 mm closely match the 
experimental results obtained from the proportional solenoid valve manufactured based on optimization results.