Modeling the Dynamic Behavior of a Pilot-Operated Solenoid Valve for an Ultra-High Pressure Vessel

A pilot-operated solenoid valve is used to control ultra-high pressure vessels. However, it is difficult to understand its dynamic behavior because the valve operates under ultra-high pressure conditions and the driving unit moves in a multi-step fashion in a tight hidden space. This study aims to identify the system coefficient, especially the damping coefficient, required to analyze the dynamic behavior of a solenoid driving unit. Experiments to measure the dynamic behavior of the driving unit are conducted using two laser sensors and one accelerator. The damping coefficient is estimated using Matlab Simulink, by varying the damping coefficient to match the experimental results. The obtained system coefficients are modeled as equations of motion. It is verified that the valve motion consists of two sequential movements—Phase 1 by pilot plunger and Phase 2 by main plunger, pilot plunger, and the valve initiation time is as fast as 9.9 ms. The damping coefficient of each phase is estimated 0.001 N ∙ s/mm for Phase 1, 0.004 N ∙ s/mm for Phase 2.