Finite element analysis of proportional solenoid characteristics in hydraulic valves

Proportional hydraulic valves (PHVs) have remarkable applications in different branches of industry. These valves can control an oil hydraulic system. One of the most important factors affecting a proportional solenoid (PS) is the geometry that affects its magnetic force with respect to its plunger position. Other effective factors include the size of the air gap, the current density and various soft magnetic materials that have different B-H (flux density versus field intensity) curves. Electromagnetic analysis (EMA) is used to enhance the reliability and accuracy of the PS and to reduce the total cost. In this paper, a range of PSs are software package with different air gaps, dimensional parameters, current densities and soft magnetic materials. The magnetic flux density and force are calculated using a finite element method (FEM), and the results are compared with the experimental results of an actual PS.