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SOLENOIDS

In physics, the term refers to a coil whose length is substantially greater than its
diameter, often wrapped around a metallic core, which produces a uniform magnetic field in a
volume of space (where some experiment might be carried out) when an electric current is
passed through it. A solenoid is a type of electromagnet when the purpose is through it.

A solenoid is a type of electromagnet when the purpose is solenoid is instead to impede

changes in the electric current, a solenoid can be more specifically classified as an inductor
rather than an electromagnet. Not all electromagnets and inductors are solenoids.

In engineering, the term may also refer to a variety of transducer devices that convert energy
into linear motion. The term is also often used to refer to a solenoid valve, which is an
integrated device containing an electromechanical solenoid which actuates either a pneumatic or
hydraulic valve, or a solenoid switch, which is a specific type of relay that internally uses an
electromechanical solenoid to operate an electrical switch; for example, an automobile starter
solenoid, or a linear solenoid, which is an electromechanical solenoid. Solenoid bolts, a type of
electronic-mechanical locking mechanism, also exist.

Fig. An illustration of a solenoid

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FUNDAMENTALS

Fundamentally, a solenoid works by passing a current through a coil of conductive wire. A

magnetic field is generated around the axis of the wire. We can see in the figure below
qualitatively how the components of this magnetic field will combine such that the magnetic
field is amplified and is directed along the axis of the coil.

Fig. A cross sectional view of an energized coil of wire

The magnetic field is used as the force to move an armature-typically a piece of Ferro-magnetic
metal that is not permanently magnetized. The coil is shaped such that the armature can be
moved in and out of centre, altering the coil’s inductance and thereby becoming an
electromagnet. While the force from a solenoid is typically not very large, the response is very
fast.

Design of solenoids

To generate a very specific force for a very specific voltage or maximum current draw requires
solenoids. To need is a lathe to shape your armature and a spool of magnet wire, normal copper
wire or aluminum wire with a special, thin coating that stops currents, but not magnetic fields.

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Fig. solenoid

In the engineering sense, a solenoid is an electromagnetic device that converts the electric field
generated by a coil of wire into a force or linear motion. Put simply, when ‘plugged in’, it
moves a plunger linearly. They can be push- type, where the plunger moves ‘out’ of the coil
when energized (technically more of the plunger mass moves towards the center of the coil). Or
pull-type, where the plunger moves into the coil when energized. Push types often have springs
to return the plunger to their initial position while pull types do not. Switching the polarity of
the voltage does not reverse the direction of the motion. Solenoids generally do not generate
very much force-around a few hundred grams of force per 100W of power. They also
constantly draw power while energized. Solenoids are binary devices-they are either on or off-
changing the voltage only changes the force that they apply and current they draw.

Fig.Solenoids in OFF and ON state

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The force applied to the armature is proportional to the change in inductance of the coil with
respect to the change in position of the armature, and the current flowing through the coil. The
force applied to the armature will always move the armature in a direction that increases the
coil’s inductance.

µ0 =Magnetic constant=4π*10-7 H.M-1

N=Number of turns

I=current in amps

L=length of coil in meters

Where F is the force exerted by the magnetic field and A is the cross sectional area of
the core.

Combining these equations, we see that the force is proportional to the square of the
current, the square of the number of coils and square of the armature’s radius. It is inversely
proportional to the length of the coil.

Since the coil is made of conductive wire, it will have nearly zero resistance. When a
voltage is dropped across it, it will behave like a short and draw as much current as possible
(usually until the power supply limits it or something breaks). To limit the current, a resistor is
placed in series with the coil. Often, however, the internal resistance of the wire will need to be
taken into consideration.

Keep in mind that all of the power dissipated by the solenoid goes directly to heat if the
plunger is not longer moving (E=Q+W). Solenoids often get very hot very quickly and will
sometimes melt if proper precautions aren’t taken (thermal cutoffs, properly sized wiring, and
non constant use).

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USING SOLENOIDS

There are only a few things we need to know about using them in a design. The main
ones are the electrical characteristics. Of course, the solenoids can be run at any voltage up to
their rated voltage safely only changing their force output. If a rated voltage and current is
given, you can calculate the equivalent resistance of the solenoid, and use that to predict how
much current and power will be consumed at different voltages. If the solenoid draws more
power than you can safely supply, you can add a series (make sure it can handle the power
requirements!) to reduce the current, but the remember that the force is proportional to the
square of the current.

The next is force output at various points in the stroke. These are often given
conveniently in the data sheets of the products.

The circuit for controlling these is also important. This cannot be powered directly
through a microcontroller. A typical microcontroller can only supply about 0.04A safely,
typically at 3.3 or 5V. This is not nearly enough power, considering the smallest 5v solenoids
still draw 0.200A minimum. Solenoids will have to be controlled through power transistors,
typically N-type MOSFETS.

Within the circuit, you will need a reverse biased diode. In a circuit, the solenoid is best
modeled as a (large) inductor with a series resistor. When the inductor goes from having a
voltage potential to not (that is, you turn it off) its stored electromagnetic field will collapse.
The rate of this collapse is complicated and depends on many things, but, in effect it will
generate a negative voltage across your transistor and power supply, probably damaging them.
By placing a reverse biased diode (or several in parallel to handle the large power drops) in the
circuit, when the EMF dissipates, energy will flow directly to ground, and not through your
power supply.

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SPECIFICATIONS
 VOLTAGE=12V

 CURRENT= 0.5A

 POWER =V*I =12*0.5=6W

 Cu wire

 FORCE-5N

 RESISTANCE =V/I =12/0.5 = 24

 INDUCTANCE =18.6mH

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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

ADVANTAGES
1) Cost is less

2) Over all efficiency

3) Simple in design

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DISADVANTAGES
1) Power consumption is more in solenoids.

2) More charging time of battery.

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FUTURE SCOPE
1)The command of Voice input is very helpful to learn Braille by self assistance.

2)Circuit can be designed to give direct supply of power.

3)Renewable sources can also be used.

4)Circuit can be made Bi-directional in function to increase efficiency.

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REFERENCE
1)IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER ELECTRONICS. VOL. 31. NO 1, JANUARY
2016

2)"Atmel 8-bit AVR Microcontrollers ATmega328/P Datasheet Complete”

http:/www.atmel.com/Images/ Atmel-4273,5-8-bit-AVR-Microcontroller-ATmega328-
328P_datasheet-2016

3)M.KARPELSON,G.WEI. AND R.J.WOOD,‘‘DRIVING ACTUATORS IN

MICROROBOTIC SOLENOID APPLICATIONS’’ VOL.176,APR.2015

4)M.P.DE BOER,D.L.LUCK,AND W.R.ASHURST,‘‘HIGH PERFORMANCE

SURFACE-MICROMACHINED ACTUATOR,’’ VOL.13,FEB.2014

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