METHODS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF A VALVE

摘要

An electric solenoid valve, methods for operating and/or actuating the solenoid valve, valve system diagnostics, and applications for use are described. The valve may be designed to actuate in a manner so as to control liquid flow into and/or through a device, such as a spray nozzle. By altering the characteristics of the electrical signal transmitted to the solenoid valve, the instantaneous pressure across the valve and duration of fluid flow through the valve can be controlled with a single actuator. Controlled cyclic durations of flow may be implemented to regulate the exact timing of flow through the valve. Alternatively, cyclic durations may occur with a pulse-width modulation technique in which the duty cycle regulates average flow rate through the valve.

主权项

1. A method for controlling the operation of a valve, the valve including a poppet movable relative to a valve inlet and a valve outlet, the method comprising:
receiving an input associated with a desired outlet pressure for a fluid supplied through the valve; receiving an input associated with an inlet pressure of the fluid supplied to the valve; determining, with a controller, a desired poppet displacement for the valve based on the inlet pressure and the desired outlet pressure; and controlling current supplied to the valve such that the poppet is displaced between a sealed position and a throttling position and maintained at the throttling position, wherein a distance between the sealed position and the throttling position corresponds to the desired poppet displacement.